Lost Coast King Range Trail & Hikes

Along the northern coast of California, civilization has left its mark on all but the most rugged or remote stretches of coastline known as The Lost Coast.

Untouched by major highways and towns, the name is well earned because it can only be accessed by a few back roads leading out of Shelter Cove in the south and Mattole in the north.

A part of the King Range Conservation Area managed by the BLM, the Lost Coast Trail is a 25-mile stretch of coastal wilderness that leads north from Black Sands Beach to the Mattole River along the beach. This rugged hike is not a simple walk on the beach and offers one of the few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the U.S. Hikers can view sea lions, tidepools and spectacular spring wildflowers. 

Much of the trail is beach hiking with several stretches of 1- to 2-foot rounded boulders, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Stream crossings occur every 1.5 to 2 miles, and they may become impassable during or after heavy winter rains (as there are no bridges).

There are three areas that are only passable when the tide is under certain thresholds:
Punta Gorda – passable under 6 feet
Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek – passable under 2.5 feet (always enter this section on a receding tide)
Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek – passable under 3 feet (always enter this section on a receding tide).

Check the tides, weather, and the marine forecast before heading out on the Lost Coast Trail.

Allow at least three days for the entire hike.
Trip Planning Guide
Map of the area

To obtain a backcountry permit go to recreation.gov. Call the Bureau of Land Management King Range National Conservation Area at 707-986-5400 for more information.

Please Remember! Never turn your back on the ocean; large sneaker waves can surge up to100 feet further up the beach than the previous sets of waves and occur at any time, sweeping unsuspecting hikers into the water.