Skip to content
Wild10

Become a contributor

Join
Region of California, United States

Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

The only stretch of the California coast without a paved road — 25 miles of black-sand beach hiking below the King Range.

Share
Follow

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Lost Coast Trail (King Range), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region
California, USA
Country
United States
Biome
Coast range beach (0–1,250 m)
Best season
May – October
Difficulty
moderate
Known for
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Beachcombing
  • Wildlife Viewing

Key takeaways

  • Biome: Coast range beach (0–1,250 m)
  • Best season: May – October
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Top activity: backpacking
Loading live weather & climate for Lost Coast Trail (King Range)…

Photos of Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

The Lost Coast is a mostly natural and undeveloped area of the California North Coast in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, which includes the King Range. It was named the "Lost Coast" after the area ex
Photo: Wikipedia contributors · See Wikimedia Commons

Topic summary

The only stretch of the California coast without a paved road — 25 miles of black-sand beach hiking below the King Range.

Key takeaways

  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Best season: May – October

Intended uses

backpacking

Climate suitability

Coast range beach (0–1,250 m)

Region
United States
Biome
Coast range beach (0–1,250 m)
Difficulty
moderate

Tools for a trip here

Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.

backpacking

Plan with verified data

Lost Coast Trail (King Range) trip tools

How to get there

Lost Coast Trail (King Range) is in California, USA, United States. Its center point is 40.1500, -124.1500. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Popular pursuits at Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

  • Backpacking

    Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.

  • Hiking

    Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.

  • Sea Kayaking

    Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.

  • Beachcombing

    Tide-line walking between camps.

  • Wildlife Viewing

    Best light, best season, and where animals move.

Animals around Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

Browse all wildlife guides →

Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.

Fishing at Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

Planning to fish Lost Coast Trail (King Range), California? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in California are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing license at Lost Coast Trail (King Range)?

  • A California fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
  • Read the current California fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
  • Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.

Hunting near Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

Thinking about hunting Lost Coast Trail (King Range), California? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in California are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Lost Coast Trail (King Range)?

  • Confirm the land around Lost Coast Trail (King Range) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.

What do I need to hunt in California?

  • A California hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
  • Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
  • Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

Trip-planning details need confirmation

A verified destination profile for the Lost Coast Trail in King Range, California, cannot be provided here. Access points, route descriptions, distances, driving directions, local hazards, and the managing agency remain unconfirmed. Before making travel plans, confirm the route, current access conditions, and any permit requirements with the managing agency.

Sample itineraries

  • Access-planning day · 1 day

    Planning only, not a hiking itinerary. Confirm the intended destination, managing agency, legal access points, and current access status before selecting a route. A supported route or hiking duration cannot be established here.

  • Route-preparation day · 1 day

    Planning only, not a hiking itinerary. Obtain destination-specific route information and confirm overnight rules, local hazards, and emergency arrangements. Do not treat this profile as sufficient guidance for departure.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Not established

Destination-specific spring conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current conditions with the managing agency.

Summer

Not established

Destination-specific summer conditions are not established. No preferred hiking window can be identified.

Fall

Not established

Destination-specific fall conditions are not established. Confirm route suitability before choosing travel dates.

Winter

Not established

Destination-specific winter conditions are not established. Do not assume access or route suitability.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm permit requirements, fees, and reservation procedures with the managing agency.

Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.

Hazards & regulations

  • Route-specific hazards are not established; this is not a safety assessment.
  • Access status is unverified; do not assume a proposed starting point is open or legal.
  • Emergency access and communication options are unverified; resolve these gaps before departure.

What to pack for Lost Coast Trail (King Range)

Planning documents
  • Destination-specific route information
  • Current managing-agency guidance
Predeparture checklist
  • Verified access details
  • Confirmed permit requirements
  • Route-specific equipment checklist to complete after conditions are verified

Build this list in the gear builder →

Lost Coast Trail (King Range) FAQ

Is this a usable hiking guide for the destination?
No. Destination-specific access, routes, conditions, and safety information remain unverified. Complete those checks before using any itinerary.
How many days should the hike take?
A hiking duration cannot be established. The entries above are planning tasks, not recommended trail itineraries.
Where should the hike start and finish?
No access points can be established here. Confirm legal starting and finishing points with the managing agency.
Are permits or reservations required?
Requirements are unverified. Confirm directly with the managing agency before making travel commitments.
What is the best season to visit?
No destination-specific seasonal recommendation can be established. Check seasonal guidance and current conditions before selecting dates.