Buckeye Trail

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Many reports show that Soda Springs is safe to drink from sans filter, but bring a filter if you are risk averse and want a mid-run treat.

This is the best trail in the Silver Peak Wilderness. It is definitely worth doing in and of itself as an out-and-back or as part of a larger loop.

Getting there: Follow SR1 north from Ragged Point for 3.7 miles to the Salmon Creek Ranger Station. Getting there from Monterrey/Big Sur is not currently possible due to the mud creek slide. Alternately, take Cruickshank East, Cruickshank West, or Villa Creek Trails to their terminus at a 4-way intersection.

Directions: This trail can currently be accessed from the 4-way intersection with Cruickshank East, Cruickshank West, and Villa Creek Trails. Follow signs for Buckeye Camp/SR1. Shortly after the trail begins, and following the trail south, you'll run through the southernmost grove of coastal redwoods. The trail steeply climbs through an oak grove along a smooth and heavily switchbacked trail. The climb ends on a ridgeline with phenomenal views of the Big Sur coast.

The next two miles traverse an exposed ridgeline in grassland typical of the Central Coast and descends into Buckeye Camp. Buckeye Camp is located in an oak grove on the east side of an open meadow. Soda Spring is on the south side of the meadow. There are numerous use trails so continue through the meadow and find a sign for Buckeye Trail. The trail continues right and uphill through the Oak Grove.

After a short climb, the trail continues a 3.5 mile descent into the Salmon Creek Ranger Station. The trail is smooth with great views of the Big Sur Coast.