11.9 hr
Overview
This trail may be approached from 3 main entry points: at the top of the King Range National Conservation Area, at the middle between the King Range and Sinkyone Wilderness (Needle Rock), or at the southern end of the Sinkyone Wilderness at Usal Campground.<br><br>To start at the southern portion, exit on Usal Rd off Highway 1 (this exit is unmarked, use the <a href='/mobile-app'>Hiking Project mobile app</a>). This is located about 20 miles west of Leggett, CA. Once you get to the exit, it takes about 45 minutes to drive the 6 miles to Usal Campground. The dirt road is a single lane that can be extremely steep in places. 4WD may be necessary during some parts of the year so call the local ranger station to check road status before heading out. Be sure that your reverse driving skills are sharp because you may have to drive backwards along this road for a small stretch due to oncoming traffic.<br><br>Once at the campsite, pay the $5/night parking fee and start heading along Usal Rd to the north. You'll see a very distinct single-path trail that heads into the Redwoods and up a hillside. There used to be typical trail sign here, but it has since been replaced.<br><br>Right from the get go, this trail starts off with a good dose of switchbacks and incline. It stays this way for the first mile or so, and then you reach a clearing where you can see Usal Beach down below. From here, its more incline as you climb the mountains that overlook the southern end of The Lost Coast. <br><br>Little Jackass Creek is about 7 miles away from Usal. In those 7 miles, you'll cross 3 different creeks (one of which has a small primitive campsite; Anderson Camp). Each one of these has running water in case you need to replenish your water. Every time you cross these creeks, you can expect anywhere from 800-1200 feet in elevation change. There will be some flat portion in between those changes for you to catch your breath. <br><br>There are many tall ferns, trees, and other plants that overhang the trail the whole time. Keep an eye out
Trail Stats
43.9 km
560 m
46 m
0 m
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Photos
The Lost Coast Trail - Punta Gorda.
The Lost Coast Trail - Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda Lighthouse along the Lost Coast Trail.
Punta Gorda Lighthouse along the Lost Coast Trail.
A misty morning makes for a beautiful hike along the Lost Coast Trail.
A misty morning makes for a beautiful hike along the Lost Coast Trail.
Traveling the Lost Coast Trail in October brings golden grasses and wonderful temperatures.
Traveling the Lost Coast Trail in October brings golden grasses and wonderful temperatures.
A cluster of starfish cling to the rocks along the Lost Coast Trail.
A cluster of starfish cling to the rocks along the Lost Coast Trail.
Lost Coast Trail is a great backpacking experience.
Lost Coast Trail is a great backpacking experience.
Challenging terrain on Lost Coast Trail.
Challenging terrain on Lost Coast Trail.
Stepping across Shipman Creek.
Stepping across Shipman Creek.
Taco night on the Lost Coast Trail.
Taco night on the Lost Coast Trail.
The Lost Coast.
The Lost Coast.
A misty morning greets backpackers along the Lost Coast Trail.
A misty morning greets backpackers along the Lost Coast Trail.
Incredible campsites along this trail!
Incredible campsites along this trail!
Onward along the Lost Coast Trail.
Onward along the Lost Coast Trail.
Campsite next to Punta Gorda Lighthouse
Campsite next to Punta Gorda Lighthouse