The Lost Coast doesn’t offer maps, shortcuts, or handrails. It’s here to take us places we’ve never seen and make us feel things we didn’t know we could. For four days, we’ll hike Northern California’s last untamed coastline, trekking across isolated beaches, scrambling over cliffs that seem from another world, and camping in coves so secluded we’ll wonder if anyone’s ever been there before us. Out here, getting lost isn’t a mistake—it’s part of the adventure. And honestly, you won’t mind it one bit.
Get ready for an adventure that’s as wild as it gets. This 4-day trek takes us along the last untamed stretch of Northern California’s coastline, where the wilderness rules. We’ll walk isolated beaches, tackle wild cliffs, and camp under the stars in hidden coves, all led by an expert guide. No worries about logistics—all meals and group gear are taken care of. We’ll be set to focus on the real stuff: the raw beauty of the Lost Coast, the rush of the tides, and the freedom of being miles from civilization. Ready to leave the world behind?
The Lost Coast is well named, as our first challenge is just getting there! We will meet at 8am at REI Corte Madera in the San Francisco Bay Area (Marin County, North Bay) before setting out on the 4.5-hour drive to Shelter Cove which is the ultimate endpoint of our trek. At Shelter Cove, we will have lunch, complete a pack check, orientation, and safety talk, before loading onto the shuttle for the northern terminus and our starting point, Mattole Beach. After the 2-hour shuttle ride, we will set up camp, have dinner, and enjoy the sunset.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite
We start our journey on the sand and hike down the barren beach for 3 miles (4.8 km) before climbing onto the bluff above. Here we will come across the abandoned Punta Gorda Lighthouse. The hard trail continues for two miles (3.2 km) before dropping back onto the beach and rocks. This 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) section is impassable at high tide so we will time hiking it during low tide. An early afternoon walk on a good trail will get us to the peaceful beaches near Spanish Creek.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8.5 mi (13.7 km)
Trail: Mixture of soft sand beach, small boulder fields, and hard pack trail
Accommodation: Campsite
Today we’ll spend the majority of the day on the bluffs and dunes overlooking the beach, hiking on a well-tread, hard trail with small sections down on the beach and rock. This 8-mile (12.8-kilometer) hike crosses many streams flowing down from the mountains and offers unparalleled vistas all the way down the coast.
We’ll pass Big Flat, the largest plateau along the trail and a popular destination for skydivers and surfers. Tides and permit allowing, we’ll continue on past Miller Flat then back to the beach for camp at the small cove of Shipman Creek. Located in an impassable zone, the tides will lock us in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 mi (12.8 km)
Trail: Mostly hard pack trail on a low bluff above the beach with some sand and rock sections
Accommodation: Campsite
Our last day remains on the beach and rocks for most of the hike. With another large high tide impassable zone, we will time this day to coincide with low tide. With lightened packs, these last 6.5 miles (10.5 km) will seem to go by faster than expected until we find ourselves back at the van in Shelter Cove. After a well-earned hot meal in town, we load up into the van by midday for the drive back to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6.5 mi (10.5 km)
Trail: Mixture of soft sand beach, small boulder fields and hard pack trail
The exact guides featured on the listing are not guaranteed to lead the tour. If unavailable at the time, they will be replaced by a guide that’s available.
This is a trek like no other. Incredible travel along the beach and bluffs with miles of beauty! Pitching a tent on the beach and being able to listen to the surf crash onto the shore is something everyone should be luckily enough to experience…..and the stars….amazing! Like all other TSX treks….the food that is prepared is 2nd to none!
Great backpacking trip, will definitely do it again, maybe next year. Absolutely stunning scenery!!! Train your legs and come prepared as hiking on rocks was challenging, especially the final 3 miles:). Gaiters to keep sand out of boots are key. Thank you TSX for delicious meals and unforgettable experience!!!
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This Lost Coast Trail tour requires good fitness levels and a sense of adventure. You can expect to cross from 6.5 to 8.5 miles (10.5 to 13.7 km) daily. You’ll hike a total of approx. 25 miles (40 km) in four consecutive days while carrying a backpack with all your belongings and group equipment.
For more hiking adventures in the USA, click here! Looking to explore a different side of the Bay Area? Click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Backpacking equipment
Clothing
Footwear
Kitchen
Accessories
Optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Your guide will provide group equipment, including a cleaning pad and soap, cooking utensils, a first aid kit, fuel bottles and fuel, large cooking pots, lighters and matches, a small shovel, stoves, water carriers, water filters and purification tablets, and bear canisters for food storage.
Make sure not to bring unnecessary items which will only make your backpacks heavier, as you’ll be carrying your backpack with you the whole way through.
Group sizes and pricing
A Lost Coast Trail tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Lost Coast Trail tour is Corte Madera, CA. To get there, most people fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK). From there, you can rent a car or reach out to your guide for assistance prior to the trip to reach Corte Madera.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide on Day 1 at 8am at REI Corte Madera in the San Francisco Bay Area for a 4.5-hour drive to Shelter Cove.
When scheduling flights or planning your drive, please allow enough time to arrive at the Bay Area meetup point by 8am or at Shelter Cove by 1pm on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Spend some days backpacking the Lost Coast with TSX and it did not disappoint. Had the time of my life!