About McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a named waterfall in Monterey County, California, located about 25 miles south of Carmel Valley Village. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Partington Ridge 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°09′31″ N, 121°40′18″ W (36.15857, -121.67162). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include McWay Canyon (valley, under 0.1 mi), McWay Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), and Saddle Rock (summit, 0.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Pfeiffer Falls, 9.2 miles to the northwest.
Unique, 80-foot-tall waterfall flowing onto a small beach, with a short hiking trail.
More Photos
2,073 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at McWay Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at McWay Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of McWay Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
McWay Falls holds a 4.6 average from 646 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of McWay Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- McWay Canyon — valley, under 0.1 mi
- McWay Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Saddle Rock — summit, 0.1 mi
- Anderson Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Anderson Canyon — valley, 0.5 mi
- Burns Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Partington Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Partington Canyon — valley, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 36.15857, -121.67162. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near McWay Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is McWay Falls located?
McWay Falls is in Monterey County, California, about 25 miles south of Carmel Valley Village. Its coordinates are 36.15857, -121.67162 (36°09′31″ N, 121°40′18″ W).
What town is closest to McWay Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Carmel Valley Village, CA, about 25 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near McWay Falls?
The closest is Pfeiffer Falls (9.2 mi northwest). Others within reach include Pine Falls (9.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows McWay Falls?
McWay Falls appears on the USGS Partington Ridge 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.