Backpacking the Lost Coast Trail

The views along the Pacific Coast Highway in California are a spectacular sight to see via an automobile. Drive far enough North and the highway makes a sharp turn inland, this is where the real views begin. This turn in the highway is where the Lost Coast Trail begins.

For the next 50 miles or so its nothing but a variety of beaches, mountains, rocky coast lines, and you. The Lost Coast Trail starts with forested ravines, smooth wind worn bluffs, and a number of secluded coves filled with panoramic views.

The rest of the Lost Coast Trail will bring you to some uniquely beautiful black sand beaches. You’ll also find your self on some very pristine stretches of coast where you can watch for migrating grey whales, watch various sea life frolic of the coast, and see ample signs of the active wildlife.

Permits Needed

In Sinkyone Park you can still self register for a permit at the trailhead. The King Range end has tightened up since this was written: every overnight trip there now needs a permit booked on Recreation.gov, released on a three-month rolling window, with a share held back for walk-ups at the BLM office, and a hard-sided bear canister is required rather than recommended. The old free fire permit is part of that now.

When to Go

To get the best “summer” experience, visit this area in spring and fall. The summer months here crowded and the weather is more nasty than pleasant and the winter months are wet and miserable.

What to Bring

Make sure to get a tide table for the area. You can get this at the Bureau of Land Management. Several stretches of the trail are impassable at high tide, which is why the BLM tells you to read the tide tables before you even book your permit dates, not after. A hard-sided bear canister is required, and you will want to bring a water treatment device.