- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Overnight wilderness use requires a permit…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
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Photos of King Range Wilderness
How to get there
The King Range National Conservation Area is about 230 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Eureka. Approach from U.S. 101 through Ferndale and Petrolia for northern access, Honeydew for central access, or Redway/Garberville for Shelter Cove. Roads into the area are narrow, steep, and winding. Start with a full fuel tank, allow extra driving time, and watch for oncoming traffic. Main roads are normally accessible to passenger cars except during heavy winter storms; primitive roads may close seasonally. Confirm current road conditions with BLM. Driving between Black Sands Beach and Mattole Recreation Site takes about two hours and 30 minutes.
- Mattole Recreation Site
For northern access, leave U.S. 101 at the Ferndale exit and follow signs through Ferndale to Petrolia. One mile past Petrolia, turn right onto Lighthouse Road and continue five miles to Mattole Recreation Site.
- Honeydew Creek Recreation Site
For central access, take the South Fork–Honeydew exit from U.S. 101. Follow signs to Honeydew, then turn left toward Honeydew Creek Recreation Site and Smith-Etter Road.
- Shelter Cove
For southern access, take the Redway/Garberville exit from U.S. 101 and follow signs for Shelter Cove and King Range National Conservation Area.
Sources: recreation.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CA, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
A coast backed by steep mountains
King Range Wilderness occupies the Lost Coast of northern California, where steep mountains kept highway construction inland. King Peak reaches 4,088 feet only three miles from the ocean, giving the area an unusually abrupt transition from beach to upland ridges. The Bureau of Land Management manages this wilderness within the King Range National Conservation Area. Its 85 miles of backpacking opportunities cross beaches, coastal bluffs, and mountain terrain; the Lost Coast Trail is the best-known coastal route. Inland, the Honeydew Creek watershed supports ancient coastal forest of Douglas-fir, madrone, and tan oak. The Mattole River dunes, coastal prairie, and stands of reedgrass add habitats beyond the shoreline. Black bears, Roosevelt elk, osprey, seals, and sea lions inhabit the wider landscape. Keep wildlife at a distance and avoid disturbing dunes and coastal vegetation.
Tides determine the coastal itinerary
Plan the Lost Coast Trail around passable tide windows before reserving an overnight permit. Three sections have tide thresholds under normal conditions: Punta Gorda, a quarter-mile section, requires tides below approximately 6 feet; Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, four miles, requires below 2.5 feet; and Miller Creek to Gitchell Creek, 4.5 miles, requires below 3 feet. Enter these sections on a receding tide and budget travel at one mile per hour. Narrow beaches, large boulders, and vertical bedrock walls leave little or no escape from waves. These thresholds do not replace checking the marine forecast and weather. Some dates have no passable tide window, and permit availability does not mean the coast is passable. BLM advises against night hiking because of slippery boulders, wildlife, and large waves. After a strong earthquake on the beach, move to higher ground immediately.
Overnight planning and wilderness requirements
Overnight use requires a wilderness permit year-round; day use does not. Reservations operate on a 90-day rolling system, opening at 7:00 a.m. PST. Each permit may cover up to three people, and each person may hold only one active permit at a time. The maximum group size is 15. Daily entry limits are 60 people from May 15 through September 15 and 30 from September 16 through May 14. Enter on the exact date printed on the permit; re-entry is not allowed. Print and carry the permit, which becomes available to print seven days before entry. Printing locks further changes. Organized and commercial groups need a Special Recreation Permit. Campfires are prohibited throughout the wilderness from June 19 through September 30; camp stoves are allowed with extreme caution. Build the trip around road conditions, daylight, and tide windows rather than a fixed daily mileage target.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to King Range Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 40.1591, -124.1593
- Latitude (DMS)
- 40° 9′ 32.7″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 124° 9′ 33.5″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for King Range Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
From beaches to high peaks commanding outstanding vistas, the King Range Wilderness is the wildest portion of the California coast. Indeed, the King Range is the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 40.159, -124.159
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at King Range Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around King Range Wilderness
A coast backed by steep mountains
King Range Wilderness occupies the Lost Coast of northern California, where steep mountains kept highway construction inland. King Peak reaches 4,088 feet only three miles from the ocean, giving the area an unusually abrupt transition from beach to upland ridges. The Bureau of Land Management manages this wilderness within the King Range National Conservation Area. Its 85 miles of backpacking opportunities cross beaches, coastal bluffs, and mountain terrain; the Lost Coast Trail is the best-known coastal route. Inland, the Honeydew Creek watershed supports ancient coastal forest of Douglas-fir, madrone, and tan oak. The Mattole River dunes, coastal prairie, and stands of reedgrass add habitats beyond the shoreline. Black bears, Roosevelt elk, osprey, seals, and sea lions inhabit the wider landscape. Keep wildlife at a distance and avoid disturbing dunes and coastal vegetation.
Tides determine the coastal itinerary
Plan the Lost Coast Trail around passable tide windows before reserving an overnight permit. Three sections have tide thresholds under normal conditions: Punta Gorda, a quarter-mile section, requires tides below approximately 6 feet; Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, four miles, requires below 2.5 feet; and Miller Creek to Gitchell Creek, 4.5 miles, requires below 3 feet. Enter these sections on a receding tide and budget travel at one mile per hour. Narrow beaches, large boulders, and vertical bedrock walls leave little or no escape from waves. These thresholds do not replace checking the marine forecast and weather. Some dates have no passable tide window, and permit availability does not mean the coast is passable. BLM advises against night hiking because of slippery boulders, wildlife, and large waves. After a strong earthquake on the beach, move to higher ground immediately.
Overnight planning and wilderness requirements
Overnight use requires a wilderness permit year-round; day use does not. Reservations operate on a 90-day rolling system, opening at 7:00 a.m. PST. Each permit may cover up to three people, and each person may hold only one active permit at a time. The maximum group size is 15. Daily entry limits are 60 people from May 15 through September 15 and 30 from September 16 through May 14. Enter on the exact date printed on the permit; re-entry is not allowed. Print and carry the permit, which becomes available to print seven days before entry. Printing locks further changes. Organized and commercial groups need a Special Recreation Permit. Campfires are prohibited throughout the wilderness from June 19 through September 30; camp stoves are allowed with extreme caution. Build the trip around road conditions, daylight, and tide windows rather than a fixed daily mileage target.
Route options
- Lost Coast Trail25 milesDemanding coastal travel with tide-dependent passage.
The coastal backpacking route runs between Shelter Cove and Petrolia. Build the itinerary around all three tide-restricted sections, checking tide windows before booking a permit. Beach and boulder travel can be slow, and high surf or unfavorable weather can make passage unsafe.
- Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek4 milesSlow, tide-dependent beach and boulder travel.
A tide-restricted section of the Lost Coast Trail, not a separate trailhead-to-trailhead itinerary. Under normal conditions, passage requires tides below 2.5 feet. Enter on a receding tide and plan for one mile per hour through narrow beach and boulder terrain without grassy bluff refuge.
- Miller Creek to Gitchell Creek4.5 milesSlow, tide-dependent beach and boulder travel.
Another tide-restricted section within the Lost Coast Trail. Under normal conditions, passage requires tides below 3 feet. Enter on a receding tide, budget one mile per hour, and check marine conditions as well as predicted tide levels.
Sample itineraries
- Lost Coast Trail backpack · 4 days
Plan a four-day trip along the 25-mile Lost Coast Trail between Petrolia and Shelter Cove. Treat this as a planning outline, not a fixed schedule: choose dates and daily stages around passable tide windows, daylight and marine forecasts. Arrange transportation between ends before departure.
- Upland wilderness overnight · 2 days
Plan an overnight on the King Range's upland ridge trails rather than a coastal traverse. Use the BLM topographic map to select a route suited to the group. Confirm road conditions and trail connections before choosing access; the wilderness has 85 miles of backpacking opportunities across ridges, bluffs and beaches.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring travel
Check road conditions before committing to remote access. Coastal travel still depends on tides and marine forecasts, not the season alone. Select daily stages only after identifying safe passage windows through the narrow beach sections.
Summer
Summer travel
Summer does not guarantee passable tides; some dates have no suitable passage windows. No campfires are allowed anywhere in the wilderness June 19 through September 30. Camp stoves are allowed with extreme caution.
Fall
Fall travel
Check each proposed travel date carefully: some fall dates have tides that never fall low enough for passage along the Lost Coast Trail. Permit availability does not establish coastal safety. Review weather and marine forecasts before departure.
Winter
Winter travel
Heavy winter storms can affect main-road access, and primitive roads may close seasonally. Confirm conditions with BLM. Allow flexibility for unfavorable weather, marine conditions and tide windows; avoid plans that require crossing dangerous beach sections after dark.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring travel | Check road conditions before committing to remote access. Coastal travel still depends on tides and marine forecasts, not the season alone. Select daily stages only after identifying safe passage windows through the narrow beach sections. |
| Summer | Summer travel | Summer does not guarantee passable tides; some dates have no suitable passage windows. No campfires are allowed anywhere in the wilderness June 19 through September 30. Camp stoves are allowed with extreme caution. |
| Fall | Fall travel | Check each proposed travel date carefully: some fall dates have tides that never fall low enough for passage along the Lost Coast Trail. Permit availability does not establish coastal safety. Review weather and marine forecasts before departure. |
| Winter | Winter travel | Heavy winter storms can affect main-road access, and primitive roads may close seasonally. Confirm conditions with BLM. Allow flexibility for unfavorable weather, marine conditions and tide windows; avoid plans that require crossing dangerous beach sections after dark. |
Permits, fees & closures
Overnight wilderness use requires a permit year-round; day use does not. Each permit covers up to three people, with one active permit per person. Maximum group size is 15. Organized and commercial groups need a Special Recreation Permit. Check tides before purchasing.
Reservations: Reservations open 90 days before entry at 7:00 a.m. PST. Entry quotas are 60 people daily May 15–September 15 and 30 daily September 16–May 14. Enter on the exact permitted date. Print and carry the permit; printing opens seven days before entry and prevents further changes.
Official source: King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast), King ... - Recreation.gov · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Tide traps have narrow beaches, large boulders and vertical walls without refuge. Punta Gorda requires tides below approximately 6 feet; Sea Lion Gulch–Randall Creek below 2.5 feet; Miller Creek–Gitchell Creek below 3 feet. Enter on a receding tide and plan travel at 1 mph.
- Large waves and unfavorable marine conditions can make coastal travel dangerous even when planning around tide thresholds. Check both the marine forecast and weather before departure.
- Slippery boulders, wildlife and large waves make nighttime hiking hazardous. BLM does not recommend it; build daylight margins into each coastal stage.
- Earthquakes can trigger tsunami danger. If a strong earthquake occurs while on the beach, move to higher ground immediately.
- Access roads are narrow, steep and winding. Allow extra driving time, start with a full fuel tank and watch for oncoming traffic. Heavy winter storms can affect access.
- Rescue should not be treated as a backup itinerary. BLM has no search-and-rescue team here; prepare for remote travel and make conservative turnaround decisions.
What to pack for King Range Wilderness
- BLM topographic map showing impassable zones
- Tide predictions for every coastal travel day
- Written passage windows and daylight schedule
- Printed overnight permit
- Footwear with dependable grip on uneven ground
- Rain shell and insulating layers
- Waterproof protection for maps and essential gear
- First-aid kit and emergency shelter
- Water containers and water treatment
- Food appropriate to the itinerary
- Camp stove used with extreme caution
- Emergency communication device
- Headlamp for emergencies, not planned nighttime coastal crossings
King Range Wilderness FAQ
- What distinguishes the King Range Wilderness?
- Mountains rise directly above a rugged coast that highways could not follow. King Peak reaches 4,088 feet only three miles from the ocean. Backpacking terrain includes beaches, coastal bluffs and upland ridges, with old-growth Douglas-fir forest, coastal prairie and the Mattole River dune system.
- Does an available permit mean the Lost Coast Trail is passable?
- No. Permits cover the whole wilderness, not just the coast. Check tide predictions before booking and identify passage windows for all three impassable zones. Marine conditions and weather also matter; a tide threshold alone is not a guarantee of safety.
- How do travelers reach the coast?
- For northern access, follow U.S. 101 to Ferndale, continue toward Petrolia, then take Lighthouse Road to Mattole Recreation Site. For southern access, leave U.S. 101 at Redway/Garberville and follow signs toward Shelter Cove. Roads are slow, narrow and winding.
- How much time should be allowed between coastal access points?
- Allow substantial road-transfer time. The drive between Black Sands Beach and Mattole Recreation Site is listed as two hours, 30 minutes. Arrange transportation separately from the hiking schedule and confirm current road conditions with BLM.
- Are walk-up permits available?
- Up to three starts are available through a lottery at the King Range Visitor Center Monday–Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Remaining walk-up permits are issued first come, first served. A permit is not officially issued until printed and must be carried.
- What wildlife precautions are appropriate?
- Give bears, mountain lions, elk and marine mammals space. Keep food secured and avoid approaching or feeding animals. Along the coast, do not let wildlife encounters delay passage through tide-limited sections; maintain a conservative schedule without crowding animals.