Story:
Full resolution pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwania/sets/72157627006354741/
For the extended 2011 July 4th weekend, Manish, Ashok and I headed to the Lost Coast, Sinkyone Wilderness for a backpacking trip from Usal to Nadelos campground (walking south to north).
We left Palo Alto around 7:15 am on Friday July 1st and reached Shelter Cove around 2 pm. On the way we stopped for coffee at Pete's in Corte Madera, top off gas in Willits, buy wine and chips at a Safeway and have lunch at the Peg House in Leggett (opposite the Standish-Hickey campground on 101). They serve sandwiches and barbequed food and carry many useful items in their store for car campers and backpackers alike.
In Shelter Cove we visited the Lighthouse which originally was in use at Cape Mendocino. The docent was a retired senior who moved to Shelter Cove from San Carlos (Bay area) more than a decade ago and loves the remoteness of the town.
http://www.rudyalicelighthouse.net/CalLts/CapeMndo/CapeMndo.htm
We then made a coffee stop at the Fish Tank where we were entertained with information by a chatty owner and his wife. They were closing when we got there but still welcomed us nevertheless. Next stop was Black Sands Beach in the northern end of Shelter Cove. We saw some backpackers walking north on the beach and a few more getting ready in the car park. BSB is the southern tip of the northern portion of the Lost Coast trail. The northern section is in King Range National Conservation area whereas the southern section (which we were going to do) is 90% in the Sinkyone Wilderness.
From here we headed to Nadelos Campground on Chemise Mt Road where we would leave our car and get a ride to Usal. The other parking option was Hidden Valley which is a mile before Nadelos (but parking in Nadelos would mean walking one less mile on the last day). We had pre-arranged a ride with Roxanne, Lost Coast Shuttle, 707-986-9909. A car shuttle from one end to the other would allow us to only walk the 25 mile distance one way. Some backpackers do the shuttle themselves, leaving one car at one end and then drive to the other end, but this takes a lot of time. The ride from Nadelos to Usal took 2 1/2 hours. The last 6 miles are on a dirt road where a high clearance vehicle is a good idea. This road can be slippery and impassable in wet weather. Usal Road which looks like a direct route on a map is totally not usable.
We reached Usal around 6:45 pm. Roxanne drove through the car camping spots to find an unused one. None could be found. We finally decided to camp in a small grassy area outside another campsite after asking for permission from the people who were already there. I am glad we did, this looked like the only spot which was dry enough for us. Anything in the trees was still damp from the rain earlier in the week. For dinner, we had pasta with tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and crushed pepper. We also shared a bottle of red wine. After dinner we walked to the trail head where we would start the next morning and walked to the beach. Four male Roosevelt Elks with magnificent antlers were grazing right in front of our campsite. We went to bed by 10 pm long before the car campers who would stay up late celebrating 4th of July with loud music and fireworks. I was able to sleep thanks to silicon ear plugs.
We were up around 7 am the next morning. Ashok and Manish were not happy to be woken up that early by my shuffling around in camp. For breakfast, we had bananas, instant oatmeal and tea. We were a bit slow on the first day with packing up. We hit the trail at 9 am beginning our epic trip.
The Lost Coast trail has many ups and downs as it goes over hills and then comes down into valleys where the streams flow. A flat trail would be easier but not as majestic, and no matter what it is still easier than a backpacking trip at high elevation in the Sierras. On the first day we went over two 1100 feet hills and one 800 feet hill. You can see the full topographical map and elevation profile here.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3eSuyuRouYVY2VhZGNlYjMtOTUxNy00MGIwLTg3OGUtZWRmNzBkMTY0ZDA1&hl=en_US
On the first day we passed Dark Gulch (first water source on the trail at 4.6 miles), Anderson Gulch (first campsite at 5 miles), Northport Gulch, Little Jackass Creek. Our destination for the day was Wheeler Camp at 12.5 miles which we reached at 6:45 in the evening after a long 10 hour day. Somewhere on the way, we stopped for lunch around 1 pm and for a snack break around 5 pm or so. For lunch, we had cucumber and Gruyere cheese with sesame bread, and at snack time we had an avocado, bread, and somersault crackers (http://www.somersaultsnackco.com). At Wheeler, a few tents were already pitched when we got there. One coveted spot even had a picnic table. After setting up our tents to dry out the dew from night before, we headed for the stream to collect water. I counted 9 tents spread out at comfortable distances.
After Miso soup, we filled our cups with some scotch and headed to the beach to view the sun set in the Pacific. The red glow on the horizon lasted well after the sunset. The weather was just perfect over the weekend. A light fleece in the evening was all that was needed. The visibility was great thanks to no fog and no rain. After the show (sunset), we headed back to camp for dinner. Pasta with vodka tomato sauce (got it at Whole Foods) and chocolate cookies for dessert. We called it an early night as the day had been long. In the evening we had warmer land breeze in camp, which turned to cooler sea breeze in the night.
On the 2nd day I was up before anyone else and before the sun hit Wheeler camp. It was really peaceful. After another oatmeal and tea breakfast, we packed up and hit the trail. As we were walking out we met a gentlemen who had traveled to India and Pakistan ages ago and talked to us about his travels. He was camped next to us with his two sons and was headed to the outhouse. Sadly some people had left garbage outside the outhouse. He mentioned that he would take some of it out. He stoked our conscience and we ended up carrying some of it out as well. Finding trash like this is indeed rare and I hope it stays that way. As we left Wheeler we entered a magnificent lush forest with tall trees, including some redwood trees. The trail was also wider in most places as this section is used more than the first. Wheeler camp is accessible from Bear Harbor (4.3 miles away) where many had parked their car and hiked in from. Still there were many sections covered with tall brush and the ever present poison oak (waist high at times).
We had lunch on the beach at Bear Harbor. We had pita bread, cucumber, avocado, Gouda cheese and Snickers chocolate. Chatted with a couple people on the beach, filled up our water bottles from the stream and then headed to Needle Rock Visitor center 3.3 miles away. These 3.3 miles are on a dirt road shared with cars and all uphill. Thankfully it has many shady spots to stay cool. The hills were full of wild flowers.
At Needle Rock we self-registered and paid $25 for our campsite at Usal and $5 per person per night for camping on the trail. The visitor center is staffed by volunteers who apply each year for the job for a 2 week rotation. Other than free lodging, the people staying there have to pay their own way and bring their own food. Still these positions are highly coveted and hard to secure.
From Needle Rock Visitor Center, we headed to Jones Beach a mile away where we would camp the 2nd night. Out of the two campsites still available we took the shaded one. We headed to the beach to dip our feet in the Pacific Ocean. There was a beautiful stream coming down the valley and running into the Pacific from where we collected our water. Of course we diligently washed our hands and face with Tecnu every evening to get any poison oak oil off.
As we were having scotch with rosemary crackers, passing hikers alerted us to a herd of Elk grazing just outside and down hill from our campsite. As we stepped out, we saw 20 or more of female Elks, some fawns and young Elk grazing right there. They looked so magnificent and the babies looked cute. While we were enjoying watching them we saw a water spout in the ocean which turned out to be from a migrating whale. It came up for air several times as it swam north, we saw the spout and it's upper body as it gently came up for air. Seeing the Elk and the whale was a treat. Indeed, we were lucky. The Elk remained close by all evening and in the morning I was woken up by one grazing right around camp. Dinner that night was Backpacker's Pantry Kathmandu Curry Lentils. Between 3 of us, we cooked 2 packets even though each is meant as 2 servings.
On the 3rd day we took off after our usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea. In about 15 minutes we ran into the entire Elk herd grazing in a valley and blocking the trail. We spent 15 to 20 minutes enjoying the view and waiting for them to move away. Once they moved a bit and the fawns were not separated from their mom's we gathered our strength and confidently walked on. This was the closest we had been to them and it felt magical.
Very soon we reached Whale Gulch Creek, the widest stream crossing on the trip, but thanks to a few well placed rocks, it was manageable to cross. After crossing the stream we went right, which we quickly realized (in less than a minute) was a mistake when the trail went no where. We tracked back and found the trail which climbed to the left after the stream. There was even a sign but not that visible. This is the last chance to fill water before your reach Nadelos Campground (I am not sure if there is water at Hidden Valley). Are we glad we started with 2 liters of water each. The 3rd day which I thought was going to be the easiest turned out to be the hardest with a climb from 150 feet at Jones Beach to 2560 feet at Chemise Mt and then dropping to 1800 feet at Nadelos. Most of the trail is covered in the trees but it does have quite a few spots exposed to the warm sun. I would take sun over fog any day though. Somewhere before Chemise Mt we found a breezy and shaded spot to have our last lunch, pita with cucumbers. I had a can of sardines on my pita. On the way, we had trail mix and Cliff bar and finished off the remaining chocolate covered Biscoti. As we got closer to Nadelos, we drank more of our water. Looking back, we wondered if walking North to South would be easier. Well we would start off going downhill, but full packs with food would be hard on the knees. The way we did it, we got most of the poison oak on the first day and the strenuous uphill with lighter packs on the last day.
We met a few hikers who were going North to South as they had covered the entire Lost Coast trail starting in Mattole and ending in Usal. One couple had driven 2 cars, left one in Usal and driven to Mattole. Once they reached Usal, they would have to drive back to Mattole to pick up their other car. This may be cheaper than paying someone to shuttle you, but us three decided to spend the money to save time (lots of it) which was worth it.
We felt elated when we reached Nadelos camp. We had left camp around 8:20 am, waited 20 minutes for the Elk to move away, and reached Nadelos at 2:25 pm. After washing up and changing into clean clothes, we headed for the Peg House for late lunch. Being July 4th, opposite a campground and on Highway 101, the place was packed with others but still the service was quick. The sandwich was delicious. It's a must stop place in my opinion. Sign on the window says "No peeing off the dock". When I walked in, I asked the guy behind the counter, "If I can't pee off the dock, then where is a man supposed to go", to which he laughing pointed me to their porto toilets.
We made good timing on the drive back on Monday July 4th. Surprisingly we did not hit any delays, not even on the Golden Gate Bridge. Had dinner at B Star on Clement St (sister restaurant to Burma Superstar) in San Francisco before driving home. I have been day dreaming ever since and still feel a bit soar in the legs three days later. Sitting at work does not help. Can't wait to go back up again and hike the northern section. While the southern section is on trails in the hills, the northern section mainly comprises of walking on the beach (sand and stones). It is also best done from north to south to walk with the wind rather than against the wind which can be treacherous.
I can safely speak for all when I say that we had a great time on this trip. The company, weather and views were fantastic. We may have felt tired and yet quite rejuvenated.
PS. One downer was that unfortunately I did get bitten by a tick right below the ankle in Wheeler Camp. Noticed it soon and pulled it out cleanly before it was lodged in deep. The next evening I noticed a concentric ring right around the bite and on the third day the ring was filled in. I went to see a Dr on return and am taking Doxycycline antibiotic as a prevention against Lyme disease which is harder to diagnose later. Usually it takes a tick 24 hours of being lodged in before it transfers the Lyme bacteria to a person but due to the presence of the ring, we are not taking chances. Later, Ashok found a tick behind his knee as well and he too is taking the antibiotic even though his Dr after examining the tick and the wound (no ring) feels that Ashok has nothing to worry about.
Full resolution pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwania/sets/72157627006354741/
For the extended 2011 July 4th weekend, Manish, Ashok and I headed to the Lost Coast, Sinkyone Wilderness for a backpacking trip from Usal to Nadelos campground (walking south to north).
We left Palo Alto around 7:15 am on Friday July 1st and reached Shelter Cove around 2 pm. On the way we stopped for coffee at Pete's in Corte Madera, top off gas in Willits, buy wine and chips at a Safeway and have lunch at the Peg House in Leggett (opposite the Standish-Hickey campground on 101). They serve sandwiches and barbequed food and carry many useful items in their store for car campers and backpackers alike.
In Shelter Cove we visited the Lighthouse which originally was in use at Cape Mendocino. The docent was a retired senior who moved to Shelter Cove from San Carlos (Bay area) more than a decade ago and loves the remoteness of the town.
http://www.rudyalicelighthouse.net/CalLts/CapeMndo/CapeMndo.htm
We then made a coffee stop at the Fish Tank where we were entertained with information by a chatty owner and his wife. They were closing when we got there but still welcomed us nevertheless. Next stop was Black Sands Beach in the northern end of Shelter Cove. We saw some backpackers walking north on the beach and a few more getting ready in the car park. BSB is the southern tip of the northern portion of the Lost Coast trail. The northern section is in King Range National Conservation area whereas the southern section (which we were going to do) is 90% in the Sinkyone Wilderness.
From here we headed to Nadelos Campground on Chemise Mt Road where we would leave our car and get a ride to Usal. The other parking option was Hidden Valley which is a mile before Nadelos (but parking in Nadelos would mean walking one less mile on the last day). We had pre-arranged a ride with Roxanne, Lost Coast Shuttle, 707-986-9909. A car shuttle from one end to the other would allow us to only walk the 25 mile distance one way. Some backpackers do the shuttle themselves, leaving one car at one end and then drive to the other end, but this takes a lot of time. The ride from Nadelos to Usal took 2 1/2 hours. The last 6 miles are on a dirt road where a high clearance vehicle is a good idea. This road can be slippery and impassable in wet weather. Usal Road which looks like a direct route on a map is totally not usable.
We reached Usal around 6:45 pm. Roxanne drove through the car camping spots to find an unused one. None could be found. We finally decided to camp in a small grassy area outside another campsite after asking for permission from the people who were already there. I am glad we did, this looked like the only spot which was dry enough for us. Anything in the trees was still damp from the rain earlier in the week. For dinner, we had pasta with tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and crushed pepper. We also shared a bottle of red wine. After dinner we walked to the trail head where we would start the next morning and walked to the beach. Four male Roosevelt Elks with magnificent antlers were grazing right in front of our campsite. We went to bed by 10 pm long before the car campers who would stay up late celebrating 4th of July with loud music and fireworks. I was able to sleep thanks to silicon ear plugs.
We were up around 7 am the next morning. Ashok and Manish were not happy to be woken up that early by my shuffling around in camp. For breakfast, we had bananas, instant oatmeal and tea. We were a bit slow on the first day with packing up. We hit the trail at 9 am beginning our epic trip.
The Lost Coast trail has many ups and downs as it goes over hills and then comes down into valleys where the streams flow. A flat trail would be easier but not as majestic, and no matter what it is still easier than a backpacking trip at high elevation in the Sierras. On the first day we went over two 1100 feet hills and one 800 feet hill. You can see the full topographical map and elevation profile here.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3eSuyuRouYVY2VhZGNlYjMtOTUxNy00MGIwLTg3OGUtZWRmNzBkMTY0ZDA1&hl=en_US
On the first day we passed Dark Gulch (first water source on the trail at 4.6 miles), Anderson Gulch (first campsite at 5 miles), Northport Gulch, Little Jackass Creek. Our destination for the day was Wheeler Camp at 12.5 miles which we reached at 6:45 in the evening after a long 10 hour day. Somewhere on the way, we stopped for lunch around 1 pm and for a snack break around 5 pm or so. For lunch, we had cucumber and Gruyere cheese with sesame bread, and at snack time we had an avocado, bread, and somersault crackers (http://www.somersaultsnackco.com). At Wheeler, a few tents were already pitched when we got there. One coveted spot even had a picnic table. After setting up our tents to dry out the dew from night before, we headed for the stream to collect water. I counted 9 tents spread out at comfortable distances.
After Miso soup, we filled our cups with some scotch and headed to the beach to view the sun set in the Pacific. The red glow on the horizon lasted well after the sunset. The weather was just perfect over the weekend. A light fleece in the evening was all that was needed. The visibility was great thanks to no fog and no rain. After the show (sunset), we headed back to camp for dinner. Pasta with vodka tomato sauce (got it at Whole Foods) and chocolate cookies for dessert. We called it an early night as the day had been long. In the evening we had warmer land breeze in camp, which turned to cooler sea breeze in the night.
On the 2nd day I was up before anyone else and before the sun hit Wheeler camp. It was really peaceful. After another oatmeal and tea breakfast, we packed up and hit the trail. As we were walking out we met a gentlemen who had traveled to India and Pakistan ages ago and talked to us about his travels. He was camped next to us with his two sons and was headed to the outhouse. Sadly some people had left garbage outside the outhouse. He mentioned that he would take some of it out. He stoked our conscience and we ended up carrying some of it out as well. Finding trash like this is indeed rare and I hope it stays that way. As we left Wheeler we entered a magnificent lush forest with tall trees, including some redwood trees. The trail was also wider in most places as this section is used more than the first. Wheeler camp is accessible from Bear Harbor (4.3 miles away) where many had parked their car and hiked in from. Still there were many sections covered with tall brush and the ever present poison oak (waist high at times).
We had lunch on the beach at Bear Harbor. We had pita bread, cucumber, avocado, Gouda cheese and Snickers chocolate. Chatted with a couple people on the beach, filled up our water bottles from the stream and then headed to Needle Rock Visitor center 3.3 miles away. These 3.3 miles are on a dirt road shared with cars and all uphill. Thankfully it has many shady spots to stay cool. The hills were full of wild flowers.
At Needle Rock we self-registered and paid $25 for our campsite at Usal and $5 per person per night for camping on the trail. The visitor center is staffed by volunteers who apply each year for the job for a 2 week rotation. Other than free lodging, the people staying there have to pay their own way and bring their own food. Still these positions are highly coveted and hard to secure.
From Needle Rock Visitor Center, we headed to Jones Beach a mile away where we would camp the 2nd night. Out of the two campsites still available we took the shaded one. We headed to the beach to dip our feet in the Pacific Ocean. There was a beautiful stream coming down the valley and running into the Pacific from where we collected our water. Of course we diligently washed our hands and face with Tecnu every evening to get any poison oak oil off.
As we were having scotch with rosemary crackers, passing hikers alerted us to a herd of Elk grazing just outside and down hill from our campsite. As we stepped out, we saw 20 or more of female Elks, some fawns and young Elk grazing right there. They looked so magnificent and the babies looked cute. While we were enjoying watching them we saw a water spout in the ocean which turned out to be from a migrating whale. It came up for air several times as it swam north, we saw the spout and it's upper body as it gently came up for air. Seeing the Elk and the whale was a treat. Indeed, we were lucky. The Elk remained close by all evening and in the morning I was woken up by one grazing right around camp. Dinner that night was Backpacker's Pantry Kathmandu Curry Lentils. Between 3 of us, we cooked 2 packets even though each is meant as 2 servings.
On the 3rd day we took off after our usual breakfast of oatmeal and tea. In about 15 minutes we ran into the entire Elk herd grazing in a valley and blocking the trail. We spent 15 to 20 minutes enjoying the view and waiting for them to move away. Once they moved a bit and the fawns were not separated from their mom's we gathered our strength and confidently walked on. This was the closest we had been to them and it felt magical.
Very soon we reached Whale Gulch Creek, the widest stream crossing on the trip, but thanks to a few well placed rocks, it was manageable to cross. After crossing the stream we went right, which we quickly realized (in less than a minute) was a mistake when the trail went no where. We tracked back and found the trail which climbed to the left after the stream. There was even a sign but not that visible. This is the last chance to fill water before your reach Nadelos Campground (I am not sure if there is water at Hidden Valley). Are we glad we started with 2 liters of water each. The 3rd day which I thought was going to be the easiest turned out to be the hardest with a climb from 150 feet at Jones Beach to 2560 feet at Chemise Mt and then dropping to 1800 feet at Nadelos. Most of the trail is covered in the trees but it does have quite a few spots exposed to the warm sun. I would take sun over fog any day though. Somewhere before Chemise Mt we found a breezy and shaded spot to have our last lunch, pita with cucumbers. I had a can of sardines on my pita. On the way, we had trail mix and Cliff bar and finished off the remaining chocolate covered Biscoti. As we got closer to Nadelos, we drank more of our water. Looking back, we wondered if walking North to South would be easier. Well we would start off going downhill, but full packs with food would be hard on the knees. The way we did it, we got most of the poison oak on the first day and the strenuous uphill with lighter packs on the last day.
We met a few hikers who were going North to South as they had covered the entire Lost Coast trail starting in Mattole and ending in Usal. One couple had driven 2 cars, left one in Usal and driven to Mattole. Once they reached Usal, they would have to drive back to Mattole to pick up their other car. This may be cheaper than paying someone to shuttle you, but us three decided to spend the money to save time (lots of it) which was worth it.
We felt elated when we reached Nadelos camp. We had left camp around 8:20 am, waited 20 minutes for the Elk to move away, and reached Nadelos at 2:25 pm. After washing up and changing into clean clothes, we headed for the Peg House for late lunch. Being July 4th, opposite a campground and on Highway 101, the place was packed with others but still the service was quick. The sandwich was delicious. It's a must stop place in my opinion. Sign on the window says "No peeing off the dock". When I walked in, I asked the guy behind the counter, "If I can't pee off the dock, then where is a man supposed to go", to which he laughing pointed me to their porto toilets.
We made good timing on the drive back on Monday July 4th. Surprisingly we did not hit any delays, not even on the Golden Gate Bridge. Had dinner at B Star on Clement St (sister restaurant to Burma Superstar) in San Francisco before driving home. I have been day dreaming ever since and still feel a bit soar in the legs three days later. Sitting at work does not help. Can't wait to go back up again and hike the northern section. While the southern section is on trails in the hills, the northern section mainly comprises of walking on the beach (sand and stones). It is also best done from north to south to walk with the wind rather than against the wind which can be treacherous.
I can safely speak for all when I say that we had a great time on this trip. The company, weather and views were fantastic. We may have felt tired and yet quite rejuvenated.
PS. One downer was that unfortunately I did get bitten by a tick right below the ankle in Wheeler Camp. Noticed it soon and pulled it out cleanly before it was lodged in deep. The next evening I noticed a concentric ring right around the bite and on the third day the ring was filled in. I went to see a Dr on return and am taking Doxycycline antibiotic as a prevention against Lyme disease which is harder to diagnose later. Usually it takes a tick 24 hours of being lodged in before it transfers the Lyme bacteria to a person but due to the presence of the ring, we are not taking chances. Later, Ashok found a tick behind his knee as well and he too is taking the antibiotic even though his Dr after examining the tick and the wound (no ring) feels that Ashok has nothing to worry about.
Tips:
- Usal campground does not have water spigots. Bring whatever water you'll need or fetch it from Usal Creek (requires filtering).
- First water source on the trail is at Dark Gulch (4.6 miles in).
- First campsite is at Anderson Gulch (5.0 miles in).
- Due to heavy brush, poison oak, thorny plants and narrow trail, camping before Anderson Gulch would be extremely difficult. The same is true between campsites as well.
- Take Tecnu to wash off the poison oak oil when you get to camp.
- The CA's Lost Coast map printed on water proof paper is an excellent resource. It narrates the history of the area, shows the streams, campsites and mileage between camps. However, the contour lines are far apart hence some details such as intensity of switch backs is missing. (Not knowing what they are in for may be a good thing for some, but not being prepared would not).
- A topo map printed using National Geographic CA Topo shows all the details.
- The trail from Jones Beach to Chemise Mt climbs from 150 feet to 2560 feet, and then drops to 1800 feet at Nadelos. Based on this section, a north to south backpacking trip would be easier, as long as you can arrange for a pick up at Usal camp.
- Whale Gulch is the last water source before you reach Hidden Valley or Nadelos campground. Better hydrate here and fill up 2 liters per person for the uphill hike which includes many exposed to the sun sections.
- I highly recommend Roxanne, Lost Coast Shuttle, 707-986-9909, who gave us a one way ride from Nadelos to Usal. There is no fee to leave your car at Nadelos campground or at Hidden Valley.
- Self registration for the hike is done at Needle Rock Visitor center. Bring exact change.
- Please take a bear canister to store your food overnight.
- Usal campground does not have water spigots. Bring whatever water you'll need or fetch it from Usal Creek (requires filtering).
- First water source on the trail is at Dark Gulch (4.6 miles in).
- First campsite is at Anderson Gulch (5.0 miles in).
- Due to heavy brush, poison oak, thorny plants and narrow trail, camping before Anderson Gulch would be extremely difficult. The same is true between campsites as well.
- Take Tecnu to wash off the poison oak oil when you get to camp.
- The CA's Lost Coast map printed on water proof paper is an excellent resource. It narrates the history of the area, shows the streams, campsites and mileage between camps. However, the contour lines are far apart hence some details such as intensity of switch backs is missing. (Not knowing what they are in for may be a good thing for some, but not being prepared would not).
- A topo map printed using National Geographic CA Topo shows all the details.
- The trail from Jones Beach to Chemise Mt climbs from 150 feet to 2560 feet, and then drops to 1800 feet at Nadelos. Based on this section, a north to south backpacking trip would be easier, as long as you can arrange for a pick up at Usal camp.
- Whale Gulch is the last water source before you reach Hidden Valley or Nadelos campground. Better hydrate here and fill up 2 liters per person for the uphill hike which includes many exposed to the sun sections.
- I highly recommend Roxanne, Lost Coast Shuttle, 707-986-9909, who gave us a one way ride from Nadelos to Usal. There is no fee to leave your car at Nadelos campground or at Hidden Valley.
- Self registration for the hike is done at Needle Rock Visitor center. Bring exact change.
- Please take a bear canister to store your food overnight.
Tags:
Lost Coast Southern Section, Sinkyone Wilderness, Usal, Nadelos, hidden valley
Lost Coast Southern Section, Sinkyone Wilderness, Usal, Nadelos, hidden valley
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