Where on earth
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- Region
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Trip length
- 24.6 to 25 miles
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Surfing
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Trip length: 24.6 to 25 miles
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
A 25-mile coastal route dictated by Pacific swell, tide tables, and BLM quotas.
Intended uses
backpacking
Verification notes
Last verified October 16, 2026.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach trip tools
How to get there
The King Range National Conservation Area is about 230 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Eureka. For Mattole, leave U.S. 101 at the Ferndale exit, follow signs through Ferndale toward Petrolia, and turn right onto Lighthouse Road one mile past Petrolia. Continue five miles to Mattole Recreation Site; allow 1½ hours for the 42-mile northern approach. For southern access, leave U.S. 101 at Redway/Garberville and follow signs toward Shelter Cove/King Range NCA; allow 45 minutes for the 22-mile trip to Shelter Cove. Roads into the area are narrow, steep, and winding. Start with a full tank and allow extra time for oncoming traffic. Main roads are normally accessible to passenger cars except during heavy winter storms; primitive roads may close seasonally. Arrange transportation between endpoints before starting a one-way hike.
- Mattole Recreation Site
Northern access for the Mattole-to-Black Sands Beach hike. Reach it via Lighthouse Road beyond Petrolia, or approach from Honeydew toward Mattole Beach and Trailhead.
- Black Sands Beach Trailhead
Southern endpoint of the northern Lost Coast Trail, approached from the Shelter Cove side of the King Range. No camping is allowed at the trailhead.
Sources: blm.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
- 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.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Animals around Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
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.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands BeachAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
Planning to fish Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach, North America? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in North America 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 licence at Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach?
- A North America fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current North America 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.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for North America yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
Thinking about hunting Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach, North America? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in North America 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: Mattole to Black Sands Beach?
- Confirm the land around Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in North America?
- A North America hunting licence — 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.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for North America yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A coastal backpack through the King Range
The northern Lost Coast Trail runs 24.6 miles from Mattole to Black Sands Beach along California’s largely undeveloped North Coast. The route is moderately level, but it calls for at least three days rather than a pace based on mileage alone. Tides determine when some stretches can be crossed, and the road journey between endpoints adds another planning task. The surrounding King Range helps explain the coast’s isolation: steep coastal mountains made through-road construction difficult, leaving communities such as Petrolia and Shelter Cove separated by winding inland approaches. This is a beach-focused backpack, with tidepools along the shore and hillsides and bluffs above it. Choose it for sustained time on the coast, while allowing enough flexibility to wait for safe passage rather than forcing a fixed daily schedule.
Plan each day around the tide
Tide planning is central to this hike. Carry a tide table and cross tide-sensitive stretches on an outgoing tide of three feet or less. The area near Punta Gorda, the stretch from Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, and the stretch from Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek may be impassable at high tide. Build the itinerary around those sections before assigning daily mileage or camps, and avoid a schedule that depends on pushing through when the water is too high. Wear sturdy hiking boots and allow at least three days for the full northern section. Water sources are plentiful along the beach; carry treatment equipment rather than assuming untreated water is safe to drink. Before departure, check King Range National Conservation Area maps, tide-safety information, condition reports, and regulations.
Camping, wildlife, and responsible travel
Overnight camping along the Lost Coast Trail requires a Backcountry Permit, available through Recreation.gov under King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast). Confirm current arrangements before committing to travel. Camping is not allowed at Black Sands Beach Trailhead; camping is allowed north of Telegraph Creek. Avoid private property along the trail and plan the finish so it does not depend on sleeping at the southern trailhead. Wildlife viewing can include sea lions, elephant seals, river otters, eagles, bobcats, and deer. Give animals room and observe without approaching or disturbing them. Tidepools support abundant life, so watch footing and leave their contents undisturbed. Spring brings wildflowers to the hillsides and bluffs, adding a seasonal reason to visit without changing the need to plan around tides and current conditions.
Route options
- Mattole to Black Sands Beach24.6 milesModerately level terrain; tide-sensitive stretches require careful timing.
The full northern coastal traverse. Allow at least three days and plan passage near Punta Gorda, from Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, and from Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek around an outgoing tide of three feet or less. Overnight camping requires a Backcountry Permit.
- Hidden Valley to Needle Rock9 milesModerate elevation change.
A separate southern Lost Coast Trail option, not a segment of the Mattole-to-Black Sands Beach traverse. It offers different scenery and leads into Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, where trail-use and camping regulations differ. Check those regulations separately before planning this alternative.
Sample itineraries
- Three-day Mattole to Black Sands Beach traverse · 3 days
Hike the 24.6-mile northern section from Mattole to Black Sands Beach over the minimum recommended three days. Set daily progress around safe tide windows near Punta Gorda, Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, and Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek. Choose overnight stops around tides and camping regulations rather than equal daily mileage.
- Four-day coastal traverse · 4 days
Allow four days for the same Mattole to Black Sands Beach route, leaving more time for wildlife viewing and tide-dependent travel. In spring, look for wildflowers on hillsides and bluffs. Extra time does not replace careful tide planning. Camping is prohibited at Black Sands Beach Trailhead.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Wildflowers cover hillsides and bluffs. Build the itinerary around tides rather than flower-viewing stops; the coastal stretches near Punta Gorda and between the named creek crossings can become impassable at high tide.
Summer
Summer
Coastal travel still requires tide planning. Check weather and current conditions before departure; do not assume summer makes the tide-restricted stretches passable.
Fall
Fall
Check current weather, road conditions, and tide tables before committing to the traverse. Keep daily mileage flexible enough to wait for an appropriate outgoing tide.
Winter
Winter
Heavy winter storms can affect access on main roads, which are otherwise normally accessible to passenger cars. Primitive roads may close seasonally. Confirm road conditions before driving into the King Range and reassess hiking plans against weather and tides.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Wildflowers cover hillsides and bluffs. Build the itinerary around tides rather than flower-viewing stops; the coastal stretches near Punta Gorda and between the named creek crossings can become impassable at high tide. |
| Summer | Summer | Coastal travel still requires tide planning. Check weather and current conditions before departure; do not assume summer makes the tide-restricted stretches passable. |
| Fall | Fall | Check current weather, road conditions, and tide tables before committing to the traverse. Keep daily mileage flexible enough to wait for an appropriate outgoing tide. |
| Winter | Winter | Heavy winter storms can affect access on main roads, which are otherwise normally accessible to passenger cars. Primitive roads may close seasonally. Confirm road conditions before driving into the King Range and reassess hiking plans against weather and tides. |
Permits, fees & closures
Overnight camping requires a Backcountry Permit. Check King Range National Conservation Area regulations, maps, tide safety information, and condition reports before booking.
Fees: No user fee is listed for the trail. Confirm any permit-related charges when booking.
Reservations: Obtain permits through Recreation.gov under King Range Wilderness Permits (Lost Coast). Confirm current walk-up availability with the King Range Visitor Center before relying on an in-person permit.
Official source: Lost Coast Trail - California | Bureau of Land Management · Verified October 16, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- High tides can trap hikers near Punta Gorda, from Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, and from Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek. Carry a tide table and hike these stretches during an outgoing tide of three feet or less.
- Access roads are narrow, steep, and winding. Allow ample driving time, start with a full tank of gas, and watch for oncoming traffic.
- Heavy winter storms can affect passenger-car access; primitive roads may be seasonally closed. Check conditions before departure.
- This remote, undeveloped coastline calls for self-sufficient planning. Carry navigation, shelter, water-treatment supplies, and enough food to accommodate tide-dependent travel.
What to pack for Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
- Tide table covering the trip
- Route map identifying tide-restricted stretches
- Backcountry Permit
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Weather-protective layers
- Backpacking shelter and sleeping system
- Food allowing flexibility for tide waits
- Water bottles or reservoir
- Water-treatment supplies
- First-aid kit
- Emergency communication equipment
Wildlife you may see
- Sea lions
- Elephant seals
- River otters
- Eagles
- Bobcats
- Deer
- Tidepool life
Lost Coast Trail: Mattole to Black Sands Beach FAQ
- How long is the hike, and how much time should it take?
- The Mattole to Black Sands Beach section is 24.6 miles and moderately level. Allow at least three days. Tide restrictions, rather than elevation alone, should shape the schedule.
- How should tide-restricted sections be planned?
- Identify Punta Gorda, Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek, and Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek on the map. Carry a tide table and hike these stretches during an outgoing tide of three feet or less to avoid being trapped.
- Where is camping restricted?
- Camping is prohibited at Black Sands Beach Trailhead. Camping is allowed north of Telegraph Creek. Avoid private property along the route and confirm current camping regulations before choosing overnight stops.
- Is drinking water available along the route?
- Water sources are plentiful along the beach. Carry treatment supplies and enough capacity for the day's travel, including time spent waiting for tides.
- How do hikers reach Mattole and arrange endpoint travel?
- From U.S. 101, take the Ferndale exit, follow signs to Petrolia, then turn onto Lighthouse Road one mile past Petrolia. Continue five miles to Mattole Recreation Site. Black Sands Beach to Mattole takes about two hours by road; arrange endpoint transportation before hiking.
- How should wildlife be viewed?
- Watch sea lions, elephant seals, river otters, eagles, and other wildlife from a distance. Avoid approaching or disturbing animals, and step carefully around tidepools. Wildlife stops should not push travel beyond a safe tide window.