If you’ve been looking for a remote and dramatic stretch of coastal landscape to explore then look no further, the Lost Coast Dual Sport Adventure ride has what you’ve been looking for. 

California’s Lost Coast; certainly qualifies as a remote and dramatic landscape. It stretches roughly 80 miles along a rugged and remote stretch of Northern California’s Coast, backed by a dozen peaks rising more than 2,000 feet, crowned by the 4,087 foot Kings Peak. Two dozen year-round streams cascade down deep, steep-walled canyons in a landscape so rugged the highway builders deemed it impassable. Only four roads reach this wild and scenic stretch of coast, two are one-lane dirt and all are twisting and steep. Yes, dramatic fits as does remote.

The Lost Coast; is located between Fort Bragg and Eureka on a remote and rugged section of the scenic Northern California Coast. From the coastal town of Fort Bragg travel north on the scenic Hwy 1 about 30 miles to the south entrance of the remote and scenic Usal road. From Hwy 1 veer north on Usal road where the pavement ends and the adventure begins. 

Usal Road; begins with an uphill climb through a heavily wooded redwood grove with giant ferns overhanging into the narrow dirt road and continues on through a remote and dramatic landscape known as the “Lost Coast”. Usal Road; travels north through the rugged and remote coastal mountains where you will explore a scenic redwood forest with jungle plants and huge ferns to spectacular cliff side vistas over looking pristine beaches and craggy cliffs. Five miles north of Hwy 1 the Usal Road reaches the south edge of the rugged and scenic Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. A short distance further is a remote campground near the Usal Creek which is located in a heavily wooded forest jungle. About one mile west of the campground nestled in a scenic cove is the spectacular Usal Beach, which is well worth the visit.

Approximately 20 miles north of Usal Beach is the cross road to the remote Sinkyone Beach which is a must see when exploring the Lost Coast. From the cross road turn left and travel about 3 miles west off-road to the wild and scenic Sinkyone Wilderness State Park Beach, at this point you will experience possibly the most secluded beach accessible by motorized vehicles on the entire west coast. After exploring the secluded Sinkyone Beach continue your adventure north for about 10 miles to Shelter Cove Road, turn left and travel about 5 miles west to the small fishing community of Shelter Cove. Located at the end of the paved road is the western most point in California and home to the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, which is well worth the visit. Cape Mendocino is also one of the most dangerous points of coastline for ongoing ships in the entire state.  After visiting the historic Cape Horn Lighthouse you may choose to grab a bite to eat at the Shelter Cove Store & Deli, good burgers and tasty fish & chips. (Don’t forget to fuel up before leaving Shelter Cove). Approximately 5 miles east of Shelter Cove you will find the southern entrance to the Kings Peak Road, from this point your off-road adventure begins once again as you travel north through the rugged and remote Kings Range. The Kings Range offers panoramic views of the Pacific Coast, steep remote canyons and rugged mountains rising over 4,000’ elevation. Near the midway point of the Kings Peak Road your adventure begins a steep descent down the north eastern slope towards the remote little community of Honeydew which is located approximately 20 miles north of Shelter Cove Road on the scenic Mattole River. Because of its isolated location, Honeydew remains a small town atmosphere. There are no motels or gas stations only a small general store with very few supplies, but there are several campgrounds nearby along the Mattole River. Honeydew; is located near a scenic redwood forest were the site for the filming of Jurassic Park took place.

The scenic redwood forest can be reached by crossing the Mattole River and traveling approximately 15 miles northeast of town on a steep narrow curvy road.  From Honeydew you have the option to camp within 5 to 10 miles west of town along the Mattole River or 18+ miles west at Mattole Beach campground or continue approximately 75 miles further to Eureka. Mattole Beach is a great choice if you’re looking for an ocean view campsite but the Mattole River campsites may be a better choice if the coast is experiencing fog which can become quite cold and windy. The secluded Mattole River Valley campgrounds may be located only 10 miles or less from the Pacific Coast but when the coast is experiencing foggy weather conditions the temperature difference between the coast and the Mattole Valley can seem like the difference between summer and winter. From the Mattole River Valley your adventure continues west along the curvy Mattole River Road to the small town of Petrolia which is located on the Mattole River about 3 miles inland from the Mattole Beach campground. Petrolia; was originally named New Jerusalem, when the first oil was pumped in 1865 it was renamed Petrolia, it was also the site of the first oil well drilled in California.

Petrolia has a small downtown area with a local general store, a single pump gas station and one restaurant. After your visit in the town of Petrolia travel about 5 miles west on the curvy Mattole Road until you reach a remote and scenic stretch of coastline. This remote area of coastline has a scenic beach inhabited by free-ranging cattle which stretches over 5 miles north before Mattole Road veers inland and heads towards the well-preserved Victorian village of Ferndale. During the 1880’s the dairy industry generated considerable wealth in the Ferndale area that provided the ability for the town’s people to construct an impressive Victorian village. After your visit at the historic Victorian village of Ferndale travel north on Hwy 101 about 15 miles to the coastal town of Eureka Ca. Eureka’s coastal location on the Humboldt Bay adjacent to the Redwood Forest provided a rich environment for the birth of this 19^th century seaport town. Humboldt Bay is also the second largest bay in California and played a major role in north coast timber industry during the Gold Rush era.     

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on weather and road conditions. Mid-May through mid-October is typically the best time of year to travel this rugged and remote coastal route, however this route can become nearly impassible during or after a rain storm due to deep mud and ruts.

Distance: 800+ miles round trip

“It’s all about Adventure”   

SNA – Lost Coast Adventure Ride!

Date: 2010 details coming soon!

Time: TBD

Meeting Location: TBD

Fee: $295 per rider

Dual Sport Adventure Ride Details:

·         3 Days 2 Nights camping (Note: meals not included)

·         Ride distance: 800+ miles round trip (75 miles dirt roads)

·         This dual sport adventure ride is perfect for medium to large dual sport bikes.

·         Off-road terrain is rated “moderate to challenging” with lots of adventure.

·         Minimum 150 mile fuel range required.

·         Rain or Shine – unpredictable weather is part of the adventure!!!

Questions email: markg@SierraNevadaAdventures.com

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