Burney Falls & McCloud Falls

Day 1: Friday, May 16 – Arrival & Relax

  • Morning:

    • Drive to Burney Falls area (about 4.5 hours from Bay Area)

    • Optional stop for lunch in Redding (In-N-Out, Wilda’s Grill)

  • Afternoon:

    • Check-in to lodging or campsite (Burney Falls cabins, Rim Rock Ranch, or McArthur-Burney Falls campground)

    • Short hike: Falls Loop Trail around Burney Falls (0.75 miles)

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy sunset views at Burney Falls

    • Dinner and relax at campfire or local restaurant in Burney

Day 2: Saturday, May 17 – McCloud Falls Adventure

  • Morning:

    • Early breakfast

    • Drive about 1 hour to McCloud Falls

  • Hike the McCloud River Falls Trail (~3.9 miles round trip, easy-moderate):

    • Lower McCloud Falls – 10-ft waterfall, great for swimming

    • Middle McCloud Falls – 35-ft wide waterfall and deep pool

    • Upper McCloud Falls – Chute-style, powerful waterfall with a scenic overlook

  • Lunch:

    • Picnic near the falls or lunch in McCloud town

  • Afternoon:

    • Relax by the river (optional swimming)

    • Explore nearby short trails if time allows

  • Evening:

    • Drive back to Burney

    • Dinner in town

    • Optional stargazing at Burney Falls or Lake Britton

Day 3: Sunday, May 18 – Easy Morning, Kayak & Head Home

  • Morning:

    • Slow breakfast and pack up

    • Light walk on Burney Creek Trail to Lake Britton

  • Late Morning:

    • Kayaking at Lake Britton

      • Optional: rent kayaks or canoes (1–2 hours)

      • Enjoy calm waters and beautiful mountain views

  • Early Afternoon:

    • Lunch/snack by the lake

    • Start drive back home

  • Optional stop:

    • Quick visit to Sundial Bridge in Redding

  • Evening:

    • Arrive home refreshed!

✅ Packing Tips

  • Hiking shoes

  • Layers for cold mornings and nights

  • Swimsuit and towel (for swimming and kayaking)

  • Water shoes (optional for kayaking)

  • Camera / tripod for waterfalls and night shots

  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

  • Snacks and water

Would you also like a Google Map route linking Burney Falls ➔ McCloud ➔ Lake Britton to make it even easier? 🚗🌟

4o

Humanize 2 words

You said:

make the day start at 9 am with breakfast in the camp then start at 10 the hike

ChatGPT said:

Here’s the cleaned-up final version of your plan — with Sunday starting at 9:00 AM (breakfast first), and the hike beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by kayaking before heading home:

🌲 Burney Falls Weekend Adventure Plan (May 16–18, 2025)

Day 1: Friday, May 16 – Arrival & Relax

  • Morning:

    • Drive to Burney Falls area (about 4.5 hours from Bay Area)

    • Optional: Stop in Redding for lunch (In-N-Out, Wilda’s Grill)

  • Afternoon:

    • Check-in to lodging or campsite (Burney Falls cabins, Rim Rock Ranch, or McArthur-Burney Falls campground)

    • Short hike: Falls Loop Trail around Burney Falls (0.75 miles)

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy sunset views at Burney Falls

    • Dinner and chill at campfire or local restaurant in Burney

Day 2: Saturday, May 17 – McCloud Falls Adventure

  • Morning:

    • Early breakfast

    • Drive about 1 hour to McCloud Falls

  • Hike the McCloud River Falls Trail (~3.9 miles round trip, easy-moderate):

    • Lower McCloud Falls – 10-ft waterfall, nice for swimming

    • Middle McCloud Falls – 35-ft wide waterfall with a beautiful pool

    • Upper McCloud Falls – Strong chute-style falls with overlook

  • Lunch:

    • Picnic near Middle Falls or lunch in McCloud town

  • Afternoon:

    • Relax by the water or optional short walks nearby

  • Evening:

    • Drive back to Burney

    • Dinner in town

    • Optional stargazing at Burney Falls or Lake Britton

Day 3: Sunday, May 18 – Relaxed Morning, Kayaking & Departure

  • 9:00 AM:

    • Breakfast at the camp or lodging

  • 10:00 AM:

    • Light hike: Burney Creek Trail (easy trail toward Lake Britton, peaceful and scenic)

  • 11:30 AM:

    • Kayaking at Lake Britton

      • Rent kayaks or canoes (1–2 hours)

      • Chill on the calm lake, beautiful mountain reflections

  • 1:30 PM:

    • Quick lunch/snack by the lake

  • 2:30 PM:

    • Start drive back home

    • Optional stop at Sundial Bridge in Redding

  • Evening:

    • Arrive back home!

✅ Packing Tips

  • Hiking shoes

  • Swimsuit and towel (for kayaking and swimming)

  • Water shoes (optional but helpful for the lake)

  • Layers (mornings and nights are cold)

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat

  • Camera or tripod (for waterfalls and stargazing)

  • Campfire gear if camping