Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING THE LOST COAST
The best way to see the Lost Coast is to hike, and the best hiking is through the southern
regions within the Sinkyone and Kings Range Wilderness areas. Some of the best trails
start from Mattole Campground, just south Petrolia, which is on the northern border of
the Kings Range. It's at the ocean end of Lighthouse Rd, 4 miles from Mattole Rd (some-
times marked as Hwy 211), southeast of Petrolia.
Both Wailaki and Nadelos have developed
campgrounds
(tent sites $8) with toilets
and water. There are another four developed campgrounds around the range, with toilets
but no water (except Honeydew, which has purifiable creek water). There are multiple
primitive walk-in sites. You'll need a bear canister and backcountry permit, both available
from BLM offices.
Lost Coast Trail
HIKE
The Lost Coast Trail follows 24.7 miles of coastline from Mattole Campground in the north
to Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove in the south. The prevailing northerly winds make it
best to hike from north to south; plan for three or four days. In October and November,
and April and May, the weather is iffy and winds can blow south to north, depending on
whether there's a low-pressure system overhead. The best times to come are summer
weekdays in early June, at the end of August, September and October. The trail is 'dis-
covered' and will often have hikers; busiest times are Memorial Day, Labor Day and sum-
mer weekends. The only reliable shuttle with permits to transport backpackers through
$200-$450, extra passenger $25). Transport prices depend on the distance you want to
travel.
Highlights include an abandoned lighthouse at Punta Gorda, remnants of early ship-
wrecks, tidepools and abundant wildlife including sea lions, seals and some 300 bird spe-
cies. The trail is mostly level, passing beaches and crossing over rocky outcrops. Along
the Lost Coast Trail,
Big Flat
is the most popular backcountry destination. Carry a tide
table, lest you get trapped: from Buck Creek to Miller Creek, you can only hike during an
outgoing tide.
Punta Gorda Lighthouse Hike
HIKE
