When my parents invited my wife and I on their upcoming Lost Coast backpacking trip, I had my doubts. After all, it’s hard to imagine any part of California being still considered “lost.” But as the story goes the area in question—spanning both Humboldt and Mendocino Counties—was too treacherous for builders of Highway 101, so they simply left that stretch of California's North Coast as is and built around it. Now it’s known as the King Range National Conservation Area, or Lost Coast as it were.
The plan was pretty straightforward, and mellow. We’d cover 30 miles in five days from Mattole Trailhead to Shelter Cover. The entire hike was along coastline and almost every mile was on the beach, which may sound great at first glance, but after you experience miles and miles of sand you’ll be begging for firm, solid ground. Nevertheless it was to be a beautiful family experience—my Shiba Inu named Bambi included.