Most beautiful sight

McWay Cove
The combination of ocean, rock, plants, waterfall and sand make McWay Cove one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the planet, or at least it feels that way when you're there.
User: Austin Explorer - 6/1/2014

Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: 3stars  Solitude: 2stars
Miles Hiked: 3.50 Miles  Elapsed Time: 3 hours, 8 minutes

Comments:

Coppertone and I did a couple of hikes near the coast at the Pfeiffer Brown State Park.  The first around McWay Creek is the most crowded part of the park by far.  The reason is the cove into which McWay Creek empties via McWay Falls.  It's got to be one of the most beautiful spots you're likely to see.

A 1980's landslide north of the cove is actually responsible for the sand that now lies beneath the falls.  Prior to that event the cove was mostly rock.  I think the addition of the sand actually improved the appearance of the falls.  It's simply stunning.

The second outing a little down Highway 1 around Partington Cove was deserted by comparison.  It boasts a couple of coves of its own that were completely devoid of people as we sat in both for some time listening to the waves and exploring the shore.  We even watched a sea otter and her pup come within 100 feet of us!

Some large switchbacks take hikers from the highway level down to the ocean.  The two coves are separated by a steep ridge that would normally prevent moving between the two.  Years ago a tunnel was carved into the ridge to allow the movement of supplies from a dock in one cove to the other.

Partington Cove has a couple of caves or at least deep depressions at water level into which water would crash and spill out.  The crashing waves drown out all noise from the highway above.



Log Photos
Waterfall Overlook Trail
McWay Falls
McWay Cove
Partington Point Trail
Looking Back
Tunnel Vision
Secluded Cove
On Point
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