Fall River Mills, Burney

The Intermountain Area of Eastern Shasta County...Rugged and Beautiful...A Recreational Wonderland

fallrivervalley One of California's Best Kept Secrets... Nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade mountain ranges is one of the most picturesque and unspoiled areas remaining in California. Located approximately 50 miles from Redding on Highway 299E, the Intermountain Area is covered with thick forests, lush meadows, prime farmland, and crystal clear streams, rivers, and lakes. Travelers can find real country hospitality in the small towns located in the area. Two of the largest towns are Burney and Fall River Mills. Both offer full facilities including meals, lodging, banking, gasoline, camping, recreation supplies, and medical services.

Attractions

The Fall River Valley is a Sportsmen's Paradise!

Explore Lava Tubes, fish in famous creeks, hike the Pacific Crest Trail, or Discover the Wilderness within the National Forests! Explore Subway Cave, and underground tube formed about 2,000 years ago by flowing lava. Numerous blue ribbon fishing streams and rivers such as Fall River, Pit River, and Hat Creek are all clear spring fed waters with consistent cold water temperatures which help provide some of the best fishing in the west.

  • Fishing Access: Lake Britton, Eastman Lake, Fall River, Baum Lake, Crystal Lake, Iron Canyon Reservoir, Bear Creek, Medicine Lake, and the McCloud River.
  • Hiking: 62 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail meander through the area with scenic vistas of Lassen Peak, Hat Creek Valley, and Mt. Shasta. Thousand Lakes and Caribou Wilderness areas entice backpackers and anglers who seek solitude, beautiful surroundings and excellent fishing! .
  • Other Outdoor Activities: Boating, Water Skiing, swimming, picnicking, camping, winter snowmobiling with 50 miles of groomed trails.
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park: studded with more than 50 wilderness lakes and numerous peaks, boiling lakes, bubbling mud pots, hot springs, cinder cones, steamers, and fumaroles! Located approximately an hours drive from the Intermountain Area. (530) 335-7517
  • Ash Creek Wildlife Area: More than 11,000 acres of marshlands and supports a variety of waterfowl.
  • McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park: 7 miles north of junction Highway 299 & 89, one of the areas most beautiful spots, sometimes referred to as the 8th wonder of the world, the 129-foot Burney Falls provides wonderful shots for the photographer and is a Must See for the visitor. (530) 335-2777
  • Subway Cave: located one quarter mile north of the junction of Highways 89 & 44, provides over 1,000 accessible feet to explore, The Mayfield and Ice Caves are located to the north.
  • Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park: Encompasses over 6,000 acres, 2,000 of which are covered by recent lava flows (530) 336-2777

There are several maintained campgrounds available for public use within the National Forest boundaries. Campground and Summer Recreation and Winter Recreation information can be obtained on Shasta Home.

Climate

The area has four distinct seasons and a mild climate. Burney's elevation is about 3,100 feet whereas Fall River Valley is 3,400 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures range in the mid-90s in the afternoon while evenings cool down comfortably and a light jacket is sometimes needed. Winters are usually mile with temperatures averaging from 18-25 degrees in the early morning and 40-50 degrees during the day.

At 3,400 feet, the valley has a mild climate, average summer temperatures range from 55F in early morning to 90F midday, and 60-70F in the evenings. Winters are not usually severe and temps average from 18F in the early morning to 40-50F midday with evening temps of 32F. Average annual rainfall is 17 inches, the average snowfall is 14 inches. Farmers and ranchers plan on a yearly growing season of approx. 130 days.

General Information

The Intermountain Area is surrounded by Lassen, Shasta-Trinity, and Modoc National Forests, Lassen Volcanic National Park, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial, and Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Parks, as well as various Wildlife Refuges. To the northwest, from its snow-capped heights, the majestic Mt. Shasta towers over the region.

The beautiful Fall River Valley is located approximately 70 miles northeast of Redding, California on State Route 299. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade mountain ranges in the northeast corner of Shasta County, it is one of the more picturesque and unspoiled areas remaining in California. It is here that one finds a community offering all the services available in a city, while still retaining an away-from-it-all atmosphere.

Web Site Contributors:

  • Information Contributors: "The Intermountain Area" visitor's guide
  • Local Chambers
  • Betty Paris, Fall River Mills