Weekend Gem-The Northern Lost Coast Trail

In the spring when the mountains are heavy with snow, my thoughts drift to a coast backpacking adventure. Surely, one of the best choices is the Lost Coast in Northern California, among the handful of undeveloped stretches of beach on West Coast. Here you will find miles of sunny spring  flower meadows, quiet coves and a plethora of animal life all on a relatively flat trail that beckons exploration and new backpackers eager on exploring this section of the Pacific Coast. We started from the the tiny town of Mattole, after getting the necessary wilderness permits and required bear canisters for this the northern terminus of this 25 mile section of the Lost Coast Trail. Start out on the wide open beach for the first bit as the green hills grow slowly to your left and the ocean gets a more rugged and wild feel as you venture on. Soon, the slopes flatten out to meet the Wild Pacific as the trail slowly climbs these gentile, rolling hills above the ocean. Along the way, scenic sea stacks become more prominent as sea lions and seals become a familiar sight as you look oceanside. Soon, you pass the Punta Gorda Lighthouse which warrants some exploring, so I suggest taking a load off and looking around a bit. Be careful if you decide to climb the spiral staircase to the top level though, it is peeling away from the foundation. Continuing along the slopes, you soon meet Cooskie Creek, a great spot for camping that features lush meadows ablaze with spring and summer flower specimens with views of sea stacks as the sun goes down over the water.

Traverse grassy slopes to camp at Cooskie Creek

Colorful succulents

Cool waterfall on the beach

Spanish Flat

Following your tide charts for the area, follow the low tide back down to the ocean for a bit before you traverse my favorite area of the trip Spanish Flats, and it’s riotous flower exploration of hundreds of different types of flowers including orange poppies that grow in waist high abundance all around you! After this awe inspiring experience, hike on a bit further riding the edge of the sea crossing Kinsey and Big Creeks to Big Flat to enjoy lots of exploring opportunities on the beach and inland after camp is set up in a high grassy roost on the edge of the beach. The last day, the trail spends more time on the beach proper rather than in the meadows. Walking on wet sand as rivers plunge off the rugged cliffs of the Kings Range, explore tide pools with your friends as you make your way to the Black Sands Beach with its dark cliffs and finally on to the small town of Shelter Cove. This tiny town sports a small flat to camp at for the night and a quant pub for a burger and a beer as you remise    about your adventure on this amazing stretch of coast.

The rolling hills of Spanish Flat

Discover hidden coves at Big Flat

Seals!

A Flock of pelicans scope the surf for fish

Last sunset at Shelter Cove