A remote 25-mile coastal wilderness trail along California's rugged Lost Coast. This trail traverses secluded black sand beaches, dramatic bluffs, and pristine shoreline, requiring careful tide planning for safe passage through several mandatory tide zones.
The Lost Coast Trail can be hiked in either direction. The default direction is Southbound to Northbound, but you can toggle the route direction in the Route Planner tab to see timing information for both directions.
Permits required year-round. Reserve at recreation.gov.
Bear canisters required for all food storage.
May through September for best weather and lowest tides.
Moderate to Difficult - Tide planning essential
Northern trailhead at the end of Lighthouse Road near Petrolia.
View on Google Maps →Southern trailhead at Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove.
View on Google Maps →The Lost Coast Trail has 4 tide-dependent sections that must be crossed at low tide. Review the Tide Calendar and Route Planner tabs for detailed timing information.