A late summer paddle board trip to McWay Falls in Big Sur, California, and standing beneath the iconic 80 foot waterfall on McWay Cove. Song: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
DertyMontana actually that place isn’t illegal to go there it’s only illegal to try to get down there from the cliff because so many people have died trying to so you can get a citation of up to $1,000 if you get caught trying to climb down. Most people try to climb down because they don’t know another way but it’s a huge risk not just for the citation but for their lives because it’s super dangerous.
I always wanted to go down to the waterfall but I couldn't as it's illegal. It's a brilliant idea to access it from the sea! You are a true adventurer, Stephen. Keep explore!
Thanks Yongsung. I had been planning this trip for.a while, and was so happy to set foot (legally) on the beach! I'm also really impressed with all your trips, fellow adventurer. Hope to see you out in the Eastern Sierras one of these days!
I never realized how absolutely massive that waterfall is, I always imagined it would be about 10-15 feet at max due to the way the beach is often photographed, but this video changed my perception of it. Either way, it's still gorgeous, and thank you for showing another perspective and point of view of McWay Falls!
Simply an amazing experience (spiritual and surreal I would imagine). Looked like you were the only one there. Brilliant work. I've been on the upper trail overlook, but never down to the beach. Great video. Great song. Great ending (and how you included the natural sounds of the waterfall). Just superb.
Thanks for the kind words, Skyline. This was definitely a meaningful experience that I wanted to make happen for a number of years. Standing beneath McWay Falls was a small dream realized. Glad you liked the video!
Oh my god, I need to get myself a paddle board and get there like that. It's been my goal to get to that beach, but I've tried to hike it down but backed out cause I got scared lol.
Hi Adrian, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
@Mike Marsella I have not but im planning on going late June early july. I would definitely be more comforting to do it with some one else. If you happen to see this before then maybe we can go
It's illegal to set foot on the beach because in the past people left trash behind. They want to keep the beach in pristine condition for other to enjoy, if you get caught on the beach, the fine is $1600+. Whatever you want to do, call and ask Rangers first even if you want to watch / photograph the view from the ocean
I've watched your vidoe so many times. I'm determined to make that trip this year. What would you say the best time of the year to go would be? I was bakf there again today and the waves didn't look too friendly lol
Hi Adrian, glad you like the video and want to do this trip yourself. I agree that there are certain months where this trip is ill advised. Swells and wind can quickly put you in a bad spot. If you do decide to do this, always confirm the weather window the morning you go (as buoy reports can change overnight), and the best time to do this is over the summer and into the early fall. I'd say June-September. Good luck!
@@-Stephen- Hi Stephen, I am new to kayaking/paddleboarding, but would love to paddle to McWay Falls if possible. In terms of checking swell forecasts, what is considered a good enough level? For example, I'm looking at a chart for another harbor in California where it's gonna average a swell period of 8 seconds and swell height/direction of 5 feet Northwest one day. Any idea what these numbers mean in terms of safety?
Glad you liked the video, Alyosha. I explored the rocks around the beach area, and I don't think there are laws concerning that access. The only laws that I know exist concern descending the hillside from the main overlook to the beach/cove.
Did you go by yourself? Who shot the drone footage? Being a certified drone pilot myself I was told it is illegal to fly in Big Sur as it's a marine preserve. Perhaps that rule wasn't in effect when you made this trip? Nice job on the video, btw.
Hey there, glad you liked the video. Yes, I did this trip alone in 2015 or 2016 and I shot the drone footage myself. This trip was the better part of 10 years ago, so I imagine the laws have changed a lot since then.
Fun fact: that beach was created by a landslide years ago, on a mountain on the other side. If it wasn’t for the landslide, that beach wouldn’t be there.
Interesting fact. The beach has noticeable remnants of a landslide at 3:04, particularly on the left half of the video. The smooth surface as opposed to the rocky surface on the right half is a giveaway that a landslide slid land off the region, while rock piles on the left likely hint that the main cove, which is located almost entirely on the left half of the video, is unstable and prone to landslides. Thanks for the fact.
Great video thanks for posting! 👍 I’m wondering if you could get in trouble/fined for this? I know that climbing to the waterfall is illegal for obvious reasons, but I’m hearing mixed responses about kayaking or paddle boarding to there. I’ve heard some people say it’s legal and others saying that you can and park rangers don’t care if you access it via the ocean and others are saying you could still get in trouble with the park rangers... do you know the answer to this question? I’m asking because my friends and I would like to kayak here soon thanks 😊
Interesting. I’ve never heard a beach access is illegal, though things may have changed in the three years since I made this video. I do not know the answer for how things stand now, and all I can say is it’s absolutely illegal to access via the cliffs. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
@@itsnadiamorales No rangers that day, but this was way early in the morning. I was probably on the beach around 7am. And it was a fun trip, thankful I was able to make it happen. Good luck with making it happen on your end.
Hi Christian, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
Check the surf report and make sure the swell and wind are reasonable before launching and forecasted to be reasonable around the time of your return. Service is bad out there and it'd be hard to get a rescue assembled if the weather goes south on you. Also, generally the earlier in the morning you go, the more stable the swell and wind will be. When I launched for this video, it was around 5:45am.
Hi, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. This is a fun trip, but is also mildly sketchy. You need to make sure the tides, swell and winds aren't going to be a problem for the 4+ mile round trip to McWay. You just walk down to the rock finger at Partington Cove and find the docking spot that feels most comfortable. There's no real designated spot. Best of luck to you!
Hi Lily, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
Hey there. Best advice is to really be conservative with your tides and swell. It may be easy to launch, but hard to return depending on your launch location. I took off from Partington Cove, though if I had a kayak I probably would've launched from Andrew Molera to have a little more to explore. I'm sure there are a ton of other launch points (Sand Dollar Beach, etc.), but Partington fit the bill for me. Stay safe out there.
Hi Sophia. You can either go to Partington Cove or Andrew Molera State Park, and then paddle south. Partington is a tougher hike, but will take you about an hour and a half to reach the McWay Cove, and Andrew Molera is an easier hike in, but will be a harder/longer paddle. Hope this helps!
Stephen, great work here. I am preparing to make this SUP trip myself, potentially this week. :-) Couple q's.. it looks like you started from Partington, is that correct? Leaving early AM makes sense, I'm sure you were back to Partington before noon to avoid the swell.. Finally, I think I see a leash on you/board, but not quite sure.. you use a leash, correct? I just bought the Tower 10'4" inflatable, thrilled! It looks like your Tower is longer than 10'.. (and might be hard board too..) Will be great to stay in touch.. JJ
Hi JJ, apologies for the delay, I did not receive an indication that you left a comment. Nevertheless, your comment was 100% correct. I departed from Partington in the early AM to take advantage of the light swells, and returned before the winds kicked up. Pretty smooth sailing. Also, my Tower Paddle Board is their 14 footer, and it is inflatable. And I definitely used a leash, just in case. Did you do this trip? If so, let me know how it went!
JJ, did you run the Tahoe 50 mile race? Through happenstance I saw you were connected to George Ruiz's Twitter feed after he posted my Tahoe 100 video (or at least I think it was you!). If so, small world! Hope your race and paddle to McWay went great!
Hi there. McWay Falls is fed by McWay Creek. Not sure what the source beyond that is, but I do know there’s a large canyon system stretching back that direction (McWay Canyon).
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Finally somebody made it to this mysterious spot , salut you
Right !
Actually a couple of people have just not too many have
Jackie’s World you were literally at the beach as in you trespassed ? That’s crazy dude I have a record so that wouldn’t be worth it for me lol
DertyMontana actually that place isn’t illegal to go there it’s only illegal to try to get down there from the cliff because so many people have died trying to so you can get a citation of up to $1,000 if you get caught trying to climb down. Most people try to climb down because they don’t know another way but it’s a huge risk not just for the citation but for their lives because it’s super dangerous.
Jackie’s World wow I’m actually glad you mentioned that . I’d love to step foot on that beach . Maybe one day
What a perfect video!!! Get down there is one of my goals! I love your video.
Thanks Jersin, glad you liked the video! It was a fun experience.
I always wanted to go down to the waterfall but I couldn't as it's illegal. It's a brilliant idea to access it from the sea!
You are a true adventurer, Stephen. Keep explore!
Thanks Yongsung. I had been planning this trip for.a while, and was so happy to set foot (legally) on the beach!
I'm also really impressed with all your trips, fellow adventurer. Hope to see you out in the Eastern Sierras one of these days!
Fantastic footage brother - such an inspiration and invitation to GET OUTSIDE!
Thanks Matt! You and I have talked about this trip for awhile now. It was awesome making it happen. Thanks for the love!
How'd you do it legally?
It's illegal to climb down the mountainside to access the beach. There are no regulations concerning an ocean access.
Incredible beauty!
Great rare footage thank you
Glorious!
I never realized how absolutely massive that waterfall is, I always imagined it would be about 10-15 feet at max due to the way the beach is often photographed, but this video changed my perception of it. Either way, it's still gorgeous, and thank you for showing another perspective and point of view of McWay Falls!
80 ft
Simply an amazing experience (spiritual and surreal I would imagine). Looked like you were the only one there. Brilliant work. I've been on the upper trail overlook, but never down to the beach. Great video. Great song. Great ending (and how you included the natural sounds of the waterfall). Just superb.
Thanks for the kind words, Skyline. This was definitely a meaningful experience that I wanted to make happen for a number of years. Standing beneath McWay Falls was a small dream realized.
Glad you liked the video!
Wow keep uploading this is so good everything about this channel and it’s content on the beauty of California
Thanks Zayd! This trip was definitely one of the more special ones. Glad you liked the video.
Oh my god, I need to get myself a paddle board and get there like that. It's been my goal to get to that beach, but I've tried to hike it down but backed out cause I got scared lol.
Glad you liked the video! It's a fun trip, but it can be a little intimidating at times. When you do this, you'll understand what I mean.
Hi Adrian, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
@Mike Marsella I have not but im planning on going late June early july. I would definitely be more comforting to do it with some one else. If you happen to see this before then maybe we can go
So cool 😎 I’m heading up there this weekend!
my goal I need to get there just to taste that water!!!
Lets goooooo ill be there in 6 hours ill let you know! I hope i dont get in trouble :/
This looks really scary! I love it!
Thanks, Ariana! It was a little eerie paddling out so early in the morning in notoriously sharky waters, but it was a great memory.
Julia Pfeifer, we were there two years ago. Gorgeous video, congrats
Nice they started given this land little by little back to the local natives. I like the happiness California lands bring people from around the world
I’m curious to know, so it’s perfectly legal to paddleboard/ kayak to that spot but it’s illegal to climb down correct?
I believe this is correct, but the only thing I can state with certainty is that it is illegal to climb down to McWay Cove.
It's illegal to set foot on the beach because in the past people left trash behind. They want to keep the beach in pristine condition for other to enjoy, if you get caught on the beach, the fine is $1600+. Whatever you want to do, call and ask Rangers first even if you want to watch / photograph the view from the ocean
Thanks for the video, I always wonder how it look from the ocean view or how it look on the beach, your video is the first I saw
I just went there this weekend
I've watched your vidoe so many times. I'm determined to make that trip this year. What would you say the best time of the year to go would be? I was bakf there again today and the waves didn't look too friendly lol
Hi Adrian, glad you like the video and want to do this trip yourself. I agree that there are certain months where this trip is ill advised. Swells and wind can quickly put you in a bad spot. If you do decide to do this, always confirm the weather window the morning you go (as buoy reports can change overnight), and the best time to do this is over the summer and into the early fall. I'd say June-September. Good luck!
@@-Stephen- Hi Stephen, I am new to kayaking/paddleboarding, but would love to paddle to McWay Falls if possible. In terms of checking swell forecasts, what is considered a good enough level? For example, I'm looking at a chart for another harbor in California where it's gonna average a swell period of 8 seconds and swell height/direction of 5 feet Northwest one day. Any idea what these numbers mean in terms of safety?
Awesome video! I was just there a dew days ago, on the hillside. Once you get to the beach, can you legally climb on the surrounding rocks?
Glad you liked the video, Alyosha. I explored the rocks around the beach area, and I don't think there are laws concerning that access. The only laws that I know exist concern descending the hillside from the main overlook to the beach/cove.
One day im gonna kayak there
Did you go by yourself? Who shot the drone footage? Being a certified drone pilot myself I was told it is illegal to fly in Big Sur as it's a marine preserve. Perhaps that rule wasn't in effect when you made this trip? Nice job on the video, btw.
Hey there, glad you liked the video. Yes, I did this trip alone in 2015 or 2016 and I shot the drone footage myself. This trip was the better part of 10 years ago, so I imagine the laws have changed a lot since then.
Fun fact: that beach was created by a landslide years ago, on a mountain on the other side. If it wasn’t for the landslide, that beach wouldn’t be there.
Interesting fact. The beach has noticeable remnants of a landslide at 3:04, particularly on the left half of the video. The smooth surface as opposed to the rocky surface on the right half is a giveaway that a landslide slid land off the region, while rock piles on the left likely hint that the main cove, which is located almost entirely on the left half of the video, is unstable and prone to landslides.
Thanks for the fact.
Great video thanks for posting! 👍
I’m wondering if you could get in trouble/fined for this? I know that climbing to the waterfall is illegal for obvious reasons, but I’m hearing mixed responses about kayaking or paddle boarding to there. I’ve heard some people say it’s legal and others saying that you can and park rangers don’t care if you access it via the ocean and others are saying you could still get in trouble with the park rangers... do you know the answer to this question? I’m asking because my friends and I would like to kayak here soon thanks 😊
Interesting. I’ve never heard a beach access is illegal, though things may have changed in the three years since I made this video. I do not know the answer for how things stand now, and all I can say is it’s absolutely illegal to access via the cliffs. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
It’s ok. May I ask if a park rangers saw you? I really wanna see this waterfall and beach up close its so beautiful and you’re so lucky to do this :)
@@itsnadiamorales No rangers that day, but this was way early in the morning. I was probably on the beach around 7am. And it was a fun trip, thankful I was able to make it happen. Good luck with making it happen on your end.
I paddle board to man and was hoping to go to this beach. I just need to know where I can go down to paddle to this waterfall
Hey there. I took off from Partington Cove, but there are several other launch points you could use. Partington just seemed right for me.
Stephen are there any like closer points to mcway falls that I can start off?
@@christianperucho5327 None that I found.
Hi Christian, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
Thought of kayaking there from where you launched from. Little experience kayaking in the Ocean and will be doing it alone. Any tips?
Check the surf report and make sure the swell and wind are reasonable before launching and forecasted to be reasonable around the time of your return. Service is bad out there and it'd be hard to get a rescue assembled if the weather goes south on you. Also, generally the earlier in the morning you go, the more stable the swell and wind will be. When I launched for this video, it was around 5:45am.
Hi, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
I love this!! How was parking? Was it far from where you started to kayak or from McWay falls?
Hey there. I parked around 5am, so parking wasn't an issue, and this was around 3 miles away from McWay Falls.
Stephen thank you I appreciate it!!
@@-Stephen- Where did you park exactly, is that the closest parking to the waterfall?
This is INSANE wow ! I’m thinking of kayaking and doing this exact trip. Where did you dock off from if I may ask ?
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. This is a fun trip, but is also mildly sketchy. You need to make sure the tides, swell and winds aren't going to be a problem for the 4+ mile round trip to McWay. You just walk down to the rock finger at Partington Cove and find the docking spot that feels most comfortable. There's no real designated spot. Best of luck to you!
Hi Lily, did you ever make it to the falls? I'm looking for someone adventurous enough to do it. I live in Aptos. Summer tends to bring manageable surf/swells. Thanks.
You are a savage ! I would take someone with me for safety ! Maybe a real speed boat if possible
I like the song of this video, What's the name and the artist???
Sufjan Stevens.
I liked the video but found your choice of music to be intrusive, but then, I'm an old musician.
great video! are you local to big sur? would love to paddle board there
Glad you liked the video! I'm not a Big Sur local, just a big fan. Arguably the most beautiful place in California.
Not this one, but it also had a tunnel at the end of the trail.
Any recommendations, planning to kayak to mcway falls
Hey there. Best advice is to really be conservative with your tides and swell. It may be easy to launch, but hard to return depending on your launch location. I took off from Partington Cove, though if I had a kayak I probably would've launched from Andrew Molera to have a little more to explore. I'm sure there are a ton of other launch points (Sand Dollar Beach, etc.), but Partington fit the bill for me. Stay safe out there.
I wonder what kind of marine life are in those waters
Definitely the great white kind, that's for sure. But there are cool things like sun fish and otter in this area, too.
Awesome video.
How much weight were you carrying on this hike?
Hey Nelson. Glad you liked the video. I hiked about 60 pounds down To Parington Cove. It wasn’t a far distance hike, just over half a mile.
the people watching you from up above 👁👄👁
Curious how long it took and what trail you went through to set out on the water.
Hi Sophia. You can either go to Partington Cove or Andrew Molera State Park, and then paddle south. Partington is a tougher hike, but will take you about an hour and a half to reach the McWay Cove, and Andrew Molera is an easier hike in, but will be a harder/longer paddle. Hope this helps!
Stephen, great work here. I am preparing to make this SUP trip myself, potentially this week. :-) Couple q's.. it looks like you started from Partington, is that correct? Leaving early AM makes sense, I'm sure you were back to Partington before noon to avoid the swell.. Finally, I think I see a leash on you/board, but not quite sure.. you use a leash, correct? I just bought the Tower 10'4" inflatable, thrilled! It looks like your Tower is longer than 10'.. (and might be hard board too..) Will be great to stay in touch.. JJ
Hi JJ, apologies for the delay, I did not receive an indication that you left a comment. Nevertheless, your comment was 100% correct. I departed from Partington in the early AM to take advantage of the light swells, and returned before the winds kicked up. Pretty smooth sailing. Also, my Tower Paddle Board is their 14 footer, and it is inflatable. And I definitely used a leash, just in case.
Did you do this trip? If so, let me know how it went!
Thanks so much! I have a plan to SUP to McWay this Sunday. I'll let you know how it goes!
JJ, did you run the Tahoe 50 mile race? Through happenstance I saw you were connected to George Ruiz's Twitter feed after he posted my Tahoe 100 video (or at least I think it was you!). If so, small world! Hope your race and paddle to McWay went great!
Where is the source of that water fall?
Hi there. McWay Falls is fed by McWay Creek. Not sure what the source beyond that is, but I do know there’s a large canyon system stretching back that direction (McWay Canyon).
I thought there might be a deep hole there, for millennials.