This is an essential step in the booking process when planning your hike. If you need to start and end your trip at the same trailhead, you have a few options. This is an absolutely stunning 25 mile thruhike on the northern part of californias coast. Californias lost coast trail, a 53 mile hike along one of the worlds most beautiful coastlines. To hike the entire lost coast trail, leave one car at mattole river beach and the other at black sands beach near shelter cove, or make arrangements with a local shuttle service. Aug 29, 2016 my friends matt and mark and i ended up on the lost coast trail somewhat by mistake. Californias lost coast trail is a hidden gem in a state that has more than its fair share of great outdoor playgrounds. Oftentimes, our favorite way to take full advantage of those summer holiday weekends is just a simple, short backpacking trip.
Yes, its only 25 miles if you hike the lost coast, but to. It takes knowledge and preparation, because there are significant dangers and obstacles. The lost coast is situated within two protected areas. Aug 16, 2017 how to backpack the lost coast trail this august i finally checked off a big item on my bucket list i backpacked the lost coast. The trips range from one night to two weeks, and cover the coast. Sign up for trip updates or book a private departure. All food will be provided and we will enjoy 4 relaxing days on californias only stretch of coast 40 miles. Permits permits are required for overnight use in the king range wilderness. The detour left a rare slice of beachside wilderness, and thus was born the lost coastone of the premier oceanhugging hikes in the world.
I hiked the 53 mile lost coast trail in april, 2014. Head for the lost trails northern terminus, accessed by following lighthouse road west from the hamlet of petrolia. Backpack california lost coast sierra club outings. A backpacking trip along californias most undeveloped stretch of shoreline. Backpacking the lost coast trail the modern female hiker. Map californias lost coast rec wilderness press maps wilderness press on.
From hiking with sea lions and elephant seals, talking sweet nothings to the resident sea otters in cooksie creek, staring at the milky way in the night sky, and observing all the washedup sea life to watching deer and bears meander down from the mountains to visit the campground creek and discovering whale bones and fish vertebrae. While its very unlikely well spot a bear on our trip wed be lucky if we did. The lost coast is an 80 mile stretch of the california coast where the builders of highway 1 decided to go around because it was too rough. As gordie spater, founder of kurgo, the canine gear brand, had informed me before maeve and i started training for the lost coast, the key to a successful backpacking endeavor with your dog is really knowing your dog. Hiking the lost coast rick mccharles of the blog just wrote about his recent exploration of the lost coast of far northern california. News from the lost coast trail lost coast adventure tours. The roads and trails are limited to only the parksking range and sinkyonewhereas the lost coast covers a lot of ground to the east as well that is not picked up.
A combination of sand, rocks and the occasional stretch along grassy terraces overlooking the pacific ocean. The lost coast trail, a hikers guide to californias hidden coast. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1800715hike 4453 and well answer all your questions. Fall offers the best weathergenerally clear and mild, with less fog than summer, and less rain than spring and winter. Over labor day weekend i was able to hike the lost coast trail with 3 great friends. A 25mile trek along californias most rugged coastline, the lost coast trail is a mysterious destination ive heard about for years. Mattole river is the northerly end of the king range portion of the lost coast. This 26mile trek along californias coast should have been a highway. Lost coast trail eureka 2020 all you need to know before. The chatty narrative about sights and hikes refers to points that are not marked on their map e. Bills lost coast shuttle 7074421983 and blu graham lost coast adventures. Backpacking with daily yoga practice expert guides with local knowledge fully insured and permitted guides. The best time to visit this hidden gem is during the spring to.
Backpacking the lost coast trail in humboldt county, 1011. Make sure to book the shuttle at the start of your trip, since it is a 2. Like most native californians, i grew up making annual pilgrimages to the pacific ocean. There are 2 options for shuttle service for the north section. The lost coast trail is located within the king range national conservation area nca, along the northern california coast. In addition, the steepness and related geotechnical challenges of the coastal mountains made this stretch of coastline too costly for state highway or county. Lost coast trail hikers can view sea lions, tidepools and spectacular spring wildflowers. Aug 24, 2018 the lost coast trail is located within the king range national conservation area nca, along the northern california coast. The area is named the lost coast because the coastal mountains in this area made this stretch of coastline too difficult to build a highway along. Backpacking the lost coast trail northern california youtube. Oct 11, 2014 backpacking the lost coast trail in humboldt county, 1011 backpack the lost coast and explore californias most remote stretch of coastline under the full moon. The trail itself is 25 miles along the coast from mattole beach to shelter cove. Jul 17, 2017 backpacking hacks 4 turn a summer sleeping bag into a 3season sleep system cheap duration.
The lost coast trail, a hikers guide to californias hidden. The lost coast is divided into the king range national conservation area, on the north end, and the sinkyone wilderness state park, on the south end. It was named the lost coast after the region experienced depopulation in the 1930s, but the name still seems appropriate today considering the. Maeve is far from perfect, but i knew i could rely on her being a velcro dog. This trip will be an adventure into the most remote and pristine sections of california coast. Bills lost coast shuttle also offers a shuttle service for the south section.
You need to contact us prior to getting on the trail to confirm the requested shuttle date and time meets minimum capacity requirements. May 23, 2016 oftentimes, our favorite way to take full advantage of those summer holiday weekends is just a simple, short backpacking trip. May 25, 2017 the lost coast is a 53mile route along northern californias rugged coast, untouched by highway 1. Sep 15, 2016 over labor day weekend i was able to hike the lost coast trail with 3 great friends. Our guides handle all your trip needs from permits to food. I think this has now become my favorite backpacking trip ever. The lost coast trail stretches 25 miles through the king range. The lost coast is the most rugged, undeveloped stretch of coastline in california. Welcome to your adventure on the lost coast magical redwoods inspire people from all over the world to visit this stunning location. I knew it was going to rain a couple of days, but the forecast called for 10 mph winds. The trail is fairly flat there are a few hills to climb but the terrain is challenging. The lost coast trail, a hikers guide to californias.
Whether people find their way to this area through whispers of secret waterfalls and hidden swimming holes, or to check an item off their bucket, we are no doubt, the number one backpacking destination in northern california. There are several ways to plan your backpacking trip along the lost coast but no matter how you do it, there is always. My friends matt and mark and i ended up on the lost coast trail somewhat by mistake. Full moon backpacking on the lost coast trail, 52022. How to backpack the lost coast trail this august i finally checked off a big item on my bucket list i backpacked the lost coast. Another option for hiking oneway is to book a trip with one of the. The lost coast is on my mind this week because primetime there is approaching. All logistical details have been updated as of january, 2017. Backpacking the lost coast trail northern california. This trip takes you down the lost coast starting at mattole and ending at black sands beach. Backpacking the lost coast trail in humboldt county, 1011 backpack the lost coast and explore californias most remote stretch of coastline under the full moon. From black sands beach to the northern terminus of mattole beach, the hiker sticks to the coast. The hike is split into two sections, one from mattole river to shelter cove, and the other from hidden valley to sinkyone wilderness state park. A backpackers guide to the lost coast food guru blog.
It was named the lost coast after the area experienced depopulation in the 1930s. The lost coast is an isolated area of humboldt and mendocino counties, named for the steep and rugged terrain which made the construction of any state highway. The lost coast is a remote stretch of the california coastline so rugged that it forced the coast highway further inland. Your ultimate guide to backpacking the lost coast trail in. When the builders of state highway 1 were confronted with this area of northern californias rugged, rocky, and steep terrain, they were forced to move the planned road inland about 30 miles. Nov 16, 2015 the boreas gear lost coast 60 backpack is an internalframe backpack suitable for multiday backpacking trips and adventure travel. The warm afternoon sun shone down upon my face, and hiking through the sand was like a free foot massage. I just got back last week from my lost coast trail backpacking trip and found the information here to be very helpful. Refunds will not be given for failure to buy a permit. Its recommended that you drop one car at the shelter cove trailhead 40.
Map californias lost coast rec wilderness press maps. Backpacking northern californias lost coast gonomad travel. My twoweek backpacking trip on the king range of northern californias lost coast was off to a perfect start. Hiking the lost coast northern california hiking trails. The lost coast is a stretch of california coastline so rugged that roads have not conquered it. By lost coast tours march 26, 2019 attention all backpackers in the northern california area. The lost coast trail stretches 25 miles through the king range national conservation area, from mattole beach in the north to the village of shelter cove in the south. Aug 07, 2019 the lost coast is on my mind this week because primetime there is approaching. The remoteness is a rare respite from the rest of the state.
To accomplish this hike, youll either need to bring 2 cars or use a shuttle service. Your ultimate guide to backpacking the lost coast trail in california trail details, camping, permits, weather, tide tables, and more the. All logistical details have been updated as of january, 2018. Dec 06, 2015 i headed into my lost coast trail backpacking trip during the first week of december 2015 confident that i would accomplish my goal to hike from mattole trailhead to shelter cove and return. Backpacking californias lost coast rei adventures rei coop.
The trip itself will be 4 full days and 3 nights in the backcountry of californias lost coast. King range portion is mostly beach and sinkyone section is in the woods, on the ridge above the ocean. Hiking the remote lost coast of northern california is on the bucket list of many serious hikers. With no road or cell phone signal for miles, this rare stretch of paradise is a mustdo for the backpacker looking for a truly off the beaten path experience. With no access available, this remote and beautiful stretch of land became known as the lost coast. Big flat beach is a backpacking stop along the lost coast trail in humboldt county. It is about 230 miles north of san francisco and 60 miles south of eureka. There are no mansions tucked along hillsides or congested lines of traffic winding along the cliffs. The lost coast trail in the king range is 25 rugged miles of californias. We unloaded our packs, filled our water bottles and locked up the xterra. There is a plane landing strip in the flats and private parcels.
The california coast was, in fact, the last place i would choose for a backpacking trip. The lost coast is a mostly natural and undeveloped area of the california north coast in humboldt and mendocino counties, which includes the king range. Oct 22, 2019 a hardearned guide to hiking californias lost coast trail. Id like to offer everyone a personal tour, but the next best thing is a quick rundown to get you startedand hopefully hooked.
Big flat on the lost coast trail, honeydew, ca california. Today, then, we wanted to share with you one of our alltime favorite hikes in the statesthe lost coast trail. Aimed at serious outdoor lovers, the described routes assume some familiarity with backpacking. Not up to backpacking but want to stretch your legs.
I headed into my lost coast trail backpacking trip during the first week of december 2015 confident that i would accomplish my goal to hike from mattole trailhead to shelter cove and return. Big flat and miller flat make up this wide sandy, rocky, driftwoody spot at the mouth of big flat creek. King range wilderness permits lost coast recreation. The lost coast, or as i like to call it, the abandoned coast, is one of californias most rugged and remote backpacking trips. Lost coast shuttle sent a dualcab pickup to take us and two guys who had just finished the trail up to mattole beach, another two hours away. With a lively color palette, the lost coast is a very comfortable, stylish, and streamlined technical backpack that will appeal to hikers who want one pack for backcountry adventure and more urban endeavors.
You go from hiking on coarse black sand to pebbly beaches. Aug 17, 2014 the lost coast trail stretches 25 miles through the king range national conservation area, from mattole beach in the north to the village of shelter cove in the south. It is a mediumstrenuous trip that will take you along the last part of our coast with no roads the california king range conservation area. Round trip, or partial trips on the lost coast trail. The lost coast trail backpacking guide the hiking life. Adventure out takes you on this iconic hike to the isolated lost coast of northern california. The trail meanders along the foot of high mountains in the king range in southern humboldt county and northern mendocino county. Backpacking hacks 4 turn a summer sleeping bag into a 3season sleep system cheap duration.
Backpack northern californias iconic lost coast on this fully quided rei adventurea trip to remember. California lost coast backpacking trip wildland trekking. Read on, and start lacing up those hiking boots now. Big flat on the lost coast trail in shelter cove, california. Solitude can be difficult to find on holiday weekends, so try to plan your hike during weekdays, or the less crowded springfall months. The lost coast is a 53mile route along northern californias rugged coast, untouched by highway 1. Backpacking the lost coast trail hiking the lost cost trail introduction. Backpacking the lost coast trail in mendocino, california duration. This is a one way hike, so you need to shuttle a car to the end and then drive to the. The standard group size on our lost coast backpacking trips is 6 guests and 1 guide, with a maximum of 12 guests and 2 guides. The lost coast trail is a popular summer backpacking route along the shoreline of a remote region in northern california. Just west of humboldt county, it is apart of king range national conservation area.
Sohum health, six rivers real estate, fin n feather, kiskanu, green road consulting, dr greenthumb, north coast rape crisis team, cpr aquatics inc. The harder it blows, the more people appreciate hiking the lost coast trail southbound. You need to contact us prior to getting on the trail to confirm the. On the lost coast, the wind often blows from the northwest. A place where the sun sets rather than rises over the water. We get calls to the office regarding questions about how to approach the logistics for the trail on a daily basis. Hikers can view sea lions, tidepools and spectacular spring wildflowers. Buy a cheap copy of backpacking california backpacking book. Lost coast trailnorth mattole black sands beach 24. Home forums gear forums gear lists lost coast gear list viewing 5 posts 1 through 5 of 5 total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends campsaver gaia. The lost coast trail is a force to be reckoned with. Home forums gear forums gear lists lost coast gear list viewing 5 posts 1 through 5 of 5 total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends campsaver. The lost coast is black bear country, and trail mavens takes every precaution when traveling in bear habitat by storing food, drinks, toiletries, and trash in bearresistant containers.
A hardearned guide to hiking californias lost coast trail. Aug 06, 2019 on the lost coast, the wind often blows from the northwest. Book a oneway shuttle from black sands beach to mattole river. But while everyone else is rushing off to yosemite, sequoia, or joshua tree, travelers looking for a bit more solitude and seclusion should consider spending a few days on this forgotten section of the california coast instead. Full moon backpacking on the lost coast trail, 52022 backpack the lost coast and explore californias most remote stretch of coastline while camping under the light of a full moon.
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