This is a nice quick walk off of Hwy 1 with a lot of roadside parking available. It's a nice quiet walk since the highway has very few cars and there's thick vegetation around. My complaint with this waterfall is that we couldn't figure out how to get to it! The signage is bad and they need to point you in the right direction more. We were prepared to climb some rocks, as we'd heard that you have to to get to the falls, but when we couldn't figure out which rocks to climb, we just turned around. We were able to see the waterfall from a distance and heard people splashing around. Definitely not a trail to walk when muddy and definitely be prepared to climb a lot of boulders to get to the waterfall. read more

Salmon Creek Falls - Trail - Hiking Near Me - Carmel, California

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June 2025 As a city person, this is not a "normal easy trail" Fair warning, the trail is everywhere, no signs or one real pathway to the fall I'm not a hiker and end up turning back because I didn't think I can hope over wet boulders and climb pass a ledge to reach the waterfalls I'm sure it was worth it, I hear others swimming and having fun but I'm too old for that trail I hope you guys give this a try but be careful read more

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An observation that has proven itself very relevant lately is that when one feels overwhelmed and becomes compelled to completely disappear, to run for the hills, to hide and cry, or to just fade away from existence...is to ALLOW that feeling and do exactly so in the SAFEST possible way. Instead of creating a massive internal strife and struggle, channel that "negative" energy into the most positive setting you can find or have access to. I found a magical place that ports me back to a gentler period in my life. The sound of running and splashing water, clean air perfumed by the abundant lemon mint plants, smooth jade-like rocks, and despite the chill, a "tropical" feel. The easy hike to the waterfall and adjacent rock formations/cave is definitely worth the visit if you're traveling along HWY 1...or if ever compelled to completely disappear, to run for the hills, to hide and cry, or to just fade away from existence. read more

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So hard not to love this gem. If you are driving from the south, you might be tempted to stop at a smaller parking area a few miles back...don't. This area is not really marked well, but, just keep your eyes peeled--if you hit Monterey, you've gone too far. The falls, the trails, the forest, the views of the ocean from the hike above--STUNNING! Watch out for poison oak, and wear shoes that will not slip on the rocks. There were two local kids with wetsuits, jumping in and having a glorious time! Idyllic, heavenly place! read more

Salmon Creek Falls - Yes, wade in the water and get BEHIND a waterfall!!! - Hiking Near Me - Carmel, California

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North bound Hwy 1, about 4 miles past Ragged Point. You come across a horseshoe bend. At the bend, park at the pullout. You'll see the trail sign behind the guardrail. We visited in mid July and brought our dog and the trail starts narrow with lots of poison oak. On the trail a lady warned us about ticks too. She found one in her hair. Couldn't make it all the way to the base of the waterfall with the dog but one of us stayed back and was able to see partially the lower part of the falls. (Required climbing some boulders and walking across fallen branch or getting in the water to access). The falls were very beautiful and pool cool and clear. Beautiful boulders and caves around. We'll worth such a short hike. read more

Nice hike but it is a mission to get to the waterfall. A lot of rocks to climb over. Other than that it's a nice stroll.

Such a beautiful spot! It's pretty hard 2 get 2 the big waterfall tho. You have to bear crawl over some wood sticks in order 2 get 2 the other side where the big waterfall is at. You can also go inside a cave where there is a small hole, but it does have spiders. The actual hike to the spot isn't to bad just a few rocks you have to climb over but definitely worth it! Great spot 2 swim! read more

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I went here for over a decade and it was always so great to return. It was a beautiful escape. Now, thanks to Yelp, geotagging, and mostly people who don't respect the outdoors and nature, this once amazing place just off the highway has been overrun with people who leave trash and dirty the water. It was truly heartbreaking to behold. The forest service should start to limit access because this little ecosystem has been destroyed. The first is for everyone but not everyone respects and leave is nice for others to enjoy. read more

Short, fun hike to one of the most serene spots in California. Anytime I'm back in this area I'll be sure to visit again. Make a little snack to enjoy at the falls, wear a swimsuit, make time to meditate.. such a lovely spot. read more

We really enjoyed this hike to the falls. Highlight of our day! Definitely 5 stars, even in the rain!

Great swimming hole and falls just off of Highway 1. Take the Salmon Creek trail up to the river. For additional information please see: http://swimmingholesofcalifornia.blogspot.com read more

It's not an easy spot to find but try looking for cars parked off to the sides. Once you park, you'll see a sign for the trail on your right, but if you're looking for the falls, go left. It's a little tricky to get there. You'll need to swing off these metal poles and crawl on these big rocks to get to the swimming hole. The water is freezing cold but the place is beautiful. read more

Salmon Creek Falls - The waterfall - Hiking Near Me - Carmel, California

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Such a nice drive up to the falls! It had just rained the day we went, and it was a bit muddy. So, wear hiking boots, or shoes with a good tread. The short hike is beautiful, but you have to navigate over and around tree roots and a few small boulders! Awesome view. We will be going back. read more

Look for cars parked along a bend. Sorry it's not super well labelled. There's a waterfall and pond - go directly past the trail sign to get there faster. Watch out for poison oak. read more