The only beach access down below seems to be if you kayak … Discover (and save!) I fund my travels thanks to blogging and if this is something you’re interested in doing too,, here is how I do it. Sadly, as a spoiler, there are more restrictions than freedoms when visiting Mcway Falls. The whole Big Sur area itself has a plethora of activities, camping, hiking and scenic views you can enjoy. When I went there, I tried to find a way down and legally went through a few paths that were open to the public (besides the lookout). The source of the waterfall is McWay Creek and is one of the few waterfalls that empties directly into the ocean. We want to do 1.5 mike hike to mcway falls. T he rain had just started coming down, but fortunately we had just packed away our camping gear in our kayaks or strapped it to our standup paddleboards. As you drive on the ONLY road in Big Sur, which is Highway 1, that is also called Cabrillo Highway, you will see plenty of signs for Julia Pfeiffer State Park and there are at least 2 parking lots near the actual location: Either way, you can choose to enter either location and see the falls from a distance, or hike the short trail to a lookout for it. Recommended. Apr 12, 2015 - Find Cash Advance, Debt Consolidation and more at Topdestinations1.com. McWay Falls is situated in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which was along Hwy 1 about 42 miles (roughly 90 minutes drive) south of Monterey and 94 miles (about 2 hours drive) north of San Luis Obispo.. The water cascades down the face of the cliff and lands right on the sand, feeding the ocean itself. There’s a 60-foot-long tunnel that leads to and from the ocean to a fairy tale-like pygmy redwood forest, and a rushing creek that runs through it to the ocean. Drinking water. TIPS FOR VISITING MCWAY FALLS BIG SUR CALIFORNIA. Jul 2, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by LesleyHC. your own Pins on Pinterest 1,160 Reviews #8 of 40 things to do in Big Sur. I wrote this article because I had a number of questions going there my first time, that I now have answers to. No matter what the surf reports say, be prepared for the worst. Creeks empty onto beaches and into the ocean, so pack a filter into your gear cache. Spring is colorful, but northwest winds are at their most volatile. The reason why is because of the many dangers including deaths that have happened from people trying to do that. The views are breath-taking, and the experience is definitely worth the drive. McWay Falls is one of the most scenic, most photographed views in Big Sur. McWay Falls is easily one of the most unique and majestic sights along California's coastline. I have plenty of other photos and videos I took of this location on, 10 Things to Know Before You Visit Western Brook Pond, 6 Reasons Why High Steel Bridge Beats Vance Creek Bridge, 5 Stunning Sea Cave Spots to Explore on The Oregon Coast, 7 Adventures to Try at Russian Gulch State Park California, The 7 Best Hiking Trails on The Northern California Coast, The 10 Best Day Hikes to Explore on The Oregon Coast, Ozark Trail Shoes Review. I am very glad I had time to see it during my Pacific Northwest road trip in 2019. McWay Falls is created by water that flows from McWay Creek directly into the ocean (or the sand, depending on the tide levels). Observe potential landing sites from the safety of a channel. If you’re going solo, leave your car at Andrew Molera State Park and hitchhike back after finishing your paddle. It includes the entire Santa Lucia Mountain range, and has … You can expect potential landslides and occasional rock fall. I have plenty of other photos and videos I took of this location on my Instagram channel. Jan 31, 2017 - McWay Falls Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur offers views of an 80ft waterfall plunging off granite cliffs to the beach below 10 Things To Know Before Paddling The Big Sur Coast, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Gear Preview: Maine Island Trail Association App. Discover (and save!) It was also rumoured to be a landing point for smuggling alcohol during prohibition. There are lots of Mordor-like sea grottos and archways to paddle through. If you have paddling partners, leave one car in San Simeon, just south of Big Sur, or at one of the trailhead pullouts along Highway 1 in Big Sur. The best time to paddle Big Sur is late summer into early fall. But before you go, there’s probably a couple of questions or expectations you may have beforehand and I want to clear it up for you before you do that like if it’s possible to climb down there (it is, but it’s not legal sadly). Will we do this while in Los Angeles san Simeon or Monterey? By Ken Rockwell. McWay Falls is truly a one of a kind place I had the honor of visiting twice. The very same day I went to Big Sur, I was actually supposed to go to Yosemite (I was staying at a friend’s house in Modesto, which is in between both spots). Get the best of Insurance or Free Credit Report, browse our section on Cell Phones or learn about Life Insurance. No worries! McWay Falls is perhaps the most iconic location along the Big Sur coastline, though Keyhole Rock at Pfeiffer Beach is a close second. Mistiming our launch off that deserted beach could’ve been disastrous, possibly ending our trip, but launching successfully guaranteed us at least a chance to land on the next wave-battered beach. If you have any questions about Mcway falls that aren’t being answered here, do let me know! Here are some common questions you may have about Mcway falls: Can you hike down to the beach and right next to the Mcway waterfall itself? The reason why is because of the many dangers including deaths that have happened from people trying to do that. What else is there to see near this waterfall. There are plenty of places to hide your kayak and gear before returning to pick it up. I found an area that goes to the opposite end of the lookout that is right above the waterfall itself, and there is a picnic area there. McWay Falls is one of the only waterfalls in the region that empties straight into the ocean. Highway sightseeing is, by far, one of the most popular activities to do in this area. But unfortunately, to actually get to down the falls, you’d need to scale down some very steep gorges and risk your life. There was a dense, low-hanging ceiling of soupy fog hovering just above the ocean, nullifying any line on the horizon. Whether you wish to follow in my adventures, start your own or just check out where I’ve been, I just want to say thank you stopping by! Pin. The well-signed entrance to the park is off the Hwy 1 in the heart of the Big Sur Coast (about 7 miles south of Deetjen’s and 13 miles north of Lucia Lodge). There are lots of Mordor-like sea grottos and archways to paddle through. There is no road or path that leads down there and you would literally be risking your life to scale down there. 7. Here’s Why. And in 2020 I revisited it again on a western US road trip to take this picture of it: You can literally sit and stare at not just the falls but the entire panorama of this location, all day, including during the sunset which makes this place light up and be even more beautiful if you can believe it. 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