The sun is setting on the ocean as you’re making camp for the night. There is nobody around you except for sea lions barking in the distance. That’s not a dream. All you need is to backpack the Lost Coast Trail, a 25-mile, no-elevation gain, beach trail in Northern California. Here is what you need to know to make this dream a reality.
The coast is a lot cooler than the rest of California. Expect fog in summer and rain in winter. The best time to visit is from May through October.
Before picking a date, check the tide because some sections are impassable at low tide. Tides change every day, and on some days, the low tide happens at night.
You can start from either the North (Mattole Beach) or the South (Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove). Both offer a similar experience but the logistics vary.
From Mattole
Preferred if taking the shuttle (shuttle only runs northbound).
From Black Sands Beach
Less popular, so easier to find somebody to arrange a key-swap.
Check the tides before picking an itinerary. One itinerary may be more favorable depending on the tide.
Most people hike the Lost Coast Trail point-to-point. As with any point-to-point hike, we recommend leaving your car at the end of the trail. You may be faster, or slower and it’s always good to know there’s a car waiting for you at the end. It’s better than stressing out about catching a shuttle or giving somebody a call!
You have three options:
Permits are required to hike the Lost Coast Trail. Permits are available on Recreation.gov. Permits are released 3 months ahead at 7am PT. Upcoming releases:
For trips starting on… | …permits are released on |
---|---|
Feb 28, 2025 | Nov 28 at 7am PT (passed) |
Feb 28, 2025 | Nov 29 at 7am PT |
Feb 28, 2025 | Nov 30 at 7am PT |
Beware, this trail is extremely popular, permits run out within minutes of the release time.
If you can’t secure a permit, you can always snag a canceled one. Use our notification service to receive alerts when we find cancellations.
One permit for up to 2 people is available for walk-up at the King Range Visitor Center on the day your trip starts. This permit is issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive when the visitor center opens (at 8am PT) to maximize your chances for getting it.
Never miss a permit deadline ever again!
Once a month, receive the list of top permits that are opening up