Salmon Creek Falls - Big Sur

Boulders leading up toward Salmon Creek Falls in Big Sur

Big Sur might be most well known for its incredible Pacific Ocean views (understandably), but this week we’re heading just inland from the coast to another beautiful body of water…join me as we explore Salmon Creek Falls.

Location

Nestled at the edge of the Santa Lucia Mountain range in Los Padres National Forest, the trailhead for Salmon Creek Falls can be found off the north side drive of Highway 1, less than 4 miles north of Ragged Point Inn and 33 miles south of McWay Falls. Parking is available next to the trailhead along the horseshoe bend at the small lot near the old Salmon Creek Ranger Station.

Trail

The trail to the lower falls is less than 1/2 a mile round trip with under 100 feet in elevation gain, and it’s also well shaded in most areas. The path is minimally marked, making it easy to lose if not paying attention. It is also surrounded by poison oak, so it’s important to keep your eyes peeled and stay on the trail. The first stretch is over rather well packed dirt, and over a 1/10 of a mile in there’s a fork in the trail (stay to the left to reach the falls). Don’t let the minimal distance fool you…while you can practically hear the falls all along your journey, the last 1/10 of a mile to reach the water’s edge requires significant scrambling around the large boulder field leading to the falls.

Waterfall

Salmon Creek Falls crashes down over 120 feet into one large open pool, which then flows into numerous smaller pools. To get an up close view of the falls crashing down, some swim in the creek (the water is often frigid). If you’re willing to get wet, you can explore mossy rocks behind the falls and watch the water crash down in front you. Another option is to rock hop up close…you must be ready to practice your balancing skills for this option as you either cross wooden logs/planks or steel pipes with swinging ropes to reach the up close views. If you’re not up for a physically intense adventure, you can still appreciate the beauty of Big Sur here surrounded by sycamore and maple trees as you enjoy the lower/smaller pools, which are crystal clear and filled with small fish. Please always use wisdom and caution when exploring…slick rocks and swift current can be found here, so only adventure within your personal skill and comfort levels.

Additional Hiking

For many the short hike to the falls satisfies the desire to be surrounded by nature, but Salmon Creek Trail has long been popular for backpackers heading into the Silverpeak Wilderness. At nearly 7 miles out and back (with 2,000 feet in elevation gain) you can take Salmon Creek Trail to Spruce Creek Camp and Estrella Camps. Experienced hikers can explore this wilderness by combining the Buckeye, Cruikshank, and Salmon Creek Trails for 15-miles of traversing this rich, diverse terrain.

The main pool below Salmon Creek Falls in Big Sur

Big Sur Love

I’ve long enjoyed Salmon Creek Falls, but I never posted about it anywhere, as I’ve considered it one of those wonderful quiet gems. Over the last decade this spot has drastically changed from a quiet oasis to a packed, popular spot. After seeing it posted repeatedly in the past few years, I have decided to share my own experience here with a gentle encouragement to those who visit (myself included) to be caring stewards of this land and water. Big Sur’s wild beauty is also home to a sensitive habit lacking the infrastructure many of our state parks have. It’s impossible not to notice the dramatic increase in litter/waste/graffiti that’s filled this spot in recent years. I am always left in awe of the beautiful clear waters here, and I know people will certainly continue to come and visit these magical spots…so please let’s leave this place better than we found it, packing out everything we pack in. If we, as visitors, do our part to care for the lands we love and explore, they will be here to delight us for years to come. One of the small ways I try to minimize my impact here is by planning my Big Sur visits during the off season on weekdays (not busier weekend), and I always plan ahead booking accommodations and checking for local closures/notices, etc. I love the beauty of Big Sur, and I love when others are memorized by its beauty too…and I know we can be caring stewards of this magical place. If you are unfamiliar with it, please consider visiting www.cabigsur.org and learn about The Big Sur Pledge before your visit.

Know Before You Go

• Be sure to abide by all posted signs, as they are for your safety and for the preservation of the ecosystem and the beautiful wildlife that resides in it.

• There are no restrooms or trash cans here, so plan on packing out everything you pack in, and please follow the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this place beautiful for all to enjoy.

• There is no cell service in this area (and in much of Big Sur), so prepare and plan ahead before you visit.

• As with most of Big Sur’s waterfalls, Salmon Creek Falls flows most fully in the Spring when wildflowers, butterflies, and birds are abundant.

• Salmon Creek meanders for miles and I’m told is home to some beautiful trout, but fishing in the Big Sur area is highly restricted. For permit information and fishing regulations visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/ and https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=190456&inline

Nearby Big Sur Points of Interest:

• Calla Lily Valley
• Sand Dollar Beach
• Jade Cove
• Limekiln State Park
• McWay Falls
• San Carpoforo Beach
• Ragged Point Hike
• Garrapata State Park
• Bixby Bridge

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me in Big Sur this week. For a virtual visit of this spot enjoy my Bind the Blog YouTube video below. And check out my Travel Guides page, which includes my free Big Sur Top 12 Travel Guide. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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