Backpacking: The Lost Coast Trail

Lost Coast shoreline

Backpacking: The Lost Coast Trail

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trip dates
To Be Determined
Trip Dates

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
3 Days
trip difficulty
Difficult
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), for between 6.8 and 9.8 miles each day over moderate to strenuous terrain. The trip is a serious undertaking. It involves covering a set amount of miles each day in order to safely manage the tides. Most of the trail (75%) is hiking on the beach; which means soft sand, small pebbles, small rocks and big boulders, all of which may be treacherously slick. Be prepared to get your feet wet in the tide and in multiple creek crossings. Participants under the age of 18 can currently not join this trip.
trip difficulty
6-15 people

Description

Join us on California's most remote stretch of coastline, the Lost Coast Trail! This 3-day guided backpacking trip contours the dramatic shoreline from Mattole Beach in the north to Black Sands Beach in the south. It features dramaitc seascapes and stunning sunssets.

Please note that minors under 18 need prior approval to join this trip. We are happy to answer any questions through email or phone listed below.


Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
Sports Basement has partnered with the Outdoor Adventure Club for this trip.
You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.
"The location, guides, food, and scenery were all magnificent!" - Logan C.

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1
  • Meet at the end of the trail in Shelter Cove at 7am
  • Trip orientation and gear discussion
  • 2,5 shuttle drive to the Trail Head at Mattole Beach.
  • Hike 6.8 miles past the abandoned Punta Gorda lighthouse to Cooskie Creek.
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Make camp
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Enjoy a breathtaking sunset with dinner.
DAY 2
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Get an early start to beat the tide and hike to Randall Creek and then continue past.
  • You will be walking a total of 9.8 miles this day
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Enjoy epic views of majestic coast line and the Pasific Ocean
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 3
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Break camp
  • Hike 8.5 back to Shelter Cove
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Return to Shelter Cove 
  • Congratulations! You just backpacked/hiked 25 miles over 3 days!

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking the Lost Coast Trail
  • Meals: Day 1: dinner, Day 2 breakfast and dinner, Day 3 breakfast.
  • Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
  • Bear Canisters
  • Group first aid supplies
  • Dinners, Breakfasts and Hot Beverages
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
  • Trail Snacks and Lunch
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Soap
  • Full Wallet and Set of Keys
  • Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring small packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

Reviews

Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

For our Ski Bus trips:

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses:

If we cancel a trip:
While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. At our sole discretion, we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel these trips. If we decide to cancel,  postpone or reschedule a trip,, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.
Please note: Rain, snow, nearby fires or smoke are not necessarily reasons we will cancel a trip. 

If you cancel a trip:
For all overnight trips or multiple-day courses, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start of the trip/course and receive a full refund.  Between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, you can reschedule your trip for a future date, but no refunds are given. If you cancel within 14 days of the start of the trip,, there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. **
**Exceptions may be available for severe illnesses, injuries, or a death in the immediate family. A medical note from a licensed physician or death certificate will be required. If an exception is made, a fee of  50% of the total trip cost will be charged .