Directions to Lost Coast Trail for Yeti and Yolo!

[Michael]

Hey all!

We are hanging out tonight with Yeti and Yolo, who are headed north.

Who know s the Lost Coast Trail in Humboldt and can give directions/ advice? Can it be traveled this time of year?

@Disco2Guy ?

 

[Luis Merlo]

Nice one !

 

[Toyotadirtdevil]

I found these articles and there are some videos on YouTube about this trail.
There is a Facebook page called Lost Coast 4x4 and they had mentioned something about a permit.

I'm sure you have already read all this but thought I'd try to help.

http://www.backcountrybyways.com/lostcoaststory.shtml

www.wonderlandguides.com/hikes/king-range/lost-coast-trail
www.google.com/amp/www.sfgate.com/sports/amp/Way-off-the-beaton-track-Lost-Coast-road-offers-2826665.php

OB 1643

 

[maktruk]

I may go for this over the Christmas weekend...

 

[4xFar Adventures]

Sorry @Michael been sick for the past few days.

Usal Rd. is probably closed by now. This happens sometime in November, usually a week or two before Thanksgiving. Given all of the rain recently, it's for the best. To know for sure, you'd have to check the DoT for Mendo County.

Ok, I went and checked and it closed rather early this year, on Oct 13.
https://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/dot/roadClosures.htm

However, over the years I have learned that the part of Usal Rd. that goes to the beach/campground (from Hwy 1) is open all year long. The gate that is actually locked is just a few minutes drive from the beach, so you can at least visit there. It's pretty cool, with camping options among the trees, right at the tree line to the beach, or right along the hill on the northern side of the beach.

 

[4xFar Adventures]

Here's a map of the Lost Coast trip I've done previously. I have a gps track but need to "track" it down.

From Laytonville, go North on 101 to Leggett
Head West on Hwy 1 until you're about to head South
Make a right onto USAL Rd. and head North until you hit the campground (you can look down at the camp/beach if traveling during daylight)
From there we continued north to Sinkyone Wilderness SP (Roosevelt Elk hang out here and USAL camp during the rut season)
Backtrack to USAL Rd and camp at either Nadelos or Wailaki Campgrounds
Next morning, head to Shelter Cove for breakfast and see the lighthouse
Head back to 101 and go South back to Leggett
Follow the track along Hwy1 (going West), and instead of turning north onto USAL Rd., continue South on Hwy 1
You'll eventually get to Fort Bragg and Glass Beach
When you've collected your glass head South through town until you reach Hwy 20 (Fort Bragg Rd.)
Turn left (East) on Hwy 20 and take it until it dumps you off in Willits at 101

 

[Michael]

Sorry @Michael been sick for the past few days.

Usal Rd. is probably closed by now. This happens sometime in November, usually a week or two before Thanksgiving. Given all of the rain recently, it's for the best. To know for sure, you'd have to check the DoT for Mendo County.

Ok, I went and checked and it closed rather early this year, on Oct 13.
https://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/dot/roadClosures.htm

However, over the years I have learned that the part of Usal Rd. that goes to the beach/campground (from Hwy 1) is open all year long. The gate that is actually locked is just a few minutes drive from the beach, so you can at least visit there. It's pretty cool, with camping options among the trees, right at the tree line to the beach, or right along the hill on the northern side of the beach.

Thank you so much! This is awesome! No worries whatsoever. I hope you are feeling better!

We should share this in the share section. Happy holidays Brenton!

M

 

[4xFar Adventures]

I was thinking about making a big fancy post in that section but wanted to give you the quick version for now. There are a few tracks and trip info that will go in that section :)

Happy Holidays to you @Michael, and everyone at Overland Bound!!!

 

[Anders0nic]

We were up there about a month ago and the trail was closed. We camped for two nights at Usal Beach then headed north via 101 and back to the coast near shelter cove. We ended up camping at Mottle Beach(sp?). We did about 40+ miles of dirt road from shelter cove to Ferndale(I believe it was Ferndale). Springtime they will reopen The Lost Coast Trail.

I used this book as a guide:

Then when I found the trail closed I used Hema Maps App for guidance the rest of the way...

 

[Anders0nic]

Usal beach after Usal Creek swelled due to rain the night before. We were actually flooded out of our campsite around 7am. I poked my head out of the tent around dawn and noticed the creek was rising. I took a nice little walk, snapped a few picks of the Elks and then returned to rising waters. I awoke everyone and the mad dash to move was on! We had our site packed and moved within 30 minutes...






My take on a RTT after I had to move the tent...

 

[Anders0nic]

Oh and if @yeti and @yolo are looking at this thread and they are still headed up that way, they must stop here:


Tons of cool history.

 

[boehml]

My take on a RTT after I had to move the tent...

Always wanted to try that, but my tent isn't free standing.

 

[Anders0nic]

Really, the tent was just tossed up there for transport to the new, dryer campsite. Though, I am sure something could be arranged with a sheet of plywood...

 

[maktruk]

Well...crap. Not looking to make the trip if I can't run the trail. Is it really that bad?

 

[Anders0nic]

The only reason you can't make the trail is because it is currently closed. Physically closed by a big metal gate. Once they swing that gate open in the spring, have at it! It is a trail that can be done in 2wd. But, due to its remoteness and rugged beauty, it is a coveted trail.