McWay Falls - California Waterfalls; Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur-hike/trail/map/directions

McWay Falls is an incredibly scenic waterfall. McWay Creek drops 84 ft. off a cliff onto the beach nestled in a pretty little cove. The overlook view of the cove where the waterfall drops, is stunning to say the least. Unfortunately, you cannot get down onto the scenic beach (legally), as the cliffs are too crumbly and dangerous to descend (and if you try it, be prepared to receive a very hefty fine). I think, though, if it were possible to get down to the beach, this waterfall would lose something of its grandeur and mystique. The view is stunning, and the waterfall is alluring and out of reach. It adds to the beauty in my opinion.

The great thing about McWay Falls is that it flows year-round. The waterfall is fed from underground springs on McWay Creek, and the waterfall thus has constant flow throughout the year (though of course, the flow is stronger in the spring).

The path continues past the waterfall a short distance to some ruins of an old stone "waterfall house", owned by Lathrop and Helen Hooper Brown in the 1940s. Not much is left of the house, but it is an interesting site. The park was named after Browns friend, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, who was a pioneer and cattle ranch owner in the Big Sur area. There is also an awesome view of the Big Sur coastline in the other direction. The entire Big Sur coastline is outstanding. The best photo opportunities of McWay Falls and the coastline are at sunset. I highly recommend being at McWay Falls at sunset, though it is a popular place for other photographers and sunset gawkers.

11 Miles SE Big Sur CA (Elev. 653 ft)

Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 51. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph after midnight.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 55. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. North northwest wind around 9 mph.
Saturday
Increasing clouds, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 8 mph.
Saturday Night
A 30 percent chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday
Rain. High near 55. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Rain likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Monday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Tuesday
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Wednesday
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Wednesday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.