01
Best overall pick
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Highway 89 North Of Burney • Iconic Waterfall Loop With Forested Paths • Essential First-Timer Stop
Short but dramatic trails circle thundering Burney Falls and wander through cool, shaded pine forest.
If you only have time for one hike near McArthur, make it the Falls Loop at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The path drops from the rim to the misty base of the 120‑foot falls, then climbs back past viewpoints and along Burney Creek, packing a lot of scenery into a modest distance. Go early or on weekdays for a calmer experience, as this is the region’s most popular trailhead.
02
Closest canyon escape
Pit River Trail near Fall River Mills
Pit River Canyon Near Fall River Mills • Rugged Riverside Trail Through Basalt Canyon • Quiet Close-To-Town Escape
This lightly used path follows the Pit River past basalt cliffs, small falls, and fishing holes with a wild, remote feel.
Just down the road from McArthur, the Pit River Trail offers an easy way to trade town noise for rushing water and canyon echoes. The walking is generally moderate, with a few rocky stretches, but the reward is constant river access and views of lava-cut walls that feel much farther from the road than they are. It’s a solid choice for locals looking for an after-work hike or a half-day ramble without crowds.
03
Most unique landscape
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Big Lake East Of Mcarthur • Lava-Field Shoreline And Wetland Paths • Best For All-Day Exploration
Reachable only by boat, this park offers quiet shoreline trails across old lava flows, spring-fed ponds, and open views of the Fall River Valley.
Ahjumawi Lava Springs feels like a secret, even to many locals, because you have to paddle in from nearby boat launches before you can start hiking. Once ashore, you’ll find low‑key trails weaving over black lava, through patches of pine, and along the edge of gin-clear springs and lakes frequented by waterfowl. Pack for sun, bring plenty of water, and treat it as a slow, all‑day wander rather than a rushed out-and-back.
04
Best sunset viewpoint
Hat Creek Rim Overlook & Pacific Crest Trail
Hat Creek Rim Along Highway 44 • High-Desert Rim Walk On The Pacific Crest Trail • Best Big-Sky Sunset Views
A short stroll on the Pacific Crest Trail from Hat Creek Rim Overlook delivers sweeping views toward Mount Shasta and the Hat Creek Valley.
South of McArthur, the Hat Creek Rim Overlook taps into a famed section of the Pacific Crest Trail known for huge horizons and fiery sunsets. The tread is mostly flat and open, making it an easy place to sample the PCT without committing to a long backpacking trip. Wind can be strong and shade is scarce, so an evening or shoulder‑season visit is usually more comfortable than midday in midsummer.
05
Best moderate day hike
Pacific Crest Trail: Burney Falls to Lake Britton
Between Burney Falls And Lake Britton • Mixed Forest And Lakeview Section Of The Pct • Top Pick For Distance Hikers
This moderate stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail links the Burney Falls area with forested ridges and glimpses of Lake Britton.
For a taste of true thru‑hiker country, follow the Pacific Crest Trail south from near Burney Falls toward Lake Britton. The route rolls through classic pine forest with occasional open pockets where you can spot the lake and surrounding ridges, offering more mileage and solitude than the short waterfall loops. It’s ideal for hikers who want a longer outing without extreme elevation gain, especially in spring and fall when temperatures are mild.