Carmel River for Brave and Strong

Most Central Coast travelers know the Carmel River as that lazy stream making its mellow way to the Pacific just south of the town of Carmel. The upper reaches of the river, however, are a different Carmel, indeed--a wilderness watershed as wild as anywhere in the Big Sur back country.

A walk along the banks of the Carmel River can be delightful in any season. But spring, with wildflowers abloom and the grasslands a deep green, is a fine time to hike the Carmel. The days are warm, and the creek can be forded by boulder-hopping.

Directions to trail head: From California 1 in Carmel, turn east on Carmel Valley Road (G-16) and drive 11.5 miles to Carmel Valley Village (best opportunity for gas and food), then another 4.3 miles to Cachagua Road. Turn right and follow this narrow road six miles to Nason Road. Turn right and drive half a mile to a parking area and a gate across the road.

The hike: Near the road gate is a hiker/equestrian gate that you pass through to join the wide, oak-lined road. You’ll cross a bridge over the dam’s spillway, walk briefly by the dam, then turn south.

About 1 1/2 miles from the trail head, you’ll pass a junction with a very steep road, a connector trail leading to a junction with the Big Pines Trail. In another quarter-mile, you’ll reach a fork in the road, bearing right on the fast-narrowing road that becomes Carmel River Trail. You’ll soon pass the right forking Big Pines Trail leading to Big Pines and Danish Creek.

Contouring over brushy slopes, Carmel River Trail goes high above Los Padres Reservoir. The path stays in the oak- and sycamore-shaded canyon for the most part, except for a brief climb onto a chaparral clad ridge and subsequent descent to shady Bluff Camp.

Boulder hop across the creek. The path enters the Ventana Wilderness and three-quarters-mile from Bluff Camp passes a junction with Miller Canyon Trail. Keep right a short distance on Carmel River Trail to reach Carmel River Camp.

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Carmel River Trail

WHERE: Northern Los Padres National Forest

DISTANCE: To Bluff Camp is 8.6 miles round trip with 200-foot elevation gain; to Carmel River Camp is 10 miles round trip with 300-foot gain.

TERRAIN: Riparian woodland along banks of Carmel River.

HIGHLIGHTS: Wild (and sometimes wet) journey.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate.

PRECAUTIONS: In winter and spring, check water level of Carmel River; plenty of poison oak en route.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Los Padres National Forest, Monterey District, 406 S. Mildred, King City, CA 93930; tel. (408) 385-5434.