Summer in January

After a series of winter storms that lashed the North Coast in December, January has been unseasonably warm and dry on the King Range. You will note how long it has been since my last post--since returning from the winter holidays I have been lucky enough to be in the field almost every day! The MLK weekend was busy at Big Flat with hikers and surfers taking in the winter sun and surf.

If you're planning an off-season trip, "holes" in the weather like this one are your boon. This month and the next few weeks may bring unique opportunities to see the Lost Coast during this usually-stormy time of year. Yet beware, the storms of winter can return at any moment!

Even without the storms, there are hazards to watch for. Fourmile Creek, near Mattole, was nearly waist-deep, week before last, and treacherous to cross. One group of hikers I spoke with told me that Big Flat Creek was nearly impassable. The creeks, still high with last month's snowmelt, will rise even higher when the storms return.

Many hikers have mentioned that Big Flat was crowded, over MLK weekend, and that several parties arrived by motorboat. Remember that motorboats must be moored OFFSHORE. No motorized landings are permitted on the Lost Coast--this prohibition includes all landings down to the extreme low tide mark. The King Range is Wilderness with a capital "W".

I'm leaving in a few days for the Grand Canyon--my hideaway from the North Coast's winter fog--and will be offline for the entire month of February. In my absence, feel free to contact the King Range's main office phone at 707-986-5400 or email at ca338@ca.blm.gov.