Lost Coast Trail
King Range National Conservation Area, Near Whitethorn, California
Lost Coast Trail does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Overview
The Lost Coast Trail offers one of the few coastal hiking experiences in the United States. Hikers will be treated to exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities such as sea lions, elephant seals, river otters, eagles, bobcats, deer and more. Tidepools, teaming with life, line the coast. In spring spectacular arrays of wildflowers cover the hillsides and bluffs.
Know Before You Go
The northern section of the Lost Coast Trail, from Mattole to Black Sands Beach, is 24.6 miles and moderately level. Allow at least three days to accomplish this hike.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots.
- Water sources are plentiful along the beach.
- Be aware of the tide! Carry a tide table and hike these stretches during an outgoing tide of three feet or less to avoid being trapped.
- The area near Punta Gorda; from Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek; and from Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek, may be impassable during high tide.
- Avoid private property along the trail.
- No Camping at Black Sands Beach Trailhead!
- Camping is allowed North of Telegraph Creek.
The southern section of the Lost Coast Trail, from Hidden Valley to Needle Rock in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, stretches 9 miles with a moderate elevation change.
- The south section of the Lost Coast offers a different scenery than the northern section.
- Hikers can continue for 19 more miles through the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park if they wish.
- NOTE: Sinkyone Wilderness State Park has different regulations regarding trail use and camping.
Camping
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. Before planning your visit or booking a permit, please visit the King Range National Conservation Area page for information such as maps, tide safety, condition reports, and regulations.