How To Visit the Stand by Me Bridge in Burney
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The 1986 Hollywood film, ‘Stand By Me’, wasn’t exactly a box office hit. Over the years, though, it has gained a strong cult following. If you’re a part of that following (and since you’re reading this i’m assuming you are), you undoubtedly remember that infamous bridge scene.
You may not realize this, but that scene wasn’t filmed in Oregon. It was filmed just down the road from Burney Falls in Burney, California. While it was taken out of service early into the new millennium, it still stands to this day and can be easily visited by anyone who wishes to.
So where is it? How do you get there? I’ll answer these questions and more in the post below. Let’s get into it.
A Quick Word…
While you’re still permitted to visit the location of the bridge, the bridge itself has been blocked off. Walking on the bridge is prohibited due to the 2021 death of a Reno, NV man.
How to Get to Stand by Me Bridge
The Stand by Me bridge is located just a short drive away from the central part of Burney, California. From famed Burney Falls, it’s just a couple minutes away.
If you’re coming from Burney (whether the town or the waterfall):
Head north on highway 89 (if you’re at Burney Falls, take a left out of the park).
Shortly after crossing over Lake Britton, and driving through the overpass, take a (very) hard right onto Eagle Mountain lane.
You’ll continue on the dirt road for about a quarter mile before arriving at the bridge on your right.
If you’re coming from the opposite direction, such as McCloud or Dunsmuir, you’ll simply go south on highway 89 before taking a left onto Eagle Mountain lane.
Distance from additional cities and parks include:
Burney Falls: 2.5 miles
Lassen National Park: 43 miles
Redding, CA: 67 miles
Reno, NV: 168 miles
Medford, OR: 138 miles
Brownsville, OR: 338 miles
The dirt road going to the bridge is navigable for just about any vehicle. My compact made it just fine. Though there are some potholes to keep an eye out for. There is no official parking lot, but there’s an open area of dirt on the side of the road that serves that purpose. Just find a spot that makes sense.
2025 Update: I recently visited again and it looked like the road was improved. The potholes that were there during my previous visit were repaired.
The Stand By Me Bridge
The first thing you’ll likely notice is the blockade placed in front of the bridge. Prior to 2021, walking across the bridge was permitted. Since 2021, a Reno man was killed after jumping from the bridge and a barricade was placed at either end, prohibiting pedestrian access.
Thankfully, there are open slots between the cement blockade and barbwire where you can get a clear photo of the bridge and landscape behind it. Additionally, you can easily access the underside of the bridge as well.
2025 Update: Apparently, somebody took exception to these blockades, as one half of the fence and barbed wire was torn down. The cement blocks remain in place, though.
Despite the bridge being blocked off, it’s still worth a visit. Particularly if you’re a fan of the movie. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s a historic bridge with amazing views of the lake and surrounding hills. You can get those views on either side of the bridge.
I can’t say for sure, but it’s likely possible to access the bridge from the other side via the Burney section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Along the Burney Falls Scenic Loop there’s a point in which you can access the PCT. I’m not sure of the milage, though. I suggest hiking for a couple miles until you see what looks like old train tracks and follow those towards the water.
2025 Update: At some point between my first and second visits, another blockade was placed at the opposite of the bridge.
Once you’ve finished checking out Stand by Me bridge, I encourage you day trip out to Dunsmuir, roughly one hour from here. On the way, stop at McCloud River Falls to see three beautiful waterfalls in one trail. When you get to Dunsmuir, a hike to Mossbrea Falls and Hedge Creek Falls are a must. Follow up with dinner at Yaks on the 5!
PSALM 91
