Data as of . Conditions, permits and advisories change: check official sources before you go.

Lost Coast Trail

USA · North America · Multi-day trek · score 75/100

At a glance

CountriesUSA
ContinentNorth America
RegionCalifornia (King Range NCA)
TypeMulti-day trek
Length40 km
Typical duration3 days
Difficulty3/5 (Moderate)
Max altitude90 m
Best seasonMay-Oct
StartMattole Beach, CA
EndBlack Sands Beach (Shelter Cove), CA
Permit / guidePermit required (King Range, via recreation.gov)
Special geartide tables essential

Score

75/100
Scenery
28/35
Fame
15/25
Uniqueness
18/20
Logistics
14/20

Wild roadless beach backpacking unique in the US; tide windows constrain camps and timing

How the score works: scoring method. Information confidence: high.

Notes

Northern section Mattole-Black Sands is the classic 40 km; full King Range coast is longer

Sources

Information compiled from public sources, as of October 19, 2026. Trail conditions, permits and closures change: verify with local authorities before you go.

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USA