The Lost Coast Trail Backpacking
May 4-10, 2022
LEVEL 4 TRIP: Participants should be in good physical condition, and able to hike up to 8 miles over uneven terrain, carrying 30lbs.
It’s essential to be prepared for your adventure. Read our preparation tips for both your footwear and fitness.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Note: While we do our best to adhere to the schedule, ALL ITINERARIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. This trip, in particular, relies on navigating tides, as well as a frequently changing natural landscape, which are out of our control. All times listed below use Pacific Time.
Day 1 - Meet in Shelter Cove, CA for Trip Prep
4 pm - Check-in at a cozy Airbnb in Shelter Cove with views of the Pacific Ocean
5-7 pm - Backpack fitting and gear shakedown
7:30 pm - Enjoy a welcome dinner at the Airbnb
TOTAL DAY: Includes backpack shakedown, lodging and dinner
Day 2 - Shuttle to Northern trail terminus, Backpack to our 1st wilderness campsite by the Pacific Ocean
6:00 am - A quick breakfast
7:00 am - Meet shuttle driver
9:15 am - Arrive at Northern trail terminus
9:25 am - Start backpacking the 6.3 breathtaking miles to our 1st night’s wilderness campsite in an “Impassable Zone,” locked in by the high tide of the Pacific Ocean
11:00 am - Enter the 1st “Impassable Zone” (a single point) using tide charts to navigate its crossing
11:45 am - Enjoy lunch at the beautiful, abandoned Punta Gorda Lighthouse
12:15 pm - Enter the 2nd “Impassable Zone” (3.1 miles long)
2:15 pm - Reach our Cooskie Creek campsite for the night where we will camp halfway through the “Impassable Zone,” a true wilderness experience. Set up your own camp, explore the surrounding area, or relax at camp.
6:00 pm - Dinner in camp - your guide will help you learn how to cook in the backcountry
TOTAL DAY: 6.3 miles, includes transport from Shelter Cove to the Northern trail terminus, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks
Day 3 - Backpack to our 2nd stunning wilderness campsite by the Pacific Ocean
7:00 am - Rise and shine, eat breakfast and break camp
9:00 am - Hit the trail - Note that we will be starting our day in the 2nd “Impassable Zone,” so the timing of tides is critical
11:00 am - Finish crossing the 2nd “Impassable Zone”
12:30 pm - Enjoy lunch at Spanish Flat
5:00 pm - Reach Big Creek campsite for the night on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, a true wilderness experience. Set up camp, explore the surrounding area, or relax at camp.
6:00 pm - Dinner in camp - your guide will help you learn how to cook in the backcountry
TOTAL DAY: 7 miles, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks
Day 4 - Backpack to our 3rd stunning wilderness campsite by the Pacific Ocean
7:00 am - Rise and shine, eat breakfast and break camp
9:00 am - Hit the trail - We will have a 3rd Impassable Zone to reach today, so the timing of tides is still critical
11:00 am - Early lunch by a fresh water source
12:30 pm - Enter the 3rd “Impassable Zone” (4 miles long)
3:30 pm - Reach Buck Creek campsite where we will again camp halfway through an “Impassable Zone,” a true wilderness experience. Set up camp, explore the surrounding area, or relax at camp.
6:00 pm - Dinner in camp - your guide will help you learn how to cook in the backcountry
TOTAL DAY: 6.1 miles, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks
Day 5 - Backpack to Shelter Cove, resupply, spend our 4th night in the astounding Southern Section by the Pacific Ocean
8:00 am - Rise and shine, eat breakfast and break camp
10:00 am - Hit the trail - Note that we will be starting our day in the 3rd “Impassable Zone,” so the timing of tides is critical
11:00 am - Finish crossing the 3rd “Impassable Zone”
11:30 am - Lunch by prominent sea stacks
3:00 pm - Exit the Northern Section at Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove. Gather our resupplies.
4:00 pm - Drive to Needle Rock to experience the breathtaking Southern section of The Lost Coast Trail in Sinkyone State Park.
5:00 pm - Arrive at Needle Rock. Hike a short 1/4-mile to set up camp on beautiful headlands.
5:30 pm - Reach stunning Streamside Campsite and set up camp
6:30 pm - Dinner in camp - your guide will help you learn how to cook in the backcountry
TOTAL DAY: 5.2 miles, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks
Day 6 - Backpack to our 5th stunning wilderness campsite in the Southern Section by the Pacific Ocean
7:00 am - Rise and shine, eat breakfast and break camp
9:00 am - Backpack 8 astounding miles to our 5th wilderness campsite, the prettiest portion of the Southern section of the Trail
12:00 pm - Lunch and exploring at mind-blowing Bear Harbor
5:00 pm - Reach Wheeler campsite for the night on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, a true wilderness experience.
6:00 pm - Dinner in camp - your guide will help you learn how to cook in the backcountry
TOTAL DAY: 8 miles, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks
Day 7 - Backpack to Needle Rock for Trip’s End
7:00 am - Rise and shine, eat breakfast and break camp
9:00 am - Backpack 7.5 astounding miles to Needle Rock
12:30 pm - Lunch and exploring at mind-blowing Bear Harbor
4:30 pm - Reach Needle Rock and drive back to Shelter Cove
5:30 pm - Enjoy a casual dinner in Shelter Cove to celebrate our successful trip!
TOTAL DAY: 7.5 miles, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks
What IS Included On Your Trip
An experienced guide who is a NOLS-Certified Wilderness First Responder
Coaching to help you advance your backpacking skills
Major gear to use while on trail. We use only high-end, lightweight equipment to help you have a comfortable trip:
Solo tent or shared double tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Backpack
Hiking poles
Water filtration equipment
Cooking and eating gear
Note: If you would like to, you may use your existing gear, on approval from trip leaders at the beginning of the trip
All food while on trail (please advise of any dietary restrictions, so we can accommodate)
All camping fees and trip logistics while on trail
Safety equipment, including a group first-aid kit, maps, and beacon-locator device to let loved ones know daily your location and that all is well or, if needed, to trigger a search and rescue
Transportation from our AirBnb in Shelter Cove to northern trail terminus
Transportation from Black Sands beach to Needle Rock Visitor Center
Transportation from Needle Rock Visitor Center to dinner in Shelter Cove and a return to vehicles
Transaction processing fees and Commercial Use Authorization fees
An e-photo album of your trip
A 1-hour post-trip Skype session where you can pose additional questions (within two weeks of trip finish)
What Is NOT Included On Your Trip:
Transportation to/from Shelter Cove, CA prior to or after our trip
Lodging, camping, or park entrance fees prior to trip start
Meals prior to trip start
Personal items as indicated on the packing list that we will provide to you
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuity for your trip leader is at your discretion
Personal trip insurance is not included, but recommended
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I be safe?
Your safety is our top priority! Our Trip Leaders are experienced wilderness guides, and are certified Wilderness First Responders. This helps us to minimize risks, and identify and respond quickly to health issues in the wilderness. We have procedures in place to deal with backcountry emergencies, and an extensive safety plan.
We always carry a Garmin mini InReach satellite messenger. This device can be used in the event of an emergency in the wilderness, to notify local authorities that we need assistance or to activate search and rescue.
We practice good backcountry hygiene and sanitation. Our trip leaders are also Certified ServSafe® Food Protection Managers, to ensure proper food safety and cleanliness.
Will I be able to stay in touch with loved ones?
Our time on the trail will likely be out of cell phone range. Trip leaders always carry a satellite messenger device, which can be pre-programmed to send “check-in” messages to loved ones by text or email so that they know where you are currently located and that everything is going well. In the unlikely event of an emergency, the beacon locator device can also be used to trigger help.
How do I register?
Click here to Register. Registration for an On-Trail Trip is not complete until we have had the opportunity to speak with you via telephone about the demands of the trail.
Do I need to complete any paperwork?
Once you have signed up for an On-Trail Trip, you will receive a receipt by email with a link to Waivers and Health Assessments, which need to be signed and returned to us prior to trip departure. To get the most out of your trip, we suggest that you have a medical physical 90 days prior to departure.
Do I need a COVID-19 Vaccine?
YES. For all 2022 Trips, guests and staff must provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 prior to trip start. If you are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you must provide a doctor’s note AND receive a negative COVID-19 test, within 72 hours of the trip start.
Why do I have to complete an interview?
To ensure your safety and the best possible guest experience, we interview every client before booking is confirmed. Our trips have varying levels of ability and fitness, so we do our best to make sure the trip you book is the right fit for you.
How old do I have to be to register?
Participants must be 18 or older (unless individual arrangements are made). All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
How many people will be on this trip?
The Lost Coast Trip requires a minimum of 4 participants to depart, with a maximum of 8 participants.
Where does this trip start?
This trip begins and ends in Shelter Cove, CA. The nearest major airport is the San Francisco International Airport. Other nearby airports are the Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) or the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) in Humboldt County, both of which are served by United Airlines.
What do I need to bring?
To have a successful trip, you need to have appropriate footwear (backpacking boots or trail shoes that have been broken in) and adequate rain gear, in addition to your clothing and personal items, which will be clearly indicated on a detailed gear list that we will provide to you. Let us know if you have any questions about items on the gear list, as each piece is an important component to a successful trip. We want to ensure you arrive fully prepared for the trail! See our Packing List for details.
We will provide all of your major gear, including backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tents, food, cooking gear, eating utensils, and more.
Do I really need to pack rain gear, even if it's not forecast to rain?
Yep! You must pack absolutely everything on the packing list, including good quality rain gear. Weather in the backcountry can be unpredictable and staying both warm and dry is essential to your safety. You will not be able to proceed with the trip if you don't bring all the gear. If you forget something, there are local gear shops near most of our meeting spots, so you should be able to acquire a replacement.
Will I have clean clothes every day?
Nope. Welcome to backpacker life! Extra clothes weigh a lot so we try to be strategic about what we carry on the trail. We all get a little stinky out there, but it makes that shower at the end feel sooooo good!
Will I get to take a shower during my trip?
If your trip has a layover in a hotel, motel, hostel or vacation home - you bet! If you are on the trail, don't count on being shower-fresh. Isle Royale is the exception: You get to shower your final night out on the Island! You can always splash off in a creek, or bring some travel wipes to clean up with. Just remember that if you pack it in, you have to pack it out!
What will I eat on the trail?
All food is provided on your trips, unless otherwise indicated in your itinerary. Because we are carrying all our food on the trail, without refrigeration, we eat calorie-dense foods and dehydrated meals that are lightweight and nutritious. Take a look at our sample trail menu.
What happens if I need to depart a trip early?
While we do our best to help our clients prepare for a trip - we know that life happens! We do not offer refunds for partially completed trips. We recommend clients purchase their own travel insurance, in case of an emergency or illness.
Do I need trip insurance?
We strongly recommend our guests purchase their own trip insurance. Life happens, and a small injury or illness (hello, COVID-19) could prevent your participation in one of our trips at the last minute. Read our suggestions below to help you start finding trip insurance.
Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping your guide is optional, but always appreciated. The industry standard is 10-20% of the trip cost.
CANCELLATION, TRANSFER, AND REFUND POLICY
If you wish to cancel your registration, please note the following deadlines:
61 or more days prior to your scheduled trip, we will refund 80% of the trip cost.
60 days or less before a scheduled trip, we will be unable to refund any portion of the trip cost.
Backpack The Trails LLC reserves the right to cancel a trip without cause. We do our best to ensure that this never happens. In the unlikely event that this does happen, you will be notified as soon as possible, upon which time you can request a full refund or choose a different, similarly-priced trip, if there is still space available.
If you wish to transfer your registration to a different trip, please note the following deadlines:
61 or more days prior to your originally-scheduled trip, 80% of your trip cost is transferable for one year.
60 days or less before your originally-scheduled trip, none of the trip cost is transferable for one year.
Trip and Medevac Insurance
Backpack The Trails LLC carries business insurance and does not provide Trip or Medevac Insurance to clients.
We strongly advise our clients to purchase their own Trip Insurance and Medevac Insurance. These trips are active adventures, and require you to be fit. Most people book months in advance, and sometimes life can change. Having Trip Insurance can often help you recover your registration costs, in case you become ill, injured, lose a job, have a family emergency, or something beyond your control comes up that prevents you from coming on the trip, or that forces you to depart the trip early. Medevac Insurance often provides coverage for transit if you need a medical transfer to a facility with higher levels of care or closer to home.
If you plan to purchase Trip and/or Medevac Insurance, you often need to do so within a short period of time after booking your trip. Be sure to read all of the fine print for any Trip Insurance or Medieval Insurance that you purchase.
Here is a helpful article listing Travel and Medevac Insurance options.
Planning your own trip? Check out our trip planning cheatsheet from our presentation at Midwest Mountaineering.