Photo by Ken Brown Many Northern Californians make McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, the second oldest park in the system, a summer destination. The 129-foot falls tumble from the basalt cliff face, 100 million gallons of water cascading every day from its springs, fed by an underground reservoir. An easy trail takes you down for a closer look, and because the water is 42 degrees all year, you’ll feel nature’s air conditioning as you descend. The park’s Lake Britton has plenty of recreation activities. Wild words: “The eighth wonder of the world.” —President Theodore Roosevelt, describing Burney Falls Getting There: Fly to Sacramento, then drive 2.5 hours north on Interstate 5 to Redding. From Redding, head east on Highway 299, then north at Highway 89. Redding to Burney Falls takes a little more than an hour.