Backpack - Lost Coast Trail: Northern Section : California

Permits have been obtained, the trip will run, baring any extreme weather or tide swells. 

Notes:

• Tide planning is essential - some sections are impassable during high tides. In early May our traveling window is early in the morning ~6:00 am until early afternoon. Good planning link
• Travel is slow - slippery rocks, sand, mud, water (sea & streams), logs, etc. The literature and blogs suggest that 1.5 (or slower) miles/ hour is a reasonable expectation.
• Water sources are reliable, frequent streams
• Some water crossings are involved. Poles & water shoes needed
• Wag bags are not required; dig cat holes in the intertidal zones suggested
• A bear can must be carried
• Permits must be obtained (not yet open). $12 per person (for the whole trip)
• We aren't required to reserve certain campsites - we are free to select as we go
• We will need to secure shuttle reservations
• We'll travel from North to South (recommended due to the wind at our backs, typically)
• A poor weather forecast could mean cancelling & attempting to relocate the trip - Point Reyes has been suggested

A tentative plan outline:

Day 1, Sun, 3 May - travel.   

• FLY  SEA-ACV (Arcata/Eureka)  AS 3033   12:27 pm - 2:10 pm arrival --as low as $129 but realistically ~$164  
• Private shuttle to Mattole TH
• Camp overnight at Mattole Beach Campground

Day 2, Mon, 4 May - 1st day of backpacking

• 6:00 am start backpacking
• Mattole Beach to ~Cooksie Creek
• ~6.5+ miles, ~500 ft. elevation
• explore, camp chores, relax

Day 3, Tue, 5 May - 2nd day of backpacking

• 6:30 am start backpacking
• Cooksie Creek to Big Creek
• 7.1 miles, 500 ft. elevation
• explore, camp chores, relax

Day 4, Wed, 6 May - 3rd day of backpacking

• 6:30 am start backpacking
• Big Creek to Gitchell or Horse Mountain
• 8-10 miles, 500 ft. elevation
• explore, camp chores, relax

Day 5, Thur 7 May - 4th and final day of backpacking

• 6:00 start backpacking
• 2-4 miles
• Meet private shuttle 
• 2.5 hours to ACV  airport
• FLY ACV-SEA  AS 3033    2:47-4:30 pm - as low as $104, realistically ~$140

Dangers & annoyances:

• tides
• open ocean
• wet stream crossings
• terrian-sand, slippery rocks, logs, water, mud, roots
• poison oak-prevalent (bring Tecnu or Dawn dish soap)
• ticks
• wildlife, including bears & rattlesnakes
• remote coast - limited exits along route

I have not traveled this trail before; however, I have a 2-day exploratory trip planned (and have a permit) in mid-April.

This trip will be leader-permission only. I will aim to pull together a compatible group of capable, responsible, curious individuals who do not have a history of excessive cancellations on Mountaineers trips. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED: 

(updated 9 Feb 2026)

- This trip looks to be filled with 9 total participants (pending confirmations). If you would like to be considered for the waitlist, please email me. 

Original:

Send me an email, ASAP but not later than Sun, Feb 1st at 6 pm ktrilevsky@gmail.com and respond:

1. Are you willing to travel as a group and share the costs of a private shuttle 2 ways ~$300 pp, or will you have a separate travel plan to the trailhead?
2. Have you backpacked a coastal trail before? which? when? (not required, just want to know)
3. How many 3+ night backpacking trips did you do last year? (not a requirement)
4. How likely are you to do this trip if selected?
5. Do you have a backpacking buddy/ partner you would like to do this with? who? (They also need to apply, of course)
6. What has your conditioning program been this winter?
7. Can you suggest of any other recommendations, cautions, tips, planning items I should consider?
8. What would make this a better / more ideal trip for you?

FYI _The registration open date/time will change once we have permits & shuttle secured.

Thank you!

KT

TBD