Lost Coast- Day 2

Day 2 began with the sounds of the waves and the quaking of the earth. That's right. There was a small earthquake that rocked us awake. Figuring it was a sign, we got to work making breakfast and breaking camp. 

We only hiked about 10-11 miles Day 1, so we knew we had about 15 miles left to conquer, including one more 5 mile "impassable during high-tide" section. My legs were already sore from Day 1, but I was eager to hit the trail and finish the hike. 

Thankfully, the first part of the trail was flat and off the sand. Sadly, this didn't last long. Before long we were back on the sand and in to another rock-hopping, ankle-breaking section. 

Although we didn't see any bears (only bear prints), we saw lots of seals, some sea otters, birds and fish. 

Eventually the rocky section turns to sand. 

Then the sandy section turns to more sand. 

The end is in sight but still a long ways away.

Upon reaching these two rocks, you know your quest is almost over. The last stretch is literally a walk on a beach! We start seeing families and dogs running around. Civilization again!

By this time I was exhausted, thirsty and a hungry hungry hippo. I ran the hill back up to the parking lot, quickly posed for a "we did it" photo, then shoveled granola in my mouth. 

Summary:

Tough hike. We met some cool people on the trail, but one group didn't finish the hike!  They wound up hiking up the hill off the beach until they found a road, and hitch-hiked back to the parking lot!  

I probably wouldn't do it again, but it is definitely worth the effort. It is truly priceless being able to watch sunset on a beach from your tent, without any type of pollution. No noise except the sound of the beach. No technology. No human trace. 

If I were to do it again I would pack more water and snacks. I would also consider doing the hike in 3 days, 2 nights instead of 2 days. 

The Lost Coast Trail- Day 1

The Lost Coast Trail is often voted "Best Hike" and for good reason. Located in Northern California, this trail is a 53 mile coastal stretch which highway developers deemed too expensive to build, leaving the area remote and mostly untouched.  The trail is often divided into two sections and we decided to do the 26 mile Northern section through the King Range National Conservation Area from Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove.

Prior to doing this hike, I thoroughly researched weather and tide charts. I also made sure to print and waterproof both the trail map (found on the King Range website) and the tide chart. There are three sections during the hike which are only passable during low tide. The first section at Punta Gorda is very short, but the other two sections are 4-5 miles long. We did the hike in 2 days and thankfully, the tides were in our favor. 

We scheduled a shuttle from Shelter Cove to Mattole Beach through Lost Coast Shuttle. After about 2 hours of heads bobbing through windy roads, we reached our starting point and eagerly stretched our legs by starting our hike. 

This section of the hike was on sand. Add on a heavy backpack, and our legs quickly felt heavier with each step. Thankfully the fog hovering over the coastline cast a spell upon us and before we knew it, we were at our first rest stop, the Punta Gorda lighthouse.

We smelled the seals before we saw them.

Shortly past the light house, we came upon the next "impassable during high tide" section of the trail. In addition to racing against the incoming tide, the trail became littered with large and slippery rocks. I found this terrain more difficult than hiking in sand.

Along the trail we crossed a few streams. Depending on the season, the stream could be a light trickle or a raging river. We went in October so the water was low enough to hop from rock to rock without getting our feet wet. If you go during winter or spring, they suggest bringing water shoes.

After about 4-5 miles of hiking along the beach and racing the tide, the trail led up to a ridge.

Although we had hoped to make it further Day 1, the sun was already setting, so we decided to set up camp at the Spanish Flats.

Packing List:

• tide chart and trail map
• bear canister - rented from REI
• fire permit- free from trailhead
• hiking boots
• gaiters- SO helpful in keeping the sand out
• rain coat
• clothing- bring layers. Tank tops and flannel for tops and leggings for pants were enough for me in October
• socks- pack extra! The waves caught us a few times and having dry socks prevented blisters. 
• hiking poles- most of the hike is spent hopping from rock to rock. 
• tent, sleeping bag, pad
• backpack
• food and water
• water filtration system

Alamere Falls

Close your eyes and imagine sitting on a beach. Sand in your toes, breeze through your hair. Now turn off all those senses and let only sound in. The sound of waves washing ashore AND the sound of a waterfall splashing down to the beach flood your auditory senses. That is what sitting at Alamere Falls is about.

My friend and I tackled this hike in August 2014 and I remember fearing the falls would be dried up. Nevertheless we drove out to the Palomarin Trailhead eager to find this waterfall onto the beach.

This hike was very enjoyable. Paved and easy to follow with frequent coastal views!

The hike is about 8.3 miles roundtrip, and along the way we passed two pretty lakes, Bass Lake and Pelican Lake. Bass Lake is a fun swimming hole for hot days with a rope swing, so next time we're bringing towels and swimsuits!  

About 4 miles in, we reached the turnoff to the falls. It looked dark, narrow, and potentially riddled with poison oak. We pulled our layers on, just to be safe and did our best not to touch anything. I have met a few people who got nasty poison oak from this trail. 

The trail was downhill and steep in some areas. Finally, we came upon a clearing and could see the climb down to the beach. 

It's a very steep scramble, along the side of the waterfall, to get down to the beach with lots of loose rock. 

Our reward! A beautiful Northern California beach day!

Packing List:

• sunscreen
• wear layers. It can get hot, but this is a typical Bay Area coastal trail. We started the hike in fog, but ended up with a blue bird day. 
• swimsuit (optional)
• water and snacks to eat at the beach. We saw people with full on picnic baskets!
• small towel 
• running shoes

Summary:

This hike had all of my favorites!  A beach, a waterfall, a coastal breeze, a clear trail and a tad bit of danger (poison oak and rock scramble!). I would come back in a heart beat.