LOST COAST BACKPACK
| Dates: | June 21 - 29 9 days, 8 nights |
| Cost: | Adults: $450 Children: N/A |
| Your Fees Include: | Week-long secured parking for participants, shuttle transportation, 2 dinners |
| Walk Status: | COMPLETE |
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| What is a Coastwalk? | |
| How do I sign up for a Coastwalk? | |
| What is the cancellation policy? | |
| Download a schedule of walks and registration form here. | |
Questions about this backpack?
Contact Bill Sauber
View a photo slideshow of the Lost Coast Backpack
(you must have the Flash Viewer 7 or later for this to work).California’s remote Lost Coast in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino Counties is said to be the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental U.S. Where three continental and oceanic plates of Earth's crust push for position, cliffs of contorted rock strata are complemented by miles of black sand and boulder beaches, lush vegetation, and abundant animal life. The California Coastal Tail (CCT) is at its rugged best here, featuring quiet seclusion, grand vistas, and peaceful, natural surroundings.
On the first four days, from the Mattole River to Shelter Cove, hiking is on narrow beaches and raised terraces along the ocean at the base of the steep King Range. The next four days on the Coastal Trail we take on steep ridges above the ocean, starting with a climb over Chemise Mountain, then into the Sinkyone Wilderness, up ridges for great views and down through redwoods to creeks for camping.
This is a challenging backpack. Hikers carry their own food, shelter, and other needs. Coastwalk provides dinner only on the first and fifth evenings; hikers cook for themselves at all other times. Coastwalk provides hot drinks in camp at night and in the morning every day. At the mid-point, in Shelter Cove, we will arrange to pick up a second bag of food and clean clothes that you have left in a car at the parking location. Daily mileage appears modest, but strenuous sand walking and steep ridge climbing with a full pack demand that you be in good hiking condition. Please call a coordinator to discuss your abilities. Transportation between a central parking area in Redway (near Garberville) and distant trailheads is provided. Group size is strictly limited to 14.
Initial registration is for the full eight days only, but call for availability of either of the four-day segments after April 15.
Hiking distances and itinerary:
First segment:
- Saturday, June 21, meet in Redway, then bus to Mattole River Campground for dinner and camping.
- Sunday, June 22, hike to Cooskie Creek, 6 miles, moderate sand hiking.
- Monday, to Hadley Creek, 6.5 miles, grassy flat and moderate sand hiking.
- Tuesday, to Gitchell Creek, 7.5 miles, grassy flats and moderate sand hiking.
- Wednesday, June 25, to Shelter Cove, 4 miles, moderate to difficult sand hiking. Dinner at cafe. Car shuttle to Nadelos Campground.
Note: At Shelter Cove you can dispose of your accumulated trash from the first four days, and take a shower. You can also have your dirty clothes (and any extra items you don’t think you will need for the second half of the trip) taken back to the parking spot. The bag of food you earlier left at the parking area will be brought to you.
Second segment:
- Thursday, June 26, to Jones Beach, 7.5 miles, moderate uphill; long, difficult downhill.
- Friday, to Wheeler Townsite, 8 miles, moderate road, strenuous ridge trail.
- Saturday, to Little Jackass Creek, 4.5 miles, moderate to difficult trail over two ridges.
- Sunday, June 29, to Usal Campground, 7.5 miles, moderate to difficult switchbacks over several high ridges. Bus out to parking area in Redway.
Other area attractions:
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