Being Savage in Big Sur: Salmon Falls
Right off Highway 1 is one of my favorite spots in Big Sur-- Salmon Falls. If you hit it at the right time, it's absolutely gorgeous. By hitting it at the right time, I mean that there needs to be enough water flowing. I assume in the fall and summer the fall isn't as spectacular unless California has had a lot of rainfall, which recently isn't that likely. I was even hesitant right now in late winter/early spring that it would be that great since California is in a heavy drought right now. When you arrive there is two options: hike in less than a 1/4 mile to the falls (left at the fork), or hike up 3-4 miles (right at the fork) to a view. Personally I think would be best to do the hike, then take a short detour on the way back to the falls.
We didn't have the luxury of time on our way down to Los Osos, so we just stopped by the falls. Our friend Roland found the route up the behind the falls, which was an awesome experience. He and a random foreigner were the only two brave enough to jump in the water from the other side of the waterfall. Not sure if it is really deep enough all year around to jump in so be cautious if trying this out.
(Montage of Roland's jump)
(The back way up through the falls.)