McWay Falls : The Gem of Big Sur by Jeff Bentz
In this issue we continue south on Highway 1 to Julia Pfeiffer
Burns State Park , 37 miles south of Carmel at mile marker 35.8 .
McWay Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located in the Big Sur area . The waterfall cascades down an amazing 80-foot cliff to its final destination , the Pacific Ocean . It is an inspiring sight that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from all over the country .
During high tide , McWay Falls pours directly into the ocean . Because of this trajectory , it is considered to be a tidefall . At lower tides the gorgeous white sandy beach is revealed and it is an astonishing sight ! It ’ s truly beautiful to see the waterfall stream first onto the beach , then find its way to the Pacific Ocean with the turquoise water in the cove as it pushes white waves onto the clean sandy beach . The waterfall is fed by McWay Creek , which runs all year long . During the spring and winter months more water runs through the creek , creating a more prominent waterfall , making for a more striking photograph .
The beach area at McWay Falls has not always been there . In 1983 record rainfall pounded the Big Sur area causing several landslides and mudflows . These mudflows fell into the ocean , north of the park , and closed Highway 1 . It took about a year to repair the road and reopen the highway . The wave surge and tides moved some of the landslide material to the base of the falls , forming the sandy beach area that is there today . Some people say that over time , the action of the surf may cause the beach to erode back to its pre-landslide condition , when there was no beach and the falls poured directly into the ocean all the time .
You can view and photograph the waterfall from the side of the road along the highway but there can be some obstruction from this vantage point . The better choice is to go into the state park parking lot and take a short , quarter mile walk from the parking area down a short staircase , then along a well maintained and easy to navigate trail . To access the park there is a $ 10 entry fee per vehicle but there are discounts for seniors , veterans , and disabled persons . The California State Parks Golden Bear pass is also accepted . Some logistical items worth mentioning are that the area is a drone free zone and dogs are not allowed beyond the parking area . There are restrooms in the parking area . Also , because there are some steps that lead to the trail , it is not wheelchair accessible . More information can be found at : https :// www . parks . ca . gov /? page _ id = 578 or by calling ( 831 ) 667-1112 .
Safety is important when photographing McWay Falls . A fence along the trail prevents people from going into an area that has been affected by erosion . The park website warns that the cliff areas beyond the fenced boundaries , including the beach , are off limits . They warn of citation or arrest for trespassers . There have been complex rescue operations and loss of life of some
who did not heed this warning . The park asks that you please stay on the trail . As of February 6 , 2023 , the park is open and so is the overlook trail , however some of the other trails are still closed from the heavy rains . Please check the park website for details before you go .
Now , for some practical tips when it comes to photographing McWay Falls : McWay Falls is a truly unique subject . The combination of the flowing waterfall , the blue ocean , the turquoise water of the inlet and the surrounding cliffs creates a dazzling landscape that is sure to take your breath away . To capture the full extent of this beauty consider using a wideangle lens . This will allow you to include the waterfall , the ocean and the cliffs in one shot , creating a truly spectacular image . Another technique would be to zoom in a little more and take a long exposure . This will blur the water and create a sense of motion , adding an extra dimension and beauty to your photo . The time of day is also crucial . The best light for photography is during the golden hour , which is one hour before sunset . The light is usually soft and warm and the colors in the sky and ocean can be truly lovely .
McWay Falls is a truly stunning natural wonder that offers photographers a unique and awe-inspiring subject to capture . Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner , there is something truly special about this waterfall that may inspire you to pick up your camera and start shooting . With a little planning and patience , you will be able to create a memory that will last a lifetime . If you decide to check it out , remember to leave only footprints and be respectful of the beauty that nature provides us so it will be available to future generations .
Jeff Bentz is a travel and landscape photographer in Gilroy , Ca www . jeffbentzphotography . com Instagram @ jeff _ bentz _ photography
20 SPRING 2023 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com