| Description: A spectacular meeting of land & sea is certainly the dominant feature of the King Range National Conservation Area. Mountains seem to thrust straight out of the surf; a precipitous rise unsurpassed on the continental US coastline. King Peak, the highest point at 4,087 feet, is only three miles from the ocean.
The King Range covers 60,000 acres & extends along 35 miles of coastline between the mouth of the Mattole River & Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Here the landscape was too rugged for highway building, forcing CA one & US 101 inland. The remote region is known as California's Lost Coast, & is only accessed by a few back roads. The recreation opportunities here are as diverse as the landscape. The Douglas-fir forests attract hikers, hunters, campers & mushroom collectors, while the coast beckons surfers, anglers, beachcombers, & abalone divers.
A number of campgrounds serve this area, & dispersed camping is also permitted. The King Crest Trail crosses the northern half of the NCA, & is only one of over 70 miles of trails in the area.
The ocean along the coast here is unpredictable, & surfers are advised to wear wetsuits. The Northern California coastline has very strong undertow & rip currents. A phenomena known as `rogue´ or `sneaker´ waves also occurs along the Lost Coast Trail. These are larger than normal waves with high energy that can race far up the beach without warning. Unsuspecting hikers can be washed out to sea in an instant from these unusual occurrences.
Location: From US 101 exit at Redway, & take Shelter Cove Road for 22.5 miles to King Peak Road.
Season: year round
Reservations: no
Biking
Fishing
Picnicking
Boating (Motorized) Hiking/Backpacking
Scenic Driving
Boating (Non-motorized)
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Group Campgnd
RV Sites
Exhibits
Drinking Water
Cultural-Historic Sites
Restrooms
Notes: Four-wheel drive is recommended for most roads. This is bear country & you MUST practice bear safe food storage techniques. Backpackers are required to use bear canisters (can be rented for $5).
Water Sports
Camping
Wildlife Viewing |
Arcata Field Office, King Range National Conservation Area Campground Web Site |
Campground: Arcata Field Office, King Range National Conservation Area in Arcata California *