You know how sometimes a place just gets under your skin and you can’t stop thinking about it? One day was all it took for the King Range National Conservation Area to lodge in the very center of me. A single-day adventure set the stage for many, many return trips. And as we explored the wild coastline and rugged mountains protected within this park, my adoration of it only grew. This place puts the awe in awesome.
Quite simply, there is nowhere like it in the US, or quite possibly the world. On a stretch of jagged coastline untamed by highway: this is the Lost Coast. It’s the stuff of legend. The King Range is so remote that the entire park is denied cell service. It’s so rugged that even though it’s only rarely more than 20 miles from the 101 freeway, it takes hours to drive to drive to a trailhead. Once you’re there, you’ll find a beauty so pure, so wild and wonderful that it completely defies description.
King Range National Conservation Area might be my favorite place on Earth.
Quests in the King Range
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ENJOYING KING RANGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
WHEN TO GO
I know not everyone can be so lucky, but if you can, visit multiple times. The King Range National Conservation Area has different faces depending on the season, time of day and weather.
Summer brings sunny days and a reduction in rain – but this is also high hiking season, so be prepared to share the trail and campsites. Early spring and fall often have clear skies and lighter traffic, making for good shoulder-season options. Winter in the King Range can be gnarly. Snow does sometimes fall on the coastal mountaintops, and snowmelt or heavy rainfall can make creeks impassible. Winter storms create especially high tides, big waves and wild winds. However, with the right gear and attitude, you’re destined for an out-of-this-world experience in winter, to be shared with no one.
Sunrise colors here are glorious, and more often than not, you’ll get to bear witness to the burning off of the fog from the night before. With an early start on the Lost Coast Trail, you’ll be in the cool shade below the mountains for hours. The early part of the day is your best bet for photography. On a calm day, midday can be quite warm, even on the coast! Mountain trails are often shaded by dense forest, but exposed peaks and prairies can be hot. Late afternoons are suffused with a golden glow, and, this being the west coast, ocean sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.
Of course, you might not get a clear day at all! A thick marine layer often forms over the sea near the coast, obscuring some long views – but making magical the near. Climb above the clouds for a beautiful inversion. But if it’s views of the sea you’re after, check the forecast: foggy periods can last days, and rainy days are common, even in summer.
WHERE TO STAY
Where to stay depends largely on what you’re planning on doing in King Range National Conservation Area.
For a glimpse at the Lost Coast, easy access and a stay in civilization, stop in Shelter Cove. This cozy town is set on a clifftop right above a black sand beach that you’ll love. If you want more, stroll north to follow the shoreline (and surfers!) to Big Flat. You also have the option here to head inland into the King Range to see this famous coast from above.
The other option is at Mattole: the northern terminus of the Lost Coast Trail. There’s a campground at the trailhead, but the nearest services are several miles back up the road at Petrolia. If you’re hiking the full Lost Coast Trail, this will probably be your starting point, as prevailing winds make hiking in a southerly direction somewhat easier.
Getting to either location will likely require your own wheels: I’m not aware of any public transit to/from the area. Consider renting a 4WD if you want to explore inland, as a lot of the roads in the park are rough. If you’re doing a point-to-point adventure of any kind, shuttles are available! I can’t recommend Bill’s Lost Coast Shuttle highly enough. Bill himself was extremely helpful when we were planning our adventures. Find him here. Shuttles and tours are also offered by Lost Coast Adventures.
Finally, camping is one of the main draws of this pretty park. A few things to take note of: most importantly, campers must secure permits in advance – find those online here. There are strict limits on group size and the number of hikers allowed on the trail at any given time. Groups larger than 5 need special permission and while 60 people are granted access to the trail every day in summer, that number dwindles to 30 daily fall through spring. Hikers must also bring bear canisters, camp in designated areas, pack out all trash and dispose of human waste properly.
HIKING & RUNNING
Most people come to the King Range to hike the outstanding Lost Coast Trail. Famous for a reason, every inch of this trail is wonderful. It’s an unforgettable journey and, if you love being immersed in nature, its an experience you really must have.
You can hike or run the Lost Coast Trail. Hike it over several days to savor the scenery and the solitude. Run it in a single day for a slightly faster tour and a personal challenge.
While I certainly recommend doing the whole trail at least once in your lifetime, you can enjoy its delights on shorter outings too. In my opinion, the best choice for a shorter trip is the run/hike to Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Not only will you run across the best beach in the world, but you’ll also encounter elephant seals (and other marine mammals!) and the coolest little lighthouse (climb up – carefully – for terrific views!).
Whatever your speed or ability, it’s crucial to plan ahead. You must be aware of the tides, and plan your passage around them. There are two four-mile zones that are impassible at high tide, and one point that’s impassable at all tides. Know where these are, and what the tides are going to be the day of your adventure.
The Lost Coast Trail is a must-do, but don’t leave it at that. Venture inland to see another side of King Range National Conservation Area! There are lots of rugged trails through the mountains. Get really off the beaten track by camping in the forest – and make sure to head up to Punta or King Peak for amazing views of the Lost Coast!
Reminder: overnight hikers must be prepared with permits and bear canisters, as explained in the previous section. Through-runners and other single-day users do not require permits.
Running and hiking options are covered in more detail in the articles above, so please peruse at your leisure!
Additionally, you might want to check out the same resources I used when I was planning my adventures here. Your first stop should be the Bureau of Land Management for up-to-date info on road/trail closures, contact information and maps. Consider also reading this guide and this article, both of which contain detailed information and great photos of the Lost Coast Trail.
May you have an awesome adventure in the King Range!