Lost Coast Challenge
Explore one of the most rugged and remote sections of coastline in Northern California backpacking the Lost Coast Trail.
California’s King Range
$1,835.00
Backpack the Fabled Lost Coast Trail
Leave it all behind and escape for a 3 night, 4 day journey backpacking along the fabled Lost Coast of California. Well-named since few roads access this remote and wild area, our 25-mile, point-to-point guided trek follows the coastline where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean. Traverse secluded black sand beaches, coastal dunes, and rocky tidal areas with time to reflect and recharge each night camped on remote beaches beside the rhythmic crashing of waves. Each day we’ll be timing the tides as we hike through this intertidal zone with mountains to your left and the ocean on your right. We’ll experience a of mix wildlife with everything from bears and deer to seals and sea lions.
What’s included
- Transportation between San Francisco area meeting point and trailhead
- Guided trek over 4 Days to California’s King Range and King Range
- All meals and snacks while in the backcountry
- Backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad if needed
- Personalized pack-check prior to departure
- Group gear and equipment
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- Meals in the front-country
- Lodging in the front-country, pre- or post-trek
How it works
A $500 deposit per person is required with balance due 60 days prior to the event. Typical group size of 7, including one guide. Maximum group size of 15, including two guides. Trek dates may be adjusted +/- one day until permits are finalized, typically by November or early December, and deposits are refundable until permit dates are confirmed and accepted. An additional 5% charge will be applied when your reservation is made to offset new fees mandated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Private, family and modified itinerary trips available through TSX Pods. Book with confidence! Review our flexible cancellation policy.
Itinerary
We will meet at Best Western Corte Madera Inn located in the San Francisco Bay Area (Marin County, North Bay) at 8am on the first day of your trek to load gear and then depart on the roughly 5.5-hour drive to Mattole Beach, CA with a stop near Garberville for lunch along the way.
Day 1 – Drive to trailhead, pack-check, overnight on beach
The Lost Coast is well named, as our first challenge is just getting there! We will meet at 8am at Best Western Corte Madera Inn located in the San Francisco Bay Area (Marin County, North Bay) before setting out on the 5.5-hour drive to Mattole Beach which is northern starting point for our trek. After a stop for lunch along the way, we will set up camp near the beach, complete a pack check, cook dinner and talk safety, then get some rest before a big hike the following day. Depending on permit allowances, some teams may optionally hike in a few miles to establish camp on the first evening.
Day 2 – Mattole Beach to Cooskie Creek
Trail: Mixture of soft sand beach, small boulder fields and hard pack trail
We start our journey on the sand and hike down the barren beach for 3 miles before climbing onto the bluff above. Here we will come across the abandoned Punta Gorda Lighthouse, and a busy beach with Elephant Seals! The hard pack trail continues for two miles before dropping back onto the beach and rocks. This 3.5-mile section is impassable at high tide so we will time hiking it during low tide. An early afternoon will get us to the peaceful beaches near Cooskie or Spanish Creeks.
Day 3 – Cooskie Creek to Miller Flat
Trail: Mostly hard pack trail on a low bluff above the beach with some sand and rock sections
The majority of day 2 will be spent 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 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. While a majority of our groups will camp at Miller Flat, just before the next “impassible zone,” tides and permit allowing, some groups may continue on past to the beach for camp at the small cove of Shipman Creek. Regardless, we’ll enjoy our final sunset over crashing waves, with a cozy fire that evening.
Day 4 – Miller Flat to Shelter Cove, Drive Home
Trail: Mixture of soft sand beach, small boulder fields and hard pack trail
Our last day will be 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 6-8 miles will seem to go by faster than expected until we find ourselves back at the van in Shelter Cove. We load up into the van by midday, stop for a hearty meal in Garberville, then continue on our return trip back to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Logistics
Pre- and post-trek accommodations (Out of town guests)
For guest traveling in from out of town, we suggest flying into the Bay Area (San Francisco or Oakland) the evening before departure. While there are many hotel options available, those who prefer to stay near our morning meeting point might consider the Best Western Corte Madera Inn (ask for the “TSX Challenge” corporate rate, view flier) or Marin Suites Hotel. We will pick you up at the hotel on the morning of departure. If you plan on staying somewhere else, please let us know where you end up, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Transportation
If traveling by air, fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK). If you need a ride, let us know! We’ll meet at 8am at the Best Western Corte Madera Inn in the North Bay. If traveling by car you are welcome to meet us at the hotel to drop your car and ride with us (parking ok!), or you can drive yourself to Shelter Cove and we’ll meet you there. We’ll convene at a designated meeting point around 12pm in Garberville, CA. From there, we will shuttle everyone to the Lost Coast Trail’s northern terminus, Mattole Beach.
Arrival time
When scheduling flights or planning your drive, please allow enough time to arrive in Garberville by 12pm or our Bay Area meet-up point by 8am.
Departure time
Depending on the tides, we plan on exiting the trail and arriving back at Shelter Cove in the late morning or early afternoon on the last day of hiking. After a group lunch, and some time to celebrate together, we’ll drive back to Bay Area. Expect to arrive at our original Bay Area meet-up point between 6-8pm. If flying out that evening, we suggest booking a flight with departure after 9.45pm.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Don’t own a backpack, tent or sleeping bag? We provide all major gear for those who request it at no additional charge. We also take care of all group items like stoves, food, water filters, first aid and more. Your guides will do the cooking and dishes. Just show up with your personal items ready to hike!
20 reviews for Lost Coast Challenge
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Pegleg (verified owner) –
Well organized. Helpful and cheerful leaders. A great way to get into backpacking & tent camping (it was my first). No one left behind. And oh yes, the food preparation. I would have settled for freeze-dried. I didn’t expect such gourmet meals! A couple of the recipes are do-again at home. I also appreciate the photos posted afterwards. Thank you, Forest and Kelsey.
Gary –
I want to give a shout out to your crew on the Lost Coast hike. Forest and Kelsey are true professionals. They went WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND to make this a successful trip for my guest and me. Their knowledge of the natural surroundings, backpacking skills, deep compassion and empathy for everyone and incredible incredible patience (it was not a mistake putting in two Incredibles). Thank you for making this a rewarding and memorable experience!
Flying Fish –
The Lost Coast Trail trek was a memorable experience with full of appreciations and surprises as well as with stunning views of nature, including ocean waves, stars, sunsets, flowers, wildlife, etc. The terrains varied beautifully and I was physically challenged nevertheless. Our guides and team members were wonderful people who were filled with enthusiasm, kindness and youth! Until we meet again!
“Souvenir” / “Hermia” –
This was my third TSX trip and one I would highly recommend as a good entry level backpacking trip. Being able to hike along the tidal beaches and bluffs on the California Coast is a rare experience with interesting, new challenges that come with the unique environment. It is a hike that still should to be approached with respect and with preparation (training on the beach with a weighted backpack highly recommended!), and timing the tides is critical. Our outstanding guides, Kelsey and Forest, always kept us safe while showing us the wonders of the biology around us. Not only did they make sure we got through the trickier placers safely, they gave us biology lessons along the way, deepening our appreciation for this special environment. We bonded as a team, helping each other through rougher spots (especially Giver!). This was indeed an unforgettable experience.
“Ricketts” (verified owner) –
And now it was time for something completely different. I have done 2 TSX trips in the Sierra (Whitney & Mount Goddard) and 2 TSX trips to the Grand Canyon (Confluence & Jump Up Canyon). I am accustomed to the Sierra (being from California) and I go to Grand Canyon for something quite different for me, but – wow – hiking the California Coast is amazing! (and I live near the California Coast). Miles of beaches, waves crashing on your side, hiking on some dunes, sometimes on bluffs, sometimes over rocks on beaches, along walls with the waves breaking nearby, the fog and mist swirling around. Elephant seals, deer, birds, kelp, tidepools. Getting to camp and setting up and watching the waves and tide roll in and lock us into our place until the next morning. Leaving early to beat the tides the next day. Having lots of time in the afternoon and evening to explore the beaches. Sunsets & stars. Sleeping to the sound of the ocean. Great food and camaraderie (Thank you Team 3, and Kelsey and Forest! It was all great). I have a new love for hiking the Coast and I have much more to look forward to hiking here. This trip is a great way to see a part of California, from Redwood Forest to the Lost Coast Waters!
John Houston –
The Lost Coast challenge was a wonderful experience with iconic coastal vistas and surprisingly varied terrain. Our two guides were knowledgeable, encouraging, and always enthusiastic. My fellow hikers were a joy to be around and meals (very tasty!) provided a great opportunity to savor the backpacking experience and connect with others who enjoy the outdoors.
Eileen “Ranger” Paradise (verified owner) –
Lost Coast is a unique backpacking trail suitable for all ranges of experience. First-timers will be challenged, will build confidence by succeeding, and will hopefully leave with a love of backpacking! Spending 3 days hiking along the Pacific coast is an unforgettable gift. The rugged beauty of the terrain, the constant sound of the ocean, the flora and fauna, and the the beautiful camp sites made for a great journey. Our guides, Kelsey and Forest, were perfect; I can’t say enough about them! They are kind, enthusiastic, passionate, funny, and excellent cooks (well mostly….they invented a new special we dubbed Lost Coast Rice, which none of us will soon forget lol). Both are biologists who brought another level of learning for all of us. Our group meshed immediately, and we shared so many conversations, some highs and lows, and a lot of laughs. The positive, fun atmosphere TSX provides is a company trademark; and safety is never compromised. And seeing my husband dubbed “Wandering Meatloaf” by our guides was absolutely priceless; I haven’t stopped laughing since!
Shubha Govil (verified owner) –
This was my third TSX trek after the Grand Canyon and Trans-Sierra—another outstanding experience. This Pacific Coast trek offered a variety of unique terrains: redwoods towering over cliffs, wildflowers blooming at this time of year, tidepools to explore, elephant seals, perfectly carved smooth boulders, and black sand beaches. It’s not the challenge of the trek that pushes you; the inspiration comes from raw nature, which humbles you and invites you to connect with something greater than yourself. I really enjoyed the night sky and the chance to sleep under the stars on the beach. The best part, still, was the company of friends—old and new.
Silently lying on the beach sand
Silently lying under the same starry sky
Specks in the universe
Finding a bond of togetherness
Thank you, Chris and Alyssa, for making everything so perfect—from the drive and logistics to the food and, most of all, your company!
Timothy J Jacobson (verified owner) –
Absolutely wonderful experience exceeding expectations! Guides were experts in the backcountry, prepared fabulous meals and were a joy to get to know as along with the other trekkers!
Henry “The Twins” –
A great hike. Short enough for those pressed for time. Yet still a fiar challenge but not to the point of exhaustion. Lots of great moments and memories on top of new friends. Thanks Chris and Alyssa and the rest of team Hoof!
Sean (verified owner) –
Just got back from an amazing 4-day, 3-night trip on the Lost Coast Trail, guided by the incredible Chris and Alyesa. The trail was remote, rugged, and beautiful—exactly what I needed to reset.
Waves crashing, wildflowers blooming, and even elephant seals on the beach made every mile worth it. We hiked through black sand, rocky coastline, and endless views of the Pacific.
Our guides handled everything—permits, meals, navigation—and best of all, we didn’t have to do dishes. The food was ridiculously good, especially considering we were miles from civilization.
Chris and Alyesa brought a great mix of chill energy and deep expertise. They kept things running smoothly while still making space for fun, stories, and trail banter.
There was one challenge: figuring out how to keep your shoes dry while crossing creeks. Let’s just say it took timing, creativity, and sometimes a leap of faith—but it made the trip even more memorable.
Being off-grid was refreshing—no phones, no pings, just nature and good people. I met some awesome new friends, and we all got trail names by the end (mine still makes me laugh).
No stress, no pressure—just fresh mornings, ocean air, and starry nights. It was the kind of trip that clears your head and fills your heart.
If you ever get the chance to hike the Lost Coast—do it. And if you can go with Chris and Alyesa, even better.
Ali Hartman aka Whiskey 🥃 –
Another amazing TSX experience but this time with 4 of my college (CHICO) besties! What an incredible gift it was to spend 3 nights on the Lost Coast Trail with these Wildcats, awesome trek-mates and our amazing guides Wyatt and Forrest! Gorgeous sunsets, amazing meals, beautiful vistas and 26 miles of laughs and smiles! Thank you again TSX!!
Regan (Taco) –
This is a great all around backpacking trip. Excellent for a 1st timer or a great “chill” hike for the experienced backpacker. The scenery is amazing like movie backdrops. The campsites are awesome. The hiking length per day is challenging enough to kickback and appreciate the evenings at camp. And as always the TSX experience is second to none. Exceptional guides with amazing customer experience! While we were watching other backpackers get on shuttles at the trailhead TSX was having a full spread picnic!
TSX always has those little “extras” that set them apart on the trail! Can’t wait for another TSX experience!!!
Stephen Brown –
The Lost Coast Trail is not only beautiful and majestic, but is a wonderful challenge where one can test themselves against sandy and rocky terrain. From the moment the group meets pre trip and until the very moment of parting ways after the trip, you will connect with fellow hikers and nature. Be prepared for challenging soft sands and ankle aching rocks, train for them and you’ll have no problems. Expect windy conditions but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and sunsets. I can’t say enough good things about this TSX Challenge.
Megan aka “Cranberry” –
Spend some days backpacking the Lost Coast with TSX and it did not disappoint. Had the time of my life!
Mark AKA “Buoy” Antenucci –
The logistics for the Lost Coast Hike can be daunting. Thankfully, TSX takes care of everything so you can fully embrace this remote, rugged, beautiful place. I especially appreciated TSX’s flexibility with transport to and from the hike, supplying gear if needed, and efforts to ensure everyone has an optimal experience.
As for the Lost Coast, if you have the chance, GO!
David B. –
I was looking forward to hiking the Lost Coast trail for years. This trip did not disappoint. There are 26 miles of undeveloped California Coastline with hillsides sporting green grasses and wildflowers. The amazing ocean views, the crashing waves, and the tidepool are unforgettable. I recommend you train a bit while walking on soft sand. It was a different experience than previous TSX trips and takes a minute to get used to. Staff was excellent and accommodating all skill levels.
@Heidi_went_hiking –
This was my 4th TSX trip and as always, you are very well looked after and taken care of. You should not doubt whether you should hike with TSX. The difficult decision is which trek? The Lost Coast is very remote, but still a popular destination, so there will be other people out there. The milage is not difficult but there are a few sections of beach that are actually rock fields that make a quick pace difficult. I would say that it was still the easiest of the TSX treks I’ve done (vs Mt Whitney, Escalante Route, and Hell for Sure), so if you are a beginner, consider this. If you’re experienced, still consider this! The sound of the waves, the wildlife, the 26 miles of black sand beach are worth it.
Helen (verified owner) –
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!!!
Scott Webber –
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!