Lost Coast Trail
The wild King Range "Lost Coast" - the longest roadless stretch of California coastline
The route
The line through King Range, California, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Mattole BeachTrailhead
North start
- 1Mattole BeachTrailhead
North start
- 2Punta Gorda LighthouseViewpoint
Old lighthouse; seals
- 2Punta Gorda LighthouseViewpoint
Old lighthouse; seals
- 3Spanish Creek (tidal zone)Junction
Impassable at high tide
- 3Spanish Creek (tidal zone)Junction
Impassable at high tide
- 4Big FlatCamp
Popular camp
- 4Big FlatCamp
Popular camp
- 5Black Sands Beach (Shelter Cove)Trailhead
South finish
- 5Black Sands Beach (Shelter Cove)Trailhead
South finish
Season & conditions
Late spring-early fall (drier, calmer surf)
Fog, wind, rain; sneaker waves and high surf are the hazard
Passable year-round but winter storms/high surf and king tides close sections; a tide chart is mandatory. Confirm.
On the trail
Black-sand and cobble beach, tidal benches, creek crossings, driftwood
Non-technical but physically taxing; some sections are passable only at low tide
Follow the beach/bench; you must plan around the tide tables
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
North-to-south (with the prevailing wind) is standard; shorter out-and-backs from Black Sands Beach
Getting there & staying
Mattole (north) to Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove (south)
Point-to-point; use a shuttle service between Mattole and Shelter Cove
Beach camping only (permit); no huts; store food in a bear canister
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Shelter Cove; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
A BLM permit (Recreation.gov) is required and a bear canister is mandatory; sea otters/seals protected. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Getting trapped by the tide, sneaker waves, creek fords, isolation, weather
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.