The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach

Mattole Trailhead, CA
4.8
12 Reviews
The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
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Details

Distance
25.05 miles
Elevation Gain
653 ft
Route Type
Point-to-Point

Features

Scenic
Family Friendly
Groups
Beach
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Track

About this place

Added by Whitney Whitehouse

The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach takes you along stunning coastal views on this 25 mile stretch of coastline with nicely laid out campsites and easy access to water. Need to have shuttle car (best to leave your car at Shelter Cove TH and take shuttle up). Duration: 3 days/2 nights.

This is an absolutely stunning 25 mile thru-hike on the northern part of California's coast. To accomplish this hike, you'll either need to bring 2 cars or use a shuttle service. It's recommended that you drop one car at the Shelter Cove Trailhead (40.0455053,-124.0778196) and either use one of the shuttle services to drive you up to Mattole or drive your second car up there. Keep in mind that it takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive between the two trailheads.

Along your trek, there are several places to camp for the night. This map lays out the designated areas. Be sure to pick up a more detailed one at the ranger station.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you keep an eye out for the areas that are impassible at high tide
  • Check tide charts and weather reports before heading out on the trail
  • If rain is forecasted, bring your rain gear and rain cover for your pack

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Adrien Patanè
2/1/2017
Spectacular Hike
Amazing scenery and varied landscape on this hike, found the best camping spot right near the beach! Agree with everyone else, the sand ...
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John Chau
4/19/2016
Stellar backpacking trip!
Did this twice - one as a yo-yo and the other just backpacked in to Big Flat and relaxed for a couple days. The ...
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Nate Kuhn
11/10/2015
Great Trip
Was fortunate to have amazing weather when I went. Super light winds with early morning fog which cleared up in the afternoon (actually got ...
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Gaby Colletta
10/21/2015
Incredible and entirely surprising!
Just did the 4 day trek through this gorgeous paradise. I was so stunned by the diverse coastal landscapes that we encountered. Definitely makes ...
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Stacey Smith
8/25/2015
I just wrapped up a 3 day/2 night backpacking trip on the Lost Coast Trail. It was an absolutely life changing experience for me, ...
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Cate Anderson
8/24/2015
My sister and I just did this as our first multi-day thru hike. The views are unbelievable. As said by some others, be sure ...
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Tyler Drake
8/13/2015
I had a great time doing this with my 63 year-old dad. We slowed it down a little and made it a 4 day, ...
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cha viloria
5/28/2015
Did it over 3 days/2 nights, but I'd recommend 4 days/3 nights for a more leisurely pace. Amazing experience nonetheless.
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Tucker Owen
11/2/2014
Make sure to carry a tidal chart - some stretches become impassable during high tide.
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Chris Balzano
9/14/2014
Awesome views, very windy, sand can be tough hiking.
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Van Tran
7/4/2014
Beautiful. I would recommend 4 days or more and bring bear canisters. :)
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MT Robertson
9/18/2013
This was an amazing trip as the weather cooperated! A few important notes are keep your pack light as walking in sand is hard ...
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