Winter Travel along the Lost Coast and King Range

Winter is an exciting but challenging time to travel in the King Range Wilderness and along the Lost Coast of California. King Peak receives nearly 200 inches of rain per year, most of it falling from November to April. Long portions of the Coast are impassable during high tides or with large waves or ocean swell. After storms, the steep, narrow creeks whose canyons empty onto the beach are often in flood and impossible to cross.

Despite these factors, if you have the time, the inclination, and the flexibility to do a trip during the winter months you are likely to experience this wilderness area in its most awe-inspiring condition. Few other hikers travel the trails this time of year. The beach is wiped clean daily of even the footprints of passing hikers. The creeks are flowing, the hillsides are green, and the windows of clear weather that come between the storms are almost magical.

Flexibility and good judgement are key to a successful winter trip. Weather forecasts change frequently, so be prepared to postpone a trip or cut a planned trip short. Check the both the weather and the marine forecasts daily to familiarize yourself with the local patterns. If the forecast says "chance of rain," expect rain. Snow on the beach is not unheard of on the King Range.

I often talk with people by telephone or email who are planning winter trips. I tell them, "Prepare for Alaska." I have done several personal trips in Southeast and others that have may know what I mean. Expect uninterrupted days of rain. Expect high winds. Expect extreme sea conditions. If you get something wet... don't expect to be able to dry it out in the course of a three-or-four-day trip. Bring a synthetic sleeping bag and not one filled with down. Wear wool socks and not cotton. Bring LOTS of socks because you'll want dry ones after your creek crossings. Bring clothing and equipment that will protect you from unrelenting wind and rain.

All year, the tides are an issue on the Lost Coast. (Check out this brief video). Tides are even more important in the winter, though, because of the large waves that are so frequent during and between storm systems. In the summer I often tell people that on any receding tide, travel through the tide zones is possible. In winter it is more likely that on a weak low tide, the waves will be hitting the bluffs. Twenty-foot waves are not uncommon. A 2.8' low tide with fifteens or twenties is simply not safe. Travel through the tide zones must be planned on low tides below 1.0 when storm waves are forecast.

Did you watch the Tide Zone video, linked to above? This video was taken by a hiker and posted to YouTube after a mid-summer Lost Coast Trip. Waves in this video are probably less than six feet and the tide is at about four feet. A similar day in winter would have ten-or-twelve-foot waves. These people would need to be in wetsuits!

If you are considering a King Range Trip this winter, give our office a call. My direct line is 707-986-5405. I will be out of the office on vacation for the entire month of February. During that time, feel free to call the main office phone at 707-986-5400. All of our staff are familiar with the King Range's trails. Also don't forget to look at my archived blog posts from last winter--you will find photos and descriptions of the trail conditions and typical weather.

Remember that bear canisters are required for all overnight visitors to the King Range ALL YEAR ROUND. That means you and your party must carry sufficient cans to store all of your food and scented items (like toothpaste and surfboard wax) and must store these items in the canister when you are not using them.

Fires are permitted on the Lost Coast during the winter. Just be sure your fire is DEAD OUT with water before walking away from it.

Please use the beach as your toilet. Find a suitable place where you are out of reach of the waves, dig your hole, and defecate into the hole. Bury your feces and toilet paper such that the next high tide can mix them with sand and carry them away.

A backcountry permit is required for all overnight visitors. These permits are available at the trailheads.

Have a safe trip! Be in touch.
DC CARR, Backcountry Ranger, King Range NCA
derek_carr@ca.blm.gov