Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove

25.3 miles / 2,120 ft elevation

This is a refreshing 3 day ocean-side backpacking trip along the Lost Coast from Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove in the King Range National Conservation Area. The trail is mostly on the beach itself with occasional climbs up and down the earth cliffs making this one of the more challenging 25 mile hikes you can make for the elevation. We strongly recommend bringing hiking poles.  That being said, black sand beaches, old-growth forests and a 4,000-foot-high wall of windswept peaks make the trek worth the effort.