Lost Coast Backpack 2015

hike one way from Mattole river to Usal with a experienced guides

May 28 - June 5

 

9 days/8 nights
CAMPING
Rating: Strenuous

$450 adult

 

Spots Left!

 The Lost Coast Backpack

May 28 – June 5,  9 days 8 nights, Max Capacity: 15
Rating: STRENUOUS  *Trip Leader approval needed to register

$450

California’s remote Lost Coast in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino Counties is said to be the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental U.S. The CCT is at its rugged best here, featuring quiet seclusion, grand vistas, and peaceful surrounding. On the first four days, from the Mattole River to Shelter Cove, hiking is on narrow beaches and raised terraces along the ocean at the base of the steep King Range. The next four days feature steep ridges above the ocean for great views, and camping on or near the beach!

 

 

Highlights:

remote beaches, grand vistas, wildlife encounters, serenity, the spirit of adventure and a sense of accomplishment; Coastwalk has been running this trip for 24 years!

Fitness Requirements

Must meet fitness/hiking experience requirements set by hike leaders. Please inquire with the Coastwalk Office for those requirements. You must be approved by a hike leader prior to registration/payment.

Trip Includes:

Expert itinerary developed around tide conditions; guided hiking; camping, parking & permit fees; two dinners: coffee, tea, hot chocolate; transportation from parking area to starting point and back to your car.

Make Sure to Bring:

After registration, you will be provided with a detailed letter regarding meeting location, hiking itinerary, what to pack, food suggestions, where to get things, etc.

Average Daily Hiking:

average 7 miles per day (shortest 4.5, longest 8); though moderate distances, trails are difficult; 52 miles total over 8 days of hiking with a full pack

Types of Hiking Surfaces

sandy and rocky beaches, grassy flats, rock hopping, ridge trails and switchbacks, strenuous uphill & downhill stretches, some scrambling over downed trees.

Elevation Gains & Losses

significant daily gains and losses, especially on second half; up to 2,000 feet per day

 The Lost Coast Backpack

Sample Itinerary

Subject to change (some hikes and campsites use special permits. This itinerary is not a recommendation for personal use)

Day 1:
Meet in Ukiah, bus to Mattole River Campground for dinner & camp

Day 2:
hike to Cooskie Creek, 6 miles, moderate sand hiking and rock-hopping, with one steep but short climb

Day 3:
hike to Hadley Creek, 6.5 miles, grassy flat and moderate sand hiking

Day 4:
hike to Gitchell Creek, 7.5 miles, grassy flats and moderate sand hiking with some rugged cobbled beaches

Day 5:
hike to Shelter Cove pick up your bag of food for the second half of the trip, dispose of your accumulated trash from the first four days, and even take a shower($$)!
lunch at cafe at your own expense
car shuttle to Nadelos Campgroun for dinner & camp

Day 6:
hike over Chemise Mountain to Jones Beach, 7.5 miles, a moderate uphill and a long difficult downhill

Day 7:
hike to Wheeler Townsite, 8 miles, moderate road, strenuous ridge trail

Day 8:
hike to Little Jackass Creek, 4.5 miles, moderate to difficult trail over two ridges

Day 9:
hike to Usal Creek Campground, 7.5 miles, moderate to difficult switchbacks over three high ridges
bus back to parked cars in Ukiah

Stan BluhmStan Bluhm

Stan has been a Coastwalk volunteer for over 13 years, and has led perhaps 18 Coastwalk hiking and backpacking trips over those years. 2014 will be his tenth consecutive year of organizing and leading the Lost Coast Backpack. With his wife Sharon and others, he has previously led the LA County-Catalina trip and the Marin Coastwalk several times each. Co-leaders will be Karen Orso and Les Gould, both veteran trip leaders who have done this trip numerous times. Karen is a knowledgeable naturalist, a former ski instructor, and an experienced backpacker. Les is a retired Nevada State Park ranger.

Lost Coast Backpack

Have a Question?

15 + 13 =