in 1965. An overlook of McWay Falls was later built on the site of the former home. Topography In 1983, Big Sur experienced one of the wettest years on record with of rain. Up to this time, McWay Falls fell directly into the ocean. The huge rainfall resulted in several landslides and mudflows, including an extremely large mudslide immediately north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on March 1. The mudflow entered the ocean immediately to the north of the falls, and Highway 1 was closed for a year while the road was repaired. Reconstruction deposited nearly of landslide material on the coast, at the base of the slope. Wave action then transported some of the debris south to McWay Cove, forming a sandy beach beneath the falls where none had previously existed. Loose material from the slope beneath the road is still contributing sand to the coastal system. McWay Falls now meets the ocean only when the tide is in, but over time, the beach may wear away so that the falls drop directly into the ocean again. Current use Due to the high cliffs surrounding the cove, the beach is inaccessible except by boat, and may be covered by surf at high tide. The outlet of McWay Creek at the top of McWay Falls is accessible by a trail that starts at a parking area just east of Highway 1. From the parking lot, visitors can walk down a dirt path toward the ocean, through a short tunnel under the highway to the overlook. The Waterfall Overlook of McWay Falls was built on the site formerly occupied by the Browns' mansion. Visitors to the site today can view remnants of the home's foundation, landscaping (including palm trees), and the funicular railway. Ewoldsen's original Pelton wheel is displayed in a small building. In popular culture McWay Falls is featured in the music video for "I Need a Doctor" by hip-hop artist Dr. Dre. References External links McWay Falls at World of Waterfalls Landforms of Monterey County, California Waterfalls of California Plunge waterfalls Big Sur