Year and Month: 2023 July 15th
Number of Days: Three days
Crew: 04 - Sarah, Mike, Lisa, and Myself
Accommodation: Camping by the Coast
Transport: SUV and Hiking
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Beachcombing, and Photography
Weather: Mild and Clear
Route: San Francisco -> Lost Coast Trailhead (Mattole Beach) -> Miller Flat -> Cooskie Creek -> Big Flat -> Shelter Cove -> Return to San Francisco
Tips, Notes, and Special Remarks:
1. Start the journey early morning to make the most of daylight hours and avoid coastal fog.
2. The Lost Coast Trail is remote, so ensure you have enough food, water, and camping gear.
3. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather; coastal areas can get chilly in the evenings.
4. Check tide charts; some parts of the trail may be impassable during high tide.
5. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including seals and whales along the coast.
6. Permits are required for camping; obtain them in advance.
    To get permission to hike the Lost Coast Trail, you need to obtain a backcountry permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Permits are required for overnight camping in the King Range Wilderness, where the Lost Coast Trail is located.
You can apply for a backcountry permit online through Recreation.gov or by calling the BLM King Range National Conservation Area office at (707) 465-7335. Permits are available three months in advance of your trip date.
When applying for a permit, you will need to provide the following information:
Your name and contact information
The dates of your trip
The number of people in your group
The campsites where you plan to stay
You will also need to pay a permit fee of $10 per person.
Once you have obtained a permit, you must carry it with you at all times while hiking the Lost Coast Trail. Rangers may check your permit at any time.
Here are some tips for obtaining a permit for the Lost Coast Trail:
Book your permit early, especially if you are planning to hike during peak season (summer and fall).
Be flexible with your travel dates. If you cannot get a permit for your first choice dates, try booking a permit for a different time of year or for a different section of the trail.
Consider hiking the Lost Coast Trail during the shoulder season (spring and fall). The weather is still mild during these months, and there are fewer crowds.
If you are unable to obtain a permit, you can still hike the Lost Coast Trail as long as you do not camp overnight.
7. The mobile phone signal is weak, so bring a satellite phone or emergency beacon.
8. Leave no trace; practice responsible camping and hiking.
Author: Alex
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The Lost Coast Trail in California had been on our bucket list for a while, and in July 2023, we finally embarked on this adventure. Our small group of four, including Sarah, Mike, Lisa, and myself, set out from San Francisco to explore the rugged and untouched beauty of California's coastline.
We started our journey at the Mattole Beach trailhead, located in the northern part of the Lost Coast. The plan was to hike southward, following the pristine coastline for three days, and finally ending up at Shelter Cove. We knew this would be a challenging trek, but the anticipation of discovering hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and the sound of crashing waves was irresistible.
**Day 1: Mattole Beach to Miller Flat**
We began our hike early in the morning under clear skies. The sun kissed the rugged cliffs and shimmered on the endless Pacific Ocean, setting the tone for our adventure. The trail led us through coastal grasslands, where we spotted seals basking on the rocks below. We marveled at the untouched beauty of this remote wilderness.
As we continued along the trail, we encountered towering bluffs, pockets of wildflowers, and secluded beaches. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing on the shoreline provided the perfect backdrop for our journey. By late afternoon, we reached Miller Flat, a picturesque spot to set up our camp. We enjoyed a hearty meal as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
**Day 2: Cooskie Creek and Big Flat**
Our second day on the Lost Coast Trail began with an early breakfast, eager to explore more of this untouched paradise. The trail took us through thick coastal forests and challenging rocky terrain. At Cooskie Creek, we were welcomed by a refreshing freshwater stream, providing a much-needed break.
After our break, we continued southward, reaching the stunning Big Flat Beach. Here, we were met with a vast, pristine expanse of golden sand that stretched as far as the eye could see. We couldn't resist the temptation to dip our toes in the icy Pacific waters and take a swim. This remote beach felt like our private haven.
**Day 3: Shelter Cove and Return**
On our final day, we hiked to Shelter Cove, where we knew our Lost Coast adventure would come to an end. The landscape continued to surprise us with its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. We encountered tide pools teeming with marine life and even spotted a whale breaching in the distance.
Shelter Cove marked the end of our hike, and we felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for having experienced the wild, unspoiled beauty of California's Lost Coast. The memories of this journey, the stunning vistas, and the camaraderie with friends will stay with us forever.
As we drove back to San Francisco, the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches of the Lost Coast lingered in our minds, reminding us of the importance of preserving these untouched wilderness areas for future generations to explore and cherish.
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