The Lost Coast of California

Where the world-renowned Highway 1 ends, the lost coast unofficially begins. The area, which got its name after it experienced depopulation in the 1930s, is California’s only coastal wilderness, where no development or major roads come near the ocean. As such, it’s best (but not exclusively) explored on foot.

Stretching between Shelter Cove to the south and the Mattole River to the north, in both Mendocino and Humboldt counties, the lost coast is a wild land of forests and fog.  The area is filled with high alpine forests, Roosevelt elk grazing in bluff-top prairies, and majestic redwoods. With sweeping grasslands and coastal forest, the incredible ocean vistas humbly remind you of how insignificant us humans are. From the unforgettable views of King Range, its peak soaring 4,000 feet above the Pacific, to the water’s edge and its shell mounds, the area is quickly becoming a dream destination for backpackers and eco-tourists.

With its tiny rural towns, high tide treasures, and breathtaking hiking trails, it’s an escape that is well worth the trekking. Just don’t forget to stop by the abandoned lighthouse at Punta Gorda.