Where does the Lost Coast start and end?
The trail runs north-south, from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove, though in the below trip report you'll see we did a modified version to cover more ground. While traveling along the Lost Coast, you'll find yourself several hours from the rest of civilization—the seclusion is certainly a key draw.
How many days does it take to do the Lost Coast Trail?
2-4 daysMost people take 2-4 days to hike (and camp) the Lost Coast Trail one way, from north to south, including a shuttle ride. There are plenty of campsites and water sources along the way.
Where do you park for the Lost Coast Trail?
The parking area is next to the first-come-first-served campground at the end of Lighthouse Road. The lot is unpaved but there are restroom facilities. Google Map link to trailhead. Shuttles can be arranged by contacting Lost Coast Adventures at (707) 986-9895 or the Lost Coast Shuttle at (707) 986-7437.
Can you hike the Lost Coast Trail without a permit?
You need 1 permit per group to stay overnight on the trail, but not if you are only hiking for the day (day use). Please note that entry for overnight use is limited: 60 entries per day during the peak season of May 15–Sept. 15.
How difficult is Lost Coast hike?
Lost Coast Trail Hike Difficulty: The biggest difficulty in backpacking this rugged California coastline is that hiking in the sand and among the rocks can be difficult on your knees. The terrain is uneven and can take a toll on your body even though the elevation gain and mileage are not too intense.
How hard is the Lost Coast Trail?
The Lost Coast Trail covers 25 miles of undeveloped coastal wilderness, only 5 hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area. This hike is moderately strenuous and is perfect for the hiker who loves a logistical challenge.
How many miles is The Lost Coast Trail?
24.6 miles24.6 miles, mostly level. The Lost Coast Trail offers one of the few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the United States.
What time do Lost Coast permits open?
This permit mini-sale opens up at 7AM Pacific Time. During the hiking season you can also check up to 2 days before a date you want to hike to see if there are any available permits from cancelations.
When should I backpack The Lost Coast Trail?
The nicest time of year to hike the Lost Coast Trail is usually from late May to early October. The Pacific Ocean buffers coastal temperatures to comfortable levels for most of the year. The Lost Coast is most pleasant for hiking between May and early October, which is usually the dry season.
Are there bears on the Lost Coast Trail?
Wildlife on the Lost Coast Trail Black bears frequent several of the campsites along the trail, and bear canisters are required for backpackers on the northern section.
Is there cell service on the Lost Coast Trail?
Use caution and common sense. Cell phone reception is virtually non-existent along this remote coast. You will have to hike out to get help. Rescues are NOT easy here, It will take hours for rescuers to get the information and then find you.
How do you get a permit for the Lost Coast Trail?
Permits can be obtained through Recreation.gov, on the King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast) page. No walkup permits are available. Allow at least three days for the entire hike. Much of the trail is beach hiking with several stretches of 1-2 ft.
When should I hike the Lost Coast?
The nicest time of year to hike the Lost Coast Trail is usually from late May to early October. The Pacific Ocean buffers coastal temperatures to comfortable levels for most of the year. The Lost Coast is most pleasant for hiking between May and early October, which is usually the dry season.
Are there bears on the Lost Coast Trail?
Wildlife on the Lost Coast Trail Black bears frequent several of the campsites along the trail, and bear canisters are required for backpackers on the northern section.
What time are Lost Coast permits available?
Lost Coast Trail Permits - The block of permits available for each year are released the prior year on October 1. So basically, if you are planning way far in advance, you'll have the best chances getting the exact date that you want if you look on October 1st of the prior year.
Do you need a permit to backpack the Lost Coast?
The Bureau of Land Management requires permits by reservation for overnight use in the King Range Wilderness and Backcountry Management Zone of the King Range National Conservation Area. Visitors can go to www.recreation.gov to book their overnight wilderness permits. Reservations will cost $10 per permit.
Where is Little Jackass Creek Beach?
Little Jackass Creek Beach. Little Jackass Creek Beach is a hike-in only beach located in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The smallish dark sandy beach here sits in a cove at the mouth of Little ] See details.
How far is Punta Gorda Lighthouse from Mattole River Beach?
Punta Gorda Lighthouse along the Humboldt County Coast is nearly a four mile walk on the beach from the Mattole River Beach parking area. The beach trail is part of ]
How long is Black Sands Beach?
Black Sands Beach is the south end of a long walkable coastline that is over 20 miles long between the town of Shelter Cove and Mattole River Campground. This shoreline ]
Where is Anderson Beach in Sinkyone?
Anderson Beach. Anderson Beach is a hike-in beach in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The Lost Coast Trail starts at Usal Beach at the south end of the park and meanders north for ] See details.
Where is Needle Rock Beach?
Needle Rock Beach is near the Needle Rock Visitor Center at Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. From the visitor center walk back on the road a bit to the old wooden ]
Where is the southern half of the Lost Coast Trail?
Links for more information: The southern half of the Lost Coast Trail is in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park ( park map ). Read up on the park rules and regulations before your trip. The northern half is in the King Range National Conservation Area which is administered by the BLM. They have different rules and permit requirements.
Where is Mattole Beach?
Mattole Beach is at the sandy mouth of the Mattole River at the north end of King Range National Conservation Area. This remote area is reached via a long winding ]
How long is the Lost Coast Trail?
The Lost Coast Trail is an approximate 52 mile trail that travels along the shoreline of the Lost Coast. The trail can effectively be split into two sections. The northern section of the trail is a 24.4 mile stretch through the King Range National Conservation Area from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach.
Where is the beach on the Lost Coast Trail?
Usal Beach is the southern terminus of the Lost Coast Trail. The trail will empty hikers out into the Usual Campground. The campground offers many spaces for car campers to utilize so finding an open space to park should not be much of an issue. There is also a gravel lot nearer the beach down an unnamed road just off of Usal Rd. Access to this trailhead is mostly along unpaved roads to the beach, but upon arrival ample parking space should be available. As I have not yet personally traveled to this trailhead I cannot confirm whether there are bathroom facilities nearby, but I would wager it is unlikely.
What happens if the beaches are not sandy?
If the beaches are not sandy then they are filled with rocks, stones, and gravel. The stability of the rocks can occasionally be a welcomed relief to the unsteady sand, but the happy feelings do not usually last. It’s like the worst sections of Pennsylvania along the Appalachian Trail if Pennsylvania had epic mountains and an ocean. When it’s put that way it shows how the rocks fields are actually vastly improved in comparison. Yet, transitioning back and forth between super soft and super rigid terrain can get a bit frustrating.
How much does a camping permit cost in the King Range?
Due to the ever increasing popularity of the trail permits must now be reserved in advance on www.recreation.gov. Permits cost $10.00, are good for groups of up to 15 people, must be submitted at least 30 days before your trip.
What is the difference between the north and south of the beach in the ridge walk?
The north is generally considered the “beach walk” while the south is considered the “ridge walk”. The two sections are divided by a short (ish) road walk outside of Shelter Cove between Black Sands Beach and Hidden Valley. A shuttle can also be used to bridge this gap if necessary.
What are the animals that live on the Lost Coast?
It is a place where the woodland and coastal environments abruptly collide, so you can expect to encounter creatures familiar to both habitats. Sea lions and harbor seals are both a common sight (and sound) along the trail.
What is the closest highway to the Lost Coast?
As a result the Lost Coast has no major thoroughfare through the area helping to limit both access and development. The nearest major highway is route 101 which sits between 30 – 40 miles from the coast.
How to hike the Lost Coast Trail?
In my opinion, the easiest way to tackle the Lost Coast Trail is as follows: The night before your trek you drive to the Black Sands Beach Trailhead and spend the night nearby (there are camping or hotel option is nearby Shelter Cove). Early the next morning , take a morning shuttle from Black Sands Beach up to the Mattole Beach Trailhead where you will start your trek (book this shuttle in advance). Now you can hike the Lost Coast Trail south back to Black Sands Beach where your car will be waiting for you at the end of your hike. This way you avoid needing to rush to catch a shuttle at the end of your hike.
What is the unique feature of the Lost Coast Trail?
Tides: One unique facet of the Lost Coast Trail is that you must utilize a tide chart to navigate the route. Three sections of the route are impassable at high tide:
How far is Big Creek from Cooksie Creek?
On Day 2, you travel ~7 miles from Cooksie Creek to Big Creek. The first 2 miles of hiking on this day must be tackled at low tide, so you may need to either wake up early or start late on this morning. The rest of the route to Big Creek will not have any tidal issues though and can be hiked on your own timing. In one section of this route known as the Spanish Flat, the trail climbs up to a bluff above the shore. This provides some great views and also gives you feet at break from the sand and rocks you have been hiking on.
When are wilderness permits available for King Range?
The block of permits for each calendar year are released the preceding year on October 1 (e.g., 2019 permits are available October 1, 2018).
Is the trail to the shore easy?
In terms of navigation, the route is relatively easy to follow. The trail mostly heads south along the shoreline. There are a few areas where the trail moves inland, but you always return back to the shore within a few miles.
Do you need a bear canister in the King Range?
If you do not own a bear canister , there are various options for rentals in the area.
How far is the trail to Point Gourda Lighthouse?
From Mattole Beach you head south towards the old Point Gourda Lighthouse. The "trail" reaches it in about 3 miles, but note that here, and elsewhere along the beach section of the trail, there may or may not be tread, and where there is there is often poison oak as well.
How far is Hidden Valley Trailhead?
Once over the pass, continue to Hidden Valley Trailhead, on a side road about 1/4 mile right of the main one. From Hidden Valley the truly steep climbs and drops begin. The trail follows ridge lines from here until Usal Campground, about 25 miles away.
What are some activities in Eureka?
Outdoor Activities in EurekaTours & Activities in EurekaShopping in EurekaBoat Tours & Water Sports in EurekaFood & Drink in EurekaNightlife in EurekaSpas & Wellness in EurekaSights & Landmarks in EurekaMuseums in EurekaFun & Games in EurekaTheater & Concerts in EurekaTransportation in EurekaZoos & Aquariums in EurekaTraveller Resources in EurekaDay Trips in Eureka
Where is the Lost Coast Trail located?
The Lost Coast Trail is a great choice. It is located in southern Humbolt and Northern Mendocino counties along a stretch of coast so rugged that the engineers who designed California's Highway 1, the coastal highway, turned inland rather than try to run a road through the area.
Can you drive a vehicle when you are diving?
If you watch where you are diving, any vehicle can drive this road.
When should I hike the Lost Coast Trail?
The coastline's location in the northern section of the state makes it a candidate for fog and cold camping, but this is often minimized during the summer and early fall months.
Do you need a permit to hike the Lost Coast Trail?
Yes. Everyone who overnight hikes the Lost Coast Trail must carry a wilderness permit. Permits are required year-round for overnight camping in the King Range Wilderness and Backcountry Management Zone of the King Range National Conservation Area, though they are not required for day-use. One permit covers up to five people, with the maximum group size being 15 people (a max group of 15 will need 3 permits, for example).
What supplies do I need for the Lost Coast Trail?
Pack the 10 essentials, then double check you have a permit, a bear canister, rain jacket, and puffy. Though the risk of bears is low, it's present nonetheless. And as you might expect, weather comes in off the Pacific ocean fast and hard, often giving little warning.
How far is Cooksie Creek from Spanish Creek?
If you’re planning to give the trail a try yourself, be sure to check out our personal favorite campsites at Cooksie Creek (about 5 miles from the Spanish Creek trailhead) and Spanish Creek itself (about 11 miles).
How long does it take to hike the Lost Coast Trail?
Most hikers report that the trail takes about three days to hike. This is a pretty good pace, though your mileage may vary.
What kind of animals are on the coast of Usal Beach?
Besides the beautiful scenery, you may encounter any kind of animal on the coast, including sea lion, elephant seals, or salmon.
What county is the Lost Coast in California?
Depopulation in the 1930s combined with rare geographic fortitude deterred construction of any major highways and left a strip of Northern California coastline at the southernmost edge of Humboldt County the most undeveloped and remote portion of the coast, earning it the name "The Lost Coast.". The picturesque strip of wilderness sits snuggly ...
What is the name of the trailhead in Mattole Beach?
Trailhead Name: Depends on whether you hike the trail from North-to-South or South-to-North. The northern trailhead is Mattole Beach Trailhead, and the southern trailhead is Black Sands Beach Trailhead
How difficult is it to hike the Lost Coast Trail?
Lost Coast Trail Hike Difficulty: The biggest difficulty in backpacking this rugged California coastline is that hiking in the sand and among the rocks can be difficult on your knees. The terrain is uneven and can take a toll on your body even though the elevation gain and mileage are not too intense.
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Is the Lost Coast Trail straight forward?
Backpacking the Lost Coast Trail would be pretty straight forward if you didn’t have to make sure to plan your hike according to the low tides. The trail pretty much just follows the coastline. Below is a Lost Coast map detailing many of the important landmarks along the trail from Black Sands beach to Mattole Beach.
How many sections are there in the Lost Coast Trail?
There are 2 primary sections to the Lost Coast Trail, but most people are primarily familiar with the Northern section, which is what will be covered in the below guide, but for clarity here are a few more details on the two sections of the trail:
Where is the Lost Coast Trail located?
The Trail is located in Northern California in the King Range National Conservation Area. Trail Name: The Lost Coast Trail (Northern Section) Trailhead Name: Depending on whether you hike the trail from North-to-South or South-to-North.
Is the Lost Coast Trail a backpacking trip?
In all seriousness though, The Lost Coast Trail is probably one of the most unique backpacking trips I’ve ever gone on. It is so completely different from the backpacking trips I’ve done in the Sierras (like backpacking Mt. Langley or backpacking in Tuolumne ).
Overview: What/Where Is The Lost Coast?
The Trail
- The Lost Coast Trail is an approximate 52 mile trail that travels along the shoreline of the Lost Coast. The trail can effectively be split into two sections. The northern section of the trail is a 24.4 mile stretch through the King Range National Conservation Area from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach. The north seems to be the more frequently t...
Directions & Parking
- The drives to reach the trail heads are long, but often scenic. The easiest way to gain access to the mountain roads is to approach from Route 101. Should you wish to take a more scenic route the Avenue of the Giants parallels route 101 for quite a ways. So if you’d prefer to take a drive through some beautiful redwood forests this is definitely the way to go. Below I’ve provided Goo…
Shuttling Services
- If you only have one car, or only wish to use one car hikers can utilize a local shuttle service to get them to their desired trailheads. They aren’t the cheapest shuttles around, but they’re offering to carry your butts a long way over some potentially unsavory roads. It will certainly save you the time and effort of navigating the backwoods mountain roads yourself and provide you the adde…
Ready to Hike Yet?
- By now you should have everything you need to start planning an amazing trip along the Lost Coast Trail. If you have any valuable information to contribute or think I’ve missed something crucial in my information please drop a line in the comment section! Just in case you haven’t been enticed enough enjoy a few more tantalizing pictures and a short video from my own trip!