Burnett Canyon

Burnett Canyon is a small side tributary of the East Fork of the North Fork of the North Fork of the American River (EFNFNFAR), which itself eventually joins the NFNFAR just before the end of the technical section of Myo Canyon. Burnett contributes around 10% of the total flow of Myo at this point. Before the EFNFNFAR confluence, Burnett Canyon is straightforward and has at least two gorgeous rappels, and there are two solid jumps/slides after joining EFNFNFAR. However, it suffers from the problems one might expect from this description. Namely, 1. The creek does not see enough water to prevent the growth of vegetation, so sections are quite brushy and 2. If flow conditions are challenging in Burnett, they are likely to be extremely difficult below the confluences.

Leave a shuttle vehicle at the Myo exit. Note that there have been perennial access issues with this parking. See Myo beta for details. Drive in from Texas Hill Rd/NFH 19, past North Fork, Onion Valley, and Texas Hill campgrounds, turning right on FR 19-16 and right again on FR 19-16-01. At the next fork, either road works, but the left (south) fork is smoother and less steep. High clearance is helpful, but as of August 2025 the route is navigable for passenger cars. This network of forest roads also has several decent camp spots. Park a vehicle at 39.23244, -120.66870, a large pullout on the left just before the road crosses the creek. From there, either bushwhack straight into the creek or walk the road to the bridge. Reach R1 after some brushy creeking. It’s likely also reasonable to skip the creeking (and R1) by parking near 39.23357, -120.67444, descending the ridge to 39.23171, -120.67971, and bushwhacking down to drop in near R2.

A long section of brushy creekwalk follows. This could likely be avoided by dropping in near R2 as described above. At the base of R5 Burnett joins with EFNFNFAR, and flows increase substantially. Immediately following the confluence are several short downclimbs in the watercourse. In “fun” flows for Burnett, this section likely presents significant water hazard. After some downclimbs and: (both bypassable), EFNFNFAR joins with Myo after Myo’s R7, for another couple short jumps, downclimbs, or rappels before the Pool Of Cold Fire. This confluence again results in a substantial increase in flow and should not be underestimated in early season.