California's coastline is mostly developed, but one stretch remains wild. The Lost Coast got its name because Highway 1 couldn't conquer it—the mountains dropped too steeply to the sea. Today, that rugged geography preserves 25 miles of pristine beaches, black sand, marine wildlife, and the kind of solitude that's rare on any American coast.
The Lost Coast Trail is a bucket-list backpacking trip: camping on empty beaches, timing your passage with the tides, walking where the only other tracks are from seals and deer. It's challenging and logistically complex, but for those who complete it, utterly unforgettable.
Trail Overview
Basic Stats
- Distance: 25 miles one way
- Typical Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trailheads: Mattole (north) and Black Sands Beach (south)
The trail runs between Mattole Campground and Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove. Most hikers go north to south to have the wind and sun at their backs. The route follows the beach for most of its length, with some bluff detours where cliffs drop directly to the sea.
This isn't a maintained trail in the traditional sense—you're walking on sand, rocks, and gravel. It's slow going, and the terrain is constantly changing with tides and storms.
Tide Timing
The Lost Coast's defining challenge is tidal passage. Several sections of the trail are impassable at high tide—waves crash directly against cliffs, leaving no way through. You must time your hiking with the tides.
Impassable Zones
Key areas that require tide timing:
- Punta Gorda to Sea Lion Gulch (most critical)
- Miller Flat to Randall Creek
- Big Flat to Shipman Creek
Planning Around Tides
- Get a tide chart for your dates (available with permits)
- Plan to cross impassable zones at tides of 1.5 feet or lower
- Build flexibility into your itinerary
- Never try to "rush through" a marginal tide—people have died
Permits and Regulations
Permit Requirements
- Permits required year-round
- Available at recreation.gov (reserve in advance) or self-service at trailheads
- Free but required for backcountry camping
Regulations
- Bear canisters required for food storage
- Fires only in designated areas below high-tide line
- Pack out all trash
- Respect private property at Shelter Cove
What to Expect
The Terrain
Walking on mixed sand and cobble is exhausting—expect to cover about 6-8 miles per day, not the 10-15 you might on a mountain trail. Your feet will hurt. The reward is constant ocean views and empty beaches.
Wildlife
The Lost Coast is rich with wildlife:
- Sea lions and harbor seals
- Migrating gray whales (seasonal)
- Black-tailed deer
- Black bears (hence the canister requirement)
- Abundant seabirds
Weather
Be prepared for anything:
- Fog is common, even in summer
- Wind can be fierce
- Sun exposure is significant on cloudless days
- Rain is possible any time of year
Logistics
Getting There
The Lost Coast is remote—about 4 hours north of San Francisco, 2 hours south of Eureka. The roads are winding and slow.
Shuttle Services
Since it's a one-way hike, you need transportation between trailheads. Options:
- Leave a car at each end (requires two vehicles)
- Use a shuttle service (several operate locally)
- Hitchhike (common and generally successful)
Best Times
- May-October: Driest weather; most reliable conditions
- Spring: Wildflowers but possibly wet
- Fall: Less fog, pleasant temperatures
- Winter: Storms make conditions dangerous
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 25 miles one way |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Permit | Required (year-round) |
| Bear Canister | Required |
| Key Challenge | Tidal timing |
The Lost Coast offers something increasingly rare: genuine coastal wilderness. The logistical challenges—tides, shuttles, terrain—add to the sense of adventure. For backpackers seeking wild beaches, pounding surf, and nights camping under stars with the ocean roaring nearby, this is the ultimate California coastal experience.
