King Range National Conservation Area

Enjoy the spectacular coastline skirting the Lost Coast Trail in the King Range National Conservation Area.

Hikers stroll along the sandy beaches of the 25-mile Lost Coast Trail.

Birdwatchers enjoy the coastal birds that inhabit the King Range Conservation Area.

The King Range rises from the sea and reaches 4,087 feet in less than three miles. Rugged topography and record rainfall create a unique mountain wilderness on this 60,000-acre conservation area.

Visitors can fish along the coast and hike in forests. The scenery along the wild coast is dazzling and the shoreline is open to hikers and equestrians.

Among the more popular trails are the 3.5-mile Buck Creek Trail, a former logging trail. The famous 25-mile Lost Coast Trail stretches from Mattole River campground to Black Sands Beach. It traverses cliffs and sandy beaches.

The King Crest Trail offers routes for every breed of hiker. More than 10 miles of trails and three trailheads create a series of loops that provide foot and horse access along the main coastal ridge north of Shelter Cove.

Backcountry trail permits are available at trailheads, these act as campfire permits while in the King Range. Also, BLM sells a waterproof hiking guide for $5.

Animal life throughout the area includes Roosevelt elk, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and domestic varieties of grazing cows and sheep. There are also black bear, rattlesnakes and plenty of ticks. Hard-side bear canisters are required and available for rent at the BLM Arcata office, the BLM King Range office and the Petrolia Store.

The King Range National Conservation Area is located about 230 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Eureka.

To reach the conservation area, from the north take U.S. 101 to the Ferndale exit. Once in Ferndale, follow signs to Petrolia. One mile past Petrolia, turn right on Lighthouse Road; it is five more miles to the Mattole Recreation Site. Allow 1.5 hours for the 42 mile trip.

Five of six campgrounds are wheelchair-accessible.

To reach the central access point, take U.S. 101 to the South Fork-Honeydew exit. Follow the signs 23 miles to Honeydew. Turn left in Honeydew to Honeydew Creek Recreation Site and Smith-Etter Road (closed in winter). Allow one hour for the 24-mile trip.

To reach the south access point, take U.S. 101 to the Redway/Garberville exit. Follow signs to Shelter Cove/King Range area. Allow 45 minutes for the 22-mile trip to Shelter Cove.