Back in 1937 after 18 years of construction, some New Deal funding and the help of 35¢ a day convict labor this wondrous ribbon of highway was completed. And with its completion one of the world’s truly great stretches of road was open to anyone with a car, some gas and a sense of adventure. With its breathtaking vistas and hold your breath hairpin turns it’s not a drive you’ll soon forget.
During it’s early planning stage there was some debate as to whether it would be more practical to construct another large (and probably beautiful) bridge over the Salmon Creek or to blast and carve out an additional two plus miles of roadway back into the canyon. After weighing all their options apparently it was felt that extending the roadway was the way to go. As a result this section of highway is very easily identifiable on a map because of how far they needed to recede into the canyon.
My beautiful wife and I thoroughly enjoy putting down the top and touring the Central Coast in our ‘59 Austin Healy Sprite. While I’m busy with all the driving stuff, Fran is on the lookout for all the this n thats along our way. One of her favorite spots is this picturesque 120’ waterfall. It flows mostly during the springtime, and can best seen as you're driving south when the sunlight hits it in the afternoon. If you have the time it’s difficult, but not impossible to get to the base of the falls. There’s a trailhead that will take you up Salmon Creek canyon, then if you want to head to the falls take the first fork to the left. That trail should get you close, then it’s a matter of negotiating some fairly large boulders and you’re there.
Love always, jacknfran