Photo of McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

By February 11, 2008March 11th, 2021Central Coast

I stopped for a bit in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, to make the short walk to McWay Falls. I walked over to the bluff you see above and to the right of the falls, the one with the trees overlooking the ocean. There is a small campground hidden in those trees, probably the coolest little camp hideout I have ever seen, I had no idea it was there. It would be great to set up our little tent and spend an afternoon on that perch, among the trees, with the falls just below. McWay Falls is fed by underground springs so it flows strongly year-round. It drops from oceanside cliffs directly onto the sand of McWay Cove and, when viewed from the overlook, is surrounded by the incredible Big Sur coastline. I saw a few gray whales blow and sound while I was there. Its a great place and literally only about 10 minutes by foot from Highway 1.

McWay Falls drops 80 feet on the sand in McWay Cove. McWay Falls is fed by springs so falls year round, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

McWay Falls drops 80 feet on the sand in McWay Cove. McWay Falls is fed by springs so falls year round.
Image ID: 20363
Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California, USA

McWay Falls drops 80 feet on the sand in McWay Cove. McWay Falls is fed by springs so falls year round, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

McWay Falls drops 80 feet on the sand in McWay Cove. McWay Falls is fed by springs so falls year round.
Image ID: 20365
Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!