Loved this hike. The drive was 2.5 hours for me (coming from Oakland) but the drive was half the beauty. Pretty short loop with inclines but we stopped several times to take photos because it's just beautiful. It was a pleasure hiking next to the sound of running water. Part of the fun was hopping & climbing over the fallen redwood tree trunks. It was gorgeous to stop & eat a picnic lunch overlooking the coast or you can stop at the beginning & eat at the picnic tables & grills they have. When you're done make sure to go across the street to McWay waterfalls, a lovely way to end the hike!
I did the hike across the street then stumbled upon this waterfall trail & it is gorgeous. It looks so tropical! Wish we would have found a way to get down to the beach but the views were such an enjoyment anyhow. It's just a short, flat bump out to view the waterfalls. At the end there's a little history tribute to two women one of which had a home built on that exact cliff. If you are passing by this spot on highway 1 it is a must stop!