Step Back in Time on The Lost Coast Trail Backpacking Trip

Friday May 18, 4:00 AM
Needs a location

5 attendees

John Loveless
This was a great hike with amazing scenery everywhere. There were some areas that were challenging such as the Lost Coast Scramble and Bear S--- Slide but everybody made it through. All were great backpackers that improved their skills in the technical areas and everybody lived up to the challenges along the way with no bo hooing. Thank you all for the great trip!
Jan
It was certainly a grand adventure. Thank you, John, for sharing this trail and your experience. We made plenty of new memories and should make up T-Shirts that say, "I survived the Lost Coast Trail or at least Bear Sh** Slide."
Martin Dawson
Hey great backpacking trip. Challenging hiking beautiful scenery and wildflowers. Good companionship and overall a great time. Thanks John.
Laurie H
Susan

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.

Northern California Outdoor Adventurers (NCOA)

Step Back in Time on The Lost Coast Trail Backpacking Trip

5 attendees

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