The King Range and Lost Coast Area
Map Illustration by Janet Young
Rising directly out of the Pacific Ocean, Northern California’s wild and rugged Lost Coast was formed by the dynamic forces of geology, weather and ocean currents. Tectonic plates and earthquakes continue to uplift the land, while weather erodes and shapes it, giving the area its unique geology and terrain. Because of this rugged topography, builders of the coastal highway were forced to turn inland. And because strong ocean currents in the area rendered navigation difficult, the area became fondly known as The Lost Coast.
Today, the King Range National Conservation Area, Mattole River Valley, Sinkyone State Park and adjacent lands comprise the Lost Coast, providing habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna, including coast redwoods. Camping, hiking, backpacking (along with mountain biking and horseback riding in the King Range) are wonderful ways to experience remote places. Fishing and lodging are available in the community of Shelter Cove, and winding mountain roads take you to the Sinkyone Wilderness in the south and to the mouth of the Mattole and the Lost Coast Trail in the north.
Resources
General
- King Range National Conservation Area
- Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
- The King Range on Wikipedia
- The King Range Wilderness on Wikipedia
- The King Range on Wilderness.net
- The Lost Coast on Wikipedia
Visitor Links
- Lost Coast and Shelter Cove Visitor Links
- Town of Garberville and Redway Chamber of Commerce
- 101 Things to Do in Humboldt County
- North Coast Tourism Council
- Local Weather
Shelter Cove Webcams
Local Media
- KMUD Community Radio (Local Radio Station)
- Redwood Times (Southern Humboldt Local Newspaper)
- The Lost Coast episode from Open Road TV on YouTube
