Generated with sparks and insights from 1 sources

Lost Coast

Area in Humboldt County, California

Travel Tips

Prepare for a hike as there are no roads into the Lost Coast. Bear canisters are required for all food. 1

Introduction

Geography

• 📍 Location: The Lost Coast is situated in Northern California, primarily within Humboldt and Mendocino Counties.
• 🏔️ Terrain: Characterized by steep coastal mountains and rugged terrain, making it difficult for road construction.
• 🌊 Coastline: Extends roughly between Rockport and Ferndale, with no major highways running through it.
• 🌲 Vegetation: Features dense forests, including redwood groves, and diverse plant life.
• 🗺️ Coordinates: Approximately 40°26′24″N 124°24′34″W.

<br>

Climate

• 🌧️ Wet Season: October to April, with significant rainfall, especially in the King Range mountains.
• ☀️ Dry Season: May to September, generally warm and dry but with variable weather.
• ❄️ Snow: Higher peaks may experience snow, which melts quickly.
• 🌡️ Temperatures: Summer temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F.
• 💧 Rainfall: Annual rainfall can exceed 100 inches, with some areas receiving over 200 inches in wet years.

<br>

Activities

• 🥾 Hiking: The Lost Coast Trail is a 25-mile trek popular among backpackers.
• 📸 Photography: Stunning coastal views and wildlife make it a photographer's paradise.
• 🦌 Wildlife: Opportunities to see sea lions, elephant seals, river otters, eagles, and more.
• 🌸 Wildflowers: Spring brings spectacular arrays of wildflowers on hillsides and bluffs.
• 🏄‍♂️ Surfing: Some secluded beaches offer surfing opportunities.

<br>

Transportation

• 🚗 Roads: Accessible via small mountain roads like Mattole Road and Shelter Cove Road.
• 🛤️ No Highways: No major highways run through the Lost Coast, adding to its seclusion.
• 🛬 Airport: Shelter Cove Airport is a small public airport with one runway.
• 🚤 Boat: Coastal communities are also accessible by boat.
• 🛣️ Route 1: Originally planned to continue through the region but was rerouted due to the challenging terrain.

<br>

Camping

• ⛺ Permits: Overnight camping requires a Backcountry Permit, available through Recreation.gov.
• 🏕️ Mattole Campground: Located near Petrolia, offers 14 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets.
• 🚫 No Camping: Not allowed at Black Sands Beach Trailhead; permitted north of Telegraph Creek with a permit.
• 🌲 Sinkyone Wilderness: Offers additional camping opportunities with different regulations.
• 🔥 Fire Safety: Campfires are allowed in designated areas; always check local regulations.

<br>

Points of Interest

• 🏛️ Punta Gorda Lighthouse: An abandoned lighthouse accessible by a three-mile hike from Mattole River Beach.
• 🏞️ King Range: Offers stunning views and diverse wildlife.
• 🏖️ Black Sands Beach: Known for its unique black sand, caused by dark minerals and iron.
• 🏡 Shelter Cove: A small coastal town with various activities and accommodations.
• 🌲 Redwood Forests: Nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park features some of the world's oldest redwoods.

<br>

<br><br> <div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Lost Coast Trail California Road Trip & California PCH", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6koq7qnTtU", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 1, 2018", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Ultimate California Coastal Road Trip | The Lost Coast", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv6cl-Oj2iw", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 3, 2020", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Lost Coast of California | Motorcycle Travel & Camping", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8t3S5-s56k", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 13, 2023", "length": "" }</div>