Are there fees or permits required for Salmon Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Salmon Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Salmon Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Salmon Creek Falls.

Nearby gauge (South Fork Tule River) · 7 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Salmon Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Salmon Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Salmon Creek Falls.

California • 120 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Sequoia National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

- Adam Reeder - CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

davidseibold CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Salmon Creek Falls

Salmon Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Big Sur region of California. It features a stunning cascade surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

The Setting

Salmon Creek Falls sits at 6,463 feet within Sequoia National Forest, in the high mountains of California. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 120 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

South Creek Falls (95 ft) lies 5.4 miles to the northwest.

South Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Salmon Creek (#33E36), a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

SALMON CREEK #33E36

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

5.62 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Salmon Creek Falls is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It leads through a shaded forested area and ends at the base of the waterfall. The path may be uneven in some sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 120 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Salmon Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Salmon Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. However, it can be enjoyed year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Sequoia National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 40°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and avoid climbing on unstable surfaces. Watch for poison oak along the trail.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork Tule River, 15.5 miles away, not on Salmon Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

7 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 3 6 8

Based on 26 years of record

2.17 ft

Water depth at gauge

40°F

Dangerously cold

Risk of cold shock

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 40 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact. PH is normal at 7.8 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

7.8

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

8 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

SF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA

USGS 11203580

15.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 20 sq mi

Altitude: 3,674 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA (25 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

7 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

7 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

7 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

7 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

6 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

7 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

7 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

8 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late May, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Kernville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Salmon Creek Falls Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Salmon Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 8 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 623 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 120 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 6,444 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 222 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 404 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Salmon Creek Falls near Kernville, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Salmon Creek Falls near Kernville, California, showing about 623 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 6,444 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 623 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Salmon Creek Falls is located off Highway 1 in the southern part of Big Sur, California. The trailhead is near the Salmon Creek Ranger Station, and the waterfall is accessible via a short hike.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available along Highway 1 near the trailhead. Spaces may be limited, especially during weekends and peak seasons.

Elevation

6,463 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.910072° N, -118.435128° W

Land Management

Sequoia National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.

This trail sits at 6,463 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND

2.8 miles away · 37 sites

Reservable

Overview Goldledge Campground is situated along the Kern River, 10 miles north of the town of Kernville. Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities.Recreation Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities in the Upper Kern River area. Click here to learn more about the area, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.Facilities The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are designated for walk-to tent camping only.

Book on Recreation.gov