Lost Coast Trail Backpacking: A 3-Day Adventure Through California’s Untamed Coast

There’s something deeply humbling about walking along the edge of the world — where mountains drop into the Pacific and every step is met by the roar of the ocean. My Lost Coast Trail backpacking trip was exactly that kind of adventure — wild, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgettable.

Over three days, I hiked the 25-mile stretch from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach, carrying everything I needed on my back, joined by friends who shared the same craving for challenge and solitude.

Day 1: Mattole Beach to Sea Lion Gulch (4.7 Miles)

Our journey began early at Black Sands Beach, where we met our shuttle from Lost Coast Adventures. After two winding hours up the coast, we reached Mattole Trailhead — the true start of the adventure.

The first few miles felt like stepping into another world. The beach stretched endlessly ahead, waves crashing against black rocks, sea lions barking in the distance. We stopped at Sea Lion Gulch to set up camp, watching the sun sink into the horizon as the tide rolled in. There’s a calm that only comes from being completely disconnected — no signal, no noise, just nature.

That’s what I chase both in travel and in my destination elopement photography — moments where everything else fades away and you’re left with something pure and real.

Learn more about how I capture that emotion in my Destination Elopement & Weddings work.

Day 2: Sea Lion Gulch to Kinsey Creek (7.2 Miles)

The second day was pure coastal magic. With the morning fog lifting, we made our way south, passing tide pools, sea caves, and rocky cliffs. Marmots and seabirds followed our journey as we trekked through the rugged terrain.

We stopped often — partly for photos, partly to take it all in. That’s the beauty of this trail: it forces you to slow down. Every bend in the coast revealed something new — driftwood stacked by past hikers, shells scattered like art across the sand.

By late afternoon, we found a small clearing near Kinsey Creek to camp. Dinner was simple but satisfying, cooked under a deep orange sky. The sound of the surf became our lullaby.

Lost Coast Trail Backpacking: Final Stretch to Black Sands Beach (14.4 Miles)

The last leg of our Lost Coast Trail backpacking journey was the longest and most demanding. With the tides dictating our pace, we hiked through shifting sands and boulder fields, racing against the waves. The sun was sharp, the pack heavy, but the scenery — absolutely worth it.

After nearly seven hours, we saw it: Black Sands Beach. The final steps were emotional — exhaustion and exhilaration mixing into that unmistakable post-adventure high.

Standing there, I felt the same gratitude I feel after photographing a wedding or elopement — that deep, quiet satisfaction that comes from being fully present and doing what I love.

Essentials for Hiking the Lost Coast Trail

Here’s what I’d recommend to anyone planning a Lost Coast Trail backpacking trip:

• Permit: Required through Recreation.gov. Secure yours early — they book fast.

• Bear Canister: Mandatory. This stretch of California is prime bear country.

• Shuttle: Arrange a one-way ride between Mattole and Black Sands via local outfitters.

• Tide Chart: Crucial. Certain sections become impassable at high tide.

• Map: Download the official King Range National Conservation Area Map from the Bureau of Land Management before you go.

It’s one of those rare places where preparation meets raw adventure — where nature reminds you just how small and alive you really are.

Reflections on the Journey

After three days of hiking, salt spray, laughter, and exhaustion, we stood on the dark sand looking back at the miles we’d covered. The Lost Coast felt like a living dream — untamed, untouched, unforgettable.

Trips like this feed my creativity and remind me why I do what I do — to seek adventure, tell stories, and capture life in all its wild beauty.

If you’d like to read more about my travels or the stories that inspire my work, you can visit my About Me page or explore more adventures on the Blog.

Trekking the Lost Coast Trail was more than just a backpacking trip — it was a reminder that beauty often lives in the places furthest from comfort.

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