Lost Coast Trail
King Range National Conservation Area, California
- Distance
- 40.5 km
- Elev. gain
- 717 m
- Start
- Black Sands Beach Trailhead
- Finish
- Mattole Beach Trailhead
A simplified drawing of the real route — the distance above is the published figure, not the length of this line.
Ground elevation sampled along the mapped route.
Campsites
- Horse Mountain Creek
- Shipman Creek
- Big Flat
- Kinsey Creek
- Sea Lion Gulch
Summits & passes
- Titus
Recorded hazards
Danger
Impassable high-tide zones
Punta Gorda and other stretches impassable at high tide; carry tide table
Caution
Time hikes to outgoing tide
Hike tidal stretches only on an outgoing tide of 3 ft or less
Information
Overnight permit required
Backcountry permit required via Recreation.gov for overnight camping
These are documented hazards, not a current conditions report. Check with the land manager before you go.
Common questions
- How long is the Lost Coast Trail?
- The Lost Coast Trail is 40.5 km (25.2 miles).
- How much elevation gain does the Lost Coast Trail have?
- The Lost Coast Trail has about 717 m (2,352 ft) of total climbing, measured along Far's route for the trail.
- Where does the Lost Coast Trail start and finish?
- The Lost Coast Trail runs between Black Sands Beach Trailhead and Mattole Beach Trailhead.
- What hazards are recorded on the Lost Coast Trail?
- Far records 3 sourced hazards on the Lost Coast Trail: Impassable high-tide zones, Time hikes to outgoing tide and Overnight permit required. Each is cited to the source that published it. Conditions change — this is not a current conditions report.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap40.5 km
- OpenStreetMap40.5 km
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Reviewed by a Far curator on July 23, 2026. Trail conditions, permits, and hazards change — verify before you go.