Friday May 18, 4:00 AM
Needs a location
This is an intermediate to advanced level trip for experienced backpackers. We will be hiking for 4 days, an average of 6-8 miles per day with some challenging climbs. It is imperative that you have the fitness required to hike, carry your pack and be self sufficient with your gear and supplies.
The Lost Coast Trail is absolutely beautiful with breathtaking views in so many areas along it's route. It's like walking through Jurassic Park for most of the way with the huge ferns, huge trees, huge everything and not to mention the huge Roosevelt Elk that we will see on the trail in many areas... just remember they are large and in charge!
The game plan is to leave Redding at 4:00 AM and we should be at the trail head no later than 9:30 AM and we'll make this a 23 mile loop trail. We'll head north on an old turn of the century logging skid road from the Usal Beach campground on up about 11 miles to the old logging town of Wheeler. We will trek 5 miles or so and spend the first evening in a good camping area along the old road and the next morning we'll make our way up to Wheeler Camp where we can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the scenery. There are great places to camp, plenty of water and with ocean views right on up the coast towards Shelter Cove.
After Wheeler Camp we will now start the return trip along the coast south towards Jackass Cove which is 4.5 miles south of Wheeler. This area also has very good camping spots with a very short walk down to the ocean and plenty of water. Or we can bypass through Jack Ass Cove and continue on towards our parking area at Usal Beach. We'll take a vote then but keep in mind that will make a tough 11 mile trek with two pretty good climbs.
The best thing to do is to plan for 3 nights and 4 days total. Fog usually isn't a problem until after June but be prepared anyway. Good sturdy shoes and walking sticks are very important as part of the trail is narrow especially up out of Wheeler. Be prepared for some switchbacks and some good elevation gain but nothing Mt. Lassen or Shasta Bally.
Here is some good information for you to look over before deciding. I have done this trip as well as the northen section and I prefer this section because of the dramatic views and foilage.
http://www.summitpost.org/lost-coast-wilderness-and-kings-range/154421
Event will be cancelled or rescheduled if inclement weather.
* The trip organizer is a volunteer and NOT a real leader (i.e. not liable for the group). Think of it as hiking with a group of friends.
* Joining any hike is entirely voluntary and participants assume any and all risks associated with the activities. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate in a strenuous hike, with the appropriate water, food, clothing, first aid, and navigation equipment for the conditions.
Bear canisters required?
According to the Summit Post, bear canisters are not required for this section of the trail.
I have one and I bring it most of the time especially for more than 1 night just to keep things organized but there are bears and critters in the woods and I have heard marmots playing around with my cannister before so I was glad I had it.
What a great group so far! I know you all will really enjoy this walk. Nothing to crazy just real beautiful and there are some switch backs too but so worth it.
Any thoughts to splitting the 24 mi into one group heading south while the other heads north, meet in the middle and swap car keys?? I found even 10 miles on sand/rock/ a long trek.
We hiked along the beach and bluffs from Mattole River south and returned same way..no elevation gains..at sea level. Different route than your trip plans, sounds interesting.
There isn't really a place to meet in the middle. We will be going up east of the Lost Coast Trail and will cut down towards the ocean at Wheeler Camp. The only place to park another vehicle would be quite aways up at Needle Rock and sometimes the roads are impassible and we'll end up walking more anyway. Do the Google earth and start at Usal Beach but stay just to the east of the trail and you will see an old road (not used) in the maps, we'll be taking that up to Wheeler Camp.
just how hard is this b-backing trip... because I no queen of the hiking people by far:) i game
Any chance of making this a Friday-Monday trip? I have a commitment on Tuesday. If not, that's ok . . . I'll have plenty of other opportunities for backpacking this summer.
I will do it in October with you Jan!
The date change is still good for me. Hope we can find a way to meet before the trip to consolidate details. Thank you John, for putting this together. It will be a great one!
Date change works for me too. I might go over early and ..avoid the 4am take off ...yawnnnnnnnnnn.
I'm planning on a pizza get together in March sometime to get everything dialed in and go over some details and questions. I will give everybody at least 2 weeks notice.
We are 75 days out . . . is everyone working on their fitness level? got your gear? need to update your RSVP? I for one have been working on my consecutive day mileage and have been carrying a weighted pack. I want to enjoy this trip without it being too much of a sufferfest :)
Just received email regarding 3/14 meeting. I am in Mexico and will not be home until late March. I am walking on the beach 4 - 6 miles por dia and not drinking too much Tequila. So I will be good to go. I will probably go over a day early and camp the night before. Can someone catch me up on meeting details when I get back? Jan or Joy?
Absolutely Penny! And, I will assure Big John that you are a ready backpacker! I may join you and Joy and . . . for a Thursday afternoon departure. I'm happy to report it is one of the few Thursdays I can escape early.
I will be good to go. Planning on adding a weighted pack on my daily walks when I am back home. Any other details will be good for me. Sorry I cannot make the meeting. Hasta luego!
Won't make it down for the meeting, just too hard to drive into Redding on a week night for me. I'll catch up on the details later.
I think I can vouch for your hiking and backpacking abilities also Johanna! Your reputation proceeds you :)
Hello everybody just a reminder for this evenings get together over at Round Table on the Mt. Shasta mall at 6:30. I have a map to look over and the trail guide for you to keep and get to know.
We made the following decisions at the meeting. (1) We will be doing this as a 23-mile loop hike, beginning at the Usal Beach Campground; (2) This will be a 3 day, 3 night outing; (3) We will start our hike Friday morning; (4) For those who did not attend the meeting, or who have not previously hiked with John or Jan, you need to contact John by email so you can discuss your fitness level and experience. Lets make this a grand adventure :)
Oops - correction needed - it is 4 days, 3 nights. Start hiking Friday. Camp on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Complete hike and return to Redding on Monday.
I'm thinking Mexico and the tequila experience like Penny's sounds pretty darn inviting. Have fun on your bb trip, I'm R&R'n yet, and most likely will not be ready for your adventure by May...on vacation 1st & half week in May to Utah.
Just found out we will have the opportunity to watch the solar eclipse on 5/20. ?Parts of the US (Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona, Colarado, New Mexico and Texas), Japan and China are treated to a solar eclipse on May 20 this year, although it?s not going to be a total solar eclipse; it?s going to be something a little special between 22:06 and 01:39 UTC (5:06 p.m.and 8:39 p.m. EST).?
Fire permits can be obtained online at: http://www.fs.fed...

Planning meeting on Monday, 4/23, at 6:30 over at Round Table Pizza in the Mt. Shasta Mall. This meeting is to get everybody prepared for the trip and to answer any questions you may have so write them down and myself or others can answer them. Maps will be available and we'll go over the agenda of the hike and what to expect. If you haven't been in contact with John about the trip, and can't attend the meeting, please contact him ASAP.
It is with enormous disappointment that I must decline this adventure. I have worked at getting into shape and am ready to go, but I cannot be in 2 places at once. Please have a wonderful trip and I'll be there in spirit.
Susan - please contact John to finalize carpool details.
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