Backpack from Mattole Trailhead to Black Sands Beach, covering 25 miles in four days. The Lost Coast is a remote stretch of the California coastline so rugged that it forced the Coast Highway further inland. With no road or cell phone signal for miles, this rare stretch of paradise is a must-do for the backpacker looking for a truly off the beaten path experience. Backpacking south with the wind at our backs, we watch for sea lions, explore tide pools, and enjoy a colorful bounty of wildflowers. Expect to backpack through sand, over rock cobbles, and across streams—with the occasional stretch of smooth hiking trail. Though the terrain can be challenging, the rewards make it well worth the effort. We enjoy views of towering mountains, crystal clear cascading rivers, endless views of the Pacific Ocean and a diverse array of extraordinary wildlife. Our guides handle the details expertly—getting us to the trailhead, teaching us about the history of the landscape and preparing fantastic backcountry meals—leaving us free to fully focus on enjoying this incredible backpacking adventure.

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