| In This Guide How To Plan Your Lost Coast Trail Hike Getting Permits for the Lost Coast Trail Preparing for the Trip Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions | Total Distance (?) 25.5 miles (41.1 km) | Hike Time 2-4 Days (Total) | Difficulty (?) Hard | Total Ascent (?) 1,000 feet (305m) |
|---|
How many days does the Lost Coast trail take?
Lost Coast Trail is an almost 25-mile hike through underbrush, beautiful vistas, and tons of sightseeing-all while escaping the humdrum of everyday life. Most hikers report that the trail takes
about three days
to hike. This is a pretty good pace, though your mileage may vary.
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.
When should I hike the Lost Coast trail?
6) When to Hike the Lost Coast Trail
However, there is a more optimal time to do this trail which is from approximately
May to October
due to the higher precipitation and colder weather experienced during the winter and early spring.
Can you hike Lost Coast trail without permit?
In the past, hikers and backpackers weren't required to have permits when hiking the Lost Coast Trail, but that changed in 2017
. Now, if you intend to stay overnight along the route, you'll need to register at Recreation.gov ahead of time, and have your permit with you at all times throughout the hike.
Do you need a permit to hike the Lost Coast?
Overnight camping along the Lost Coast Trail requires a Backcountry Permit
. 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.
Can you day hike Lost Coast trail?
You can camp anywhere along the trail that isn't private property.
Most 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.
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.
Can you drive the Lost Coast trail?
The Lost Coast is California's only coastal wilderness, where no development or major roads come near the ocean.
This wild and spectacular scenic drive is the closest you can come to the Lost Coast without a backpack
.
Can you bike the Lost Coast trail?
Not your traditional hiking, backpacking, biking, or bikepacking loop, instead this trip, along the Lost Coast, combines it all
. The southern half of the Lost Coast may push you physically with the amount of elevation gain it has, but its scenic views, from high and low, will make it all worth it.
Can dogs hike the Lost Coast trail?
Lost Coast Headlands offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, wildflower viewing, and beachcombing.
Dogs are welcome off leash as long as they are under strict voice control
. Please pick up after your dogs. Exit Highway 101 at the Ferndale exit.
Where do you fly into for the Lost Coast?
The nearest airport to fly into is
Arcata/Eureka (ACV) airport
, located in McKinleyville, California. From the airport, renting a car will get you to the northern trail head, Mattole in about 3 hours. You could also fly into San Francisco, which is a 4.5 hour drive.
Which way do you hike the Lost Coast trail?
This one is easy. Hike
from north to south
. The prevailing winds will be at your back. Start at Mattole Beach and head south to Shelter Cove.
Is the Lost Coast Open?
| Dates Information | September 16, 2022 – May 14, 2022 30 persons permitted per day |
|---|
Is Usal Beach Open?
This is a seasonal area that is
only open March through October typically
. Usal Beach used to be popular with Jeep and 4×4 clubs because of the rugged access road and the ability to drive right onto the beach, but driving on the beach is no longer allowed and citations are issued to those that ignore the rules.
Where do you poop on the Lost Coast trail?
Coastal Environment
Please bury poop
6-8 inches in the wet sand, below the high tide line
. On inland trails, you must bury your waste at least 200 feet from streams, camps, and trails.
Where is the Lost Coast in California?
The California Lost Coast is located
225 miles north of San Francisco
, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. Driving along Highway 1 is a wonderful experience, especially with all the stunning coastal views and fun activities along the way, but it's only the beginning of your adventure.
