The Ultimate NorCal Overnight
Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Day One
Travel to Burney, California.
You can reach in Burney from multiple directions and routes. This guide recommends taking California’s scenic Highway 89 North, from Truckee.
Some optional pit stops along the way include Sierraville Hot Springs and Feather River Hot Springs.
Millie's Ice Cream & Coffee Co.
Worth a stop on Highway 89 in the town of Graegle is Millie's Ice Cream & Coffee Co.
They prides themselves on having one of the best cups of coffee in the California town and offer delicious specialty ice cream, handmade chocolate truffles, and sweet treats.
Feather River Hot Springs
Feather River Hot Springs are a short-but-worth-it detour off on California’s Highway 170.
The springs are located on the bank of the Feather River in and have two tubs, filled with waters from two separate springs; one sulphur and one lithium.
Burney Falls
Just outside the town of Burney are the stunning Burney Falls.
The falls are a feature attraction of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park which lies within the Cascade Mountain Range and is part of The Modoc Plateau Natural Region.
The falls are a 129 ft. spring-fed waterfall that lie in an area covered by recent lava flows. The waterfall had been formed by the undercutting of horizontal rock layers.
Chatty Kathy’s
In the town of Burney, grab a delicious burger and milkshake at Chatty Kathy’s.
Lodging
Stay at the Green Gables Motel and Suites.
Pets are allowed.
Get ready to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park in the morning!
Grab what you need around town before visiting the park, as there is not much in between and limited to no services in the park, especially during winter.
We recommend breakfast from Julio’s Grill, and packing a picnic for the park.
Day Two
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Spend the final day of your adventure exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The park is landscaped by powerful, volcanic forces and is home to all four types of Earth’s Volcanoes—shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome.
Lassen Peak (pictured) is the tallest plug dome volcano in the world. It last eruptions were between 1914 and 1921, with the largest explosion occurring in 1915. The landscape is continuously monitored, but no one knows when the next eruption could occur.
Manzanita Lake
Manzanita Lake is a popular habitat for birds, deer, squirrels, and bear. Lassen Park is even home to California’s first pack of wolves in 100+ years.
This short trail offers excellent views of Lassen Peak and and several great picnic and photography locations. It is worth the time on your visit.
You can hike or snowshoe the trail depending on the season and conditions. Remember to be bear savvy and respectful of wildlife.