Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point
in Los Padres National Forest
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Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point are just south of Plaskett Creek Campground on the west side of Highway One. Visited together, they form a 1.5-mile hike.
There are two trailheads for this hike, both are unmarked a somewhat difficult to spot. From Plaskett Creek Campground drive a quarter mile south and scan the west side of the road for the Plaskett Rock Point trailhead. A second trail, another quarter mile to the south, leads straight to Jade Cove. A scenic path along the coastal bluff connects these parallel tracks.
Walking along the bluff
The upper trail splits not far from the road. The main track continues to Plaskett Rock Point, while a smaller path breaks off to the left and cuts across the grassland toward the top of Jade Cove, half a mile from the start. The lower trail, takes a direct line from Highway One, intersects the bluff trail, and descends the steep 0.1 mile path to Jade Cove.
The cove does not yield much in the way of views, and is more popular with rock enthusiasts pursuing the jade found along the coast (which is why you will see “excavating prohibited” signs in this area).
The trail down to Jade Cove
The trail above the cove meanders north along the bluff through coastal grasses spotted with wildflowers. Below barking elephant seals can be heard over the sound of waves crashing on the rocky shore. Halfway to the end of Plaskett Rock Point, the trail becomes overgrown and less easy going, so you may turn around before reaching the end.
Plaskett Rock just off the coast
Excluding the steep track down to the cove (which requires the use of a rope at the bottom) the hike on the bluffs over Jade Cove is soft and level. Park at either trailhead and explore the area. This is a good family hike for those staying at the nearby Plaskett Creek Campground. Just north of Plaskett Rock Point is Sand Dollar Beach which can be reached via a short trail that starts just north of the campground.
To get to the trailhead: From Ragged Point Inn, drive 15 miles north (or 35 miles from Cambria) and park on the west side of Highway One. From the north drive 22.3 south from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (home of McWay Falls), or 30.4 miles south of Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur. Plaskett Creek Campground is just north of the trailheads and has several signs along the road.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
Or view Central Coast Hikes in a larger map
Nearby Trails
 | Salmon Creek Falls This 0.6-mile hike visits a fine 120-foot waterfall near the start of Salmon Creek Trail. |
 | McWay Falls This 0.6-mile hike looks out on a stunning Big Sur waterfall that pours 80 feet right on to the beach. |
 | Partington Cove This 1.5 mile hike visits a cove and a secluded beach along the scenic Big Sur coast. The cove is accessed through a tunnel. |
 | Cerro San Luis from Laguna Lake Park This 5.7-mile hike summits one of the Nine Sisters just west of downtown San Luis Obispo. |
 | More Central Coast Hikes Explore other destinations along the California coast between Ventura and Monterey, including trails in Los Padres National Forest. |
Similar Trails
 | Bluff Trail in Montana de Oro State Park This level 3.4-mile hike passes tide pools and beaches along a picturesque rocky coastline in San Luis Obispo County. |
 | Point Buchon Trail This 1 1/3 to 6.8-mile hike explores the beautiful coastline south of Montana de Oro State Park. |
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