Have you ever wanted to hike along miles of empty beach with only seals and waves for company? The Lost Coast Trail offers exactly that – a raw, wild experience that most backpackers never get to see.
After completing this trail three times over the past five years and helping dozens of hikers plan their trips, I can tell you it’s unlike any other hike in California.
This remote stretch of coastline stands apart from typical mountain trails. You’ll deal with ocean tides instead of altitude, navigate by lighthouse markers rather than tree blazes, and camp beside crashing waves instead of quiet lakes. The trail demands respect for nature’s timing and power.
This guide is for anyone planning their first Lost Coast backpacking trip or experienced hikers seeking insider tips.
I’ll share the practical knowledge you need to stay safe and make the most of this incredible wilderness experience.
What Is The Lost Coast Trail?
The Lost Coast Trail runs along California’s most untouched coastline, where the mountains dramatically meet the Pacific Ocean.
The trail stretches roughly 25 miles through the King Range National Conservation Area. Most hikers complete the northern section from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach, which takes 3-4 days. This route offers the best mix of beach hiking, wildlife viewing, and manageable logistics.
What makes Lost Coast backpacking so special is its isolation. No roads reach this coastline for over 60 miles. You’ll hike on black sand beaches, cross rocky headlands, and camp beside streams that flow directly into the ocean.
The southern section runs from Black Sands Beach to Shelter Cove. This part is shorter but involves more technical rock scrambling and fewer good camping spots. Most first-time visitors stick to the northern route.
Essential Trail Details
The Lost Coast Trail covers about 25 miles point-to-point with almost no elevation gain. Don’t let the flat profile fool you – this is tough hiking. Sand and rocks make every step harder than normal trail surfaces.
Plan for 3-4 days to complete the hike. The terrain is moderate in difficulty, but tides and weather can make it challenging. You’ll need to time your hiking around high tides that block certain sections of the beach.
Key highlights include the Punta Gorda Lighthouse, expansive black-sand beaches, and incredible tide pools. Marine wildlife is abundant – expect to see seals, sea lions, and migrating whales during the right season.
Permits And Regulations
Planning your Lost Coast backpacking trip starts with getting the right permits. You’ll need a King Range Wilderness Permit for overnight stays.
The permit system works on a rolling 3-month reservation window through Recreation.gov. Daily quotas limit the number of hikers, especially during peak season from May through October. Fees vary by group size, with restrictions on large groups.
- King Range Wilderness Permit required for overnight camping
- Reserve up to 3 months in advance on Recreation.gov
- Daily hiker limits vary by season (lower in summer peak)
- Group size limited to 8 people maximum
- Bear canister required – no exceptions allowed
- Permit fees range from $5 to 15 per person per night
Get your permits early, especially for summer weekends. The trail’s growing popularity means permits sell out quickly during the best weather months.
Getting To The Lost Coast Trail
The trail has two main access points, depending on your chosen direction. Mattole Beach serves as the northern trailhead, while Black Sands Beach is the southern endpoint.
Driving times from major cities are significant. Expect 4-5 hours from San Francisco, 5-6 hours from Sacramento, and 8-9 hours from Los Angeles. The last hour involves winding mountain roads with no cell service.
Most hikers start at Mattole Beach and finish at Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove. This direction puts the prevailing wind at your back for easier hiking conditions.
Transportation Options
Getting back to your car requires some planning since this is a point-to-point trail. Several shuttle services operate in the area and can save you time and hassle.
Lost Coast Trail Transport and Mendo Insider Tours both offer reliable shuttle services. They’ll pick you up at one trailhead and drive you to the other, or back to your car. Book these services well in advance during peak season.
You can also arrange a car swap with other hikers going the opposite direction. Online forums and social media groups help coordinate these meetups. The two-car option works if you’re hiking with friends who can drop one vehicle at each end.
Maps And Finding Your Way
Tide charts are more important than topographic maps on this trail. Three sections of beach become impassable at high tide, and getting trapped could be dangerous.
The critical impassable zones occur near Big Flat Creek, around Randall Creek, and south of Sea Lion Gulch. Each has different tide height thresholds that determine safe passage times. Study these carefully before your trip.
Download GPS tracks and use reliable apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails Pro. Cell service is nonexistent along most of the trail. A GPS device or satellite communicator like Garmin inReach provides backup safety and communication options.
Best Time To Hike The Lost Coast Trail
May through October offer the best conditions for Lost Coast backpacking. You’ll get longer daylight hours, less rain, and calmer seas during this window.
Off-season hiking from November through April brings storms, higher creek crossings, and challenging conditions. Only experienced backpackers should attempt winter trips. Rain can make creek crossings dangerous and camping miserable.
The weather along the coast stays cool and foggy even in summer. Expect temperatures in the 50s-70s with strong winds and sudden weather changes. Fog often rolls in during the afternoons, reducing visibility significantly.
Plan your daily hiking schedule around both tides and available daylight. Summer gives you more flexibility, while shorter winter days leave little room for tide delays.
Camping On The Lost Coast Trail
You can camp at established campgrounds before starting your hike. Mattole Campground near the northern trailhead offers basic facilities and a good place to organize gear.
Along the trail, most camping happens beside freshwater creeks that flow to the ocean. Popular spots include Horse Mountain Creek, Big Flat, Kinsey Creek, and Cooskie Creek. These sites offer fresh water and some wind protection.
Leave No Trace principles are especially important in this fragile coastal environment. Pack out all trash, use established fire rings only, and camp on durable surfaces away from vegetation. The wind can scatter lightweight items quickly, so secure everything well.
Hazards And Safety Considerations
The Lost Coast Trail presents unique dangers that require constant attention. Understanding these risks is essential for safe lost coast backpacking.
Tides pose the biggest threat to hikers. Three sections become completely impassable at high tide, potentially trapping hikers against cliffs. Study tide charts and plan your schedule accordingly.
- Sneaker waves can knock you down without warning
- Rocky terrain causes ankle injuries and knee strain
- Poison oak grows thick in many creek areas
- Ticks are common in tall grass and brush
- Rattlesnakes live in the dunes and rocky areas
- Bears require secure food storage in canisters
- Water sources may contain harmful bacteria or parasites
Sneaker waves are especially dangerous. These large waves can appear suddenly and sweep people into the ocean. Never turn your back on the waves or get too close to the water’s edge.
Gear And Packing Essentials
Smart gear choices make the difference between suffering and enjoying your Lost Coast backpacking experience. The coastal environment demands specific equipment considerations.
Standard backpacking gear forms your foundation – reliable pack, shelter, sleeping system, and stove. However, the beach environment requires additions to the typical mountain setup.
- Lightweight backpacking pack (40-60 liter capacity)
- 3-season tent with strong wind resistance and extra stakes
- Sleeping bag rated to 35°F for cool coastal nights
- Backpacking stove and lightweight cookware
- Bear canister for all scented items (required)
- A GPS device or a smartphone with offline maps
- Satellite communicator for emergencies
- Trekking poles for stability on sand and rocks
- Extra insoles to reduce foot fatigue
- Rain jacket and warm layers for sudden weather changes
- Water filter and purification tablets
- First aid kit with blister treatment
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Pack lightweight, high-energy foods that don’t require much cooking. Strong coastal winds make food preparation challenging, so simple meals work best.
Suggested Itineraries For Backpacking The Lost Coast Trail
A 3-day, 2-night schedule works well for most hikers. Camp at Horse Mountain Creek the first night and Kinsey Creek the second night. This gives you manageable daily distances of 8-10 miles.
The 4-day, 3-night option allows a more relaxed pace with better time for photography and wildlife watching. Add a stop at Big Flat for your middle night. This spreads the hiking over shorter daily segments of 6-8 miles.
Hiking direction affects your experience significantly. Northbound (Shelter Cove to Mattole Beach) fights against prevailing winds and offers different timing for the impassable sections. Southbound (Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove) typically provides easier conditions with wind assistance.
Conclusion
The Lost Coast Trail offers a backpacking experience unlike anywhere else in California. This wild coastline rewards careful planning with incredible solitude, dramatic ocean views, and memories that last a lifetime.
Success requires attention to tides, weather, and proper gear selection. Get your permits early, study the tide charts, and respect the power of the ocean environment. The trail doesn’t forgive poor preparation or careless decisions.
When you stand on those empty black sand beaches with waves crashing beside you and mountains rising inland, you’ll understand why Lost Coast backpacking attracts adventurous hikers from around the world. The effort to get there makes the experience even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Hike The Lost Coast Trail Solo?
Yes, but take extra precautions. Bring a GPS device and satellite communicator for emergencies. Tell someone your exact plans and return time before starting.
Are Fires Allowed Along The Lost Coast Trail?
Campfires are discouraged for Leave No Trace reasons. Some sites have driftwood fire rings, but check current fire restrictions. Bring a reliable stove instead.
What Fitness Level Do I Need For This Trail?
Good endurance and leg strength are essential. Sand and rock hiking is harder than regular trails. You should handle 8-10 miles with a full pack.
How Do I Prepare For The Windy Conditions?
Use a wind-resistant tent with extra stakes. Practice setup in windy conditions beforehand. Hiking southbound puts the wind at your back. Secure lightweight items well.
Is Cell Service Available On The Trail?
No cell coverage exists on the trail. Download offline maps before starting. GPS units or satellite communicators provide the only emergency communication options available.
