Recreation Area · California
King Range (Lost Coast)
California’s roadless wilderness coastline
TypeRecreation Area
StateCalifornia
Best seasonLate spring through early fall
Don’t missThe Lost Coast Trail
The stretch of Northern California shore so steep that engineers gave up and routed Highway 1 inland — leaving a roadless wilderness where mountains plunge straight into the Pacific. The Lost Coast Trail is a tide-timed backpacking classic.
What to see
- Lost Coast Trail
- Black-sand beaches
- Punta Gorda Lighthouse
- Kings Peak
- Tide-pool coves
On public wild lands, services are sparse and conditions change fast — check the managing agency (Forest Service / BLM / Park Service) for road and seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and any permits before you go, and pack out what you pack in.
Build a trip around wild places like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: