When most people think of the California coast, they think of multi-million dollar mansions, crowded beaches, and massive freeways constantly clogged with traffic.
But did you know that there are still long stretches of this 840-mile-long coastline that feel as if they are virtually untouched by human civilization? Stretches where there are no roads and the only way to get to them is to strap on a backpack and explore with your own two feet.
Once you step foot on this 25-mile stretch of beach, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time and get to see the California coast as it was before settlers moved in.
Located in Northern California just south of the Redwood National and State Parks, you’ll find the Lost Coast.
Here, the rugged coastal terrain was deemed too extreme for Highway 101 to continue along the coastline. This left a large swath of land, much of which is now protected by the Kings Range National Conservation Area, virtually untouched by civilization.
How to Get There
One of the things that keeps this area so remote is, well, its remoteness. This means that there aren’t really any large towns anywhere nearby.
The closest option is Eureka, which is located around an hour and 45 minutes to the north of the northern entrance of Mattole Beach. The drive from Eureka to Mattole Beach is along a very remote two-lane road that will take you past small farms, tiny (and we mean tiny) towns, and eventually dead ends at the ocean.
On the southern end of the Lost Coast, there is the small town of Shelter Cove, which is approximately four hours north of San Francisco. If you’re backpacking the Lost Coast, this is a popular spot to leave your car as there are shuttles that will run you to the northern end.
Whichever option you choose, rest assured that visiting the Lost Coast is not a day trip, and accommodations and services are limited, so plan accordingly.
Exploring the Lost Coast
The best way to experience the Lost Coast in all its wild glory is to set off on foot and backpack the 25 miles between Mattole Beach and Shelter Cove.
Along this stretch, you’ll pass by long sandy beaches, cliff faces that are only passable at low tide, stream crossings, and backcountry camping spots where it will only be you and the ocean.
One very important thing to note is that permits are required for this hike, and weekend dates during the summer often sell out the day they become available. The permits are released on a three-month rolling window, so planning ahead is imperative.
Most folks will take between 2-4 days to backpack the 25 miles. Although the distance may not sound like much, consider the fact that you will be walking for long stretches on sand or beach cobbles, which will slow you down considerably – especially with a loaded backpack on your back!
Luckily, there is plenty of water and campsites along the coast, so you might as well slow down and enjoy the solitude that this trip offers.
Sights to See Along the Way
While much of the trek along the Lost Coast is completely wild, there are a few notable sights to see along the way.
Punta Gorda Lighthouse
This small lighthouse has been decommissioned for over 70 years but is still standing alongside the trail. You can only imagine what life was like for the lightkeepers being isolated so far away from civilization!
Shipwrecks
Keep an eye out for large pieces of metal along the trail. These are the only remains of century-old shipwrecks littering the coastline.
Sealion Rock
This large rock out in the Pacific is home to a massive sea lion colony. You can occasionally see these huge marine mammals, along with elephant seals, hauled out on the beach along the trail. Just make sure to give them plenty of room, as they are both deceptively fast on land and can be aggressive.
Cabins
Despite its remote location, there are still a few cabins that dot the coastline whose owners refused to sell when the Kings Range National Conservation Area was formed back in the 1970s.
The fanciest of these cabins (which isn’t saying much as their remote location along the rugged Pacific Ocean very quickly makes them show their age) is known to be home to an invite-only disc golf tournament each summer.
