The Best Short Trek To Do In September - Lost Coast Trek
You'll find the most important details you need to know about this trek here, ranging from average cost to the nearest airport, aswell as a brief description of what you should expect on this trek.
FYI - This is part of a series of blogs that describe and detail the best short and long treks around the world per month. The trek per month is not random, I chose the best treks with the best climate conditions per month. Type in October in the search bar of my blog section and find out what the best treks to take are in October.
Name of the Trek: Lost Coast Trek
Location: California
Nearest Airport: Arcata/ Eureka Airport
Average Trekking Duration: 3 to 5 days
Distance: 39.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Altitude: 1,578 m
Best Month To Go: September
Average Temperature: 20 degrees Fahrenheit approximately
Average Cost: People who prefer trekking or hiking solo will incur the expenses of permits, which are available online for staying in the King Range Wilderness overnight. There are additional expenses like camping and food. There is no need for guides or porters since the maps are available to help you on your point-to-point trek. You may opt for one-way shuttle transport to drop you to one of the Trailheads. There are several trek operators organizing backpacking trips or even proper point-to-point ones for groups too. The cost of these will include USD $6 permit.
The trek begins from Black Sands Beach from where you can get the shuttle to take you to the starting of the trailhead of Mattole. On the first day, you will need to hike for around 5 hours to Punta Gorda Lighthouse. This was built in 1910, and today, only the structure of the lighthouse and the fuel house exist. Take the trekking route through the rather rugged coastal shore. There are soft sand everywhere combined with rocks and gravel.
The route is rather tedious. You will not be able to encounter heavy floods during the rainy season. You will reach Sea Lion Gulch on the first day and then head off to Spanish Flat. From there, you can head off to Miller Flat and finally, end the trail at Shelter Cove.
What to Expect?
A breathtaking combination of untouched beaches with black sands and imposing rocky mountains on one side will be visible. You will take the mountaineering route through the Kings Range National Conservation Area where you can see the bears. So, it is advisable to carry bear canisters from the ranger station on rent for USD $5. There are fines to pay if you do not carry a bear canister or a permit. Trek operators will offer beneficial regulations. The easiest way is to hike from North to South.
There are campsites at Cooskie Creek and along the trail. You will find the presence of several high altitude cliffs along the coast of the route.