General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
Friends and I spent three days hiking the "loop" from Salmon Creek to Cruikshank to Buckeye where we met the highway at Salmon Creek Ranger Station. This report is for Salmon Creek Trail only.
From Highway 1 to Spruce Creek Camp, the trail is a wilderness freeway. The first half mile is a gradual climb and exposed with ocean views. The trail then is wonderfully shaded under bay laurel canopy for approximately three miles before opening up to the sun again and expansive canyon views.
The trail between Spruce Creek Camp and Estrella is passable with good tread. There are four down trees in this section and most are easy to step over or around or under. One tree is a bit branch-jamy and, if you are taller than 5 ft, you may need to take off your pack to get through. There are also one or two narrow tread spots.
After Estrella Camp the trail becomes exposed to sun and views and will seem more arid.
This section of trail is clear all the way to the South Coast Ridge Road.
There is poison oak along the trail but it is mostly avoidable.
Plenty of running water in both camps.
- Gradual climb in open sky with pretty serpentine rock.
- Pools of running water at Spruce Camp.
- One of four trees down between Spruce Camp and Estrella Camp.
- Above Estrella Camp the trail becomes more exposed and dry.
- Nearing the South Coast Ridge Road, another impressive serpentine colored outcrop.
