T he Partington canyon watershed showcases the distinctive riparian woodland of Central Coastal California watersheds. The Summer fog comes from the clash of warm land air and cold water upwelling from deep offshore canyons. I n the steep canyon, Redwoods collect fog and drip its moisture about the forest. Amidst the many springs seeping up and out from all around, they appear to be luxuriating in a rain forest. In one grove, on a plateau over the rambunctious creek, Redwoods have bark that spirals like a cork screw up the tree.
Sycamores spire high like giant sentinels.
Huge, ancient Madrones augustly linger about. Tan bark oaks are in thick stands, like a forest of their own. Big Sur Hikes T oday this well trailed hike from the road down to the beach, back up the creek to a bridge over to the tunnel for the cove is a two mile excursion. Be warned it involves a steep slope for a quarter mile at the beginning, which is all downhill, and easy hiking, but coming back up is a different story. E ast of the highway is a very different and a distinctly great hiking experience.