The Lost Coast

A celebration was in order for Mike’s Birthday and a plan was set in motion to hike the Lost Coast. We had been wanting to do this hike since it was mentioned to us when we first moved to San Francisco. The 25 miles of rugged coastal landscape was calling our name and we finally were able to answer the call. The Lost Coast was nothing less than spectacular. For 3 days and 2 Nights we hiked along the beach taking in the site of the rugged California Coastline and the smell and sound of the Ocean.

The stroganoff or the stroganoff?

Redwoods are tall

The well groomed crew before the trek to Black Sands Beach after shuttling 2 hours to Mattole.

We then headed South to Punta Gorda Lighthouse. From Punta Gorda to Randall Creek the coast is impassable during high tide so plan accordingly. You pass Sea Lion Gulch/ Sea Lion Rookery and these Camp sites: Cooksie, Randall Creek. We Camped at Spanish Ridge .

We passed multiple driftwood structures along the way - which translate into whimsical camping spots

This is what happens when you travel with an artist - Rose’s camp fire doodles.

Day 2: We hiked from Spanish Flat to Big Flat, along a dirt trail and passed these creeks: Spanish Creek, Oat Creek, Kinsey Creek, Big Creek, Big Flat Creek/Rattlesnake Ridge Trail, Big Flat, and Buck Creek Trail. The camping spots are as follows: Kinsey, Big Creek, Big Flat. From Big Flat to right before Shipman Creek to Gitchell Creek is impassable at High Tide so plan accordingly with camping sites at: Shipman, Buck, Gitchell. We camped at Gitchell Creek.

The Spring Wildflowers were popping

Low Tide

This was my least favorite type of surface we hiked on - I didn’t mind the sand, the small pebbles, or even the large boulders, but the mid size rocks were quite difficult, always thinking I was going to sprain an ankle.

Succulents in the Wild

These are the best types of camp sites - falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of the ocean at your door is always ideal - except when it’s high tide.

Fun with Fire

Day 3: From here it’s all Beach Hiking. Calves Burning. But it’s only about 4.2 miles from Gitchell Creek to Black Sands Beach. We passed the last creek/camping spot called Horsman Mtn Creek and then it’s home free till you get to Black Sands Beach.

Bear Tracks - We missed this guy, but not by much

We wanted to drag this large piece of driftwood back with us, but settled for a photo

Love is my religion

And we’re done

A drive through the Avenue of the Giants is a must!

Love the greenish/gray color of the Eel RIver

We found Big Foot!

Yup this made me happy

Proverbial shot in front of the drive through tree!

I would suggest this hike immensely to anyone who wants to get off the beaten track and experience some of California’s most beautiful and secluded coast line.