Lost Coast 4x4 Trail (California)

[OTG Ben]

Please post trail status for the Lost Coast 4x4 Trail here.
Link to Lost Coast 4x4 Trail

Include the Following for all Status Updates

Date:
Current Status:
Additional Details:


Example of a Trail Update for a Route

Date: 4/30/2021

Current Status: Open with some issues

Additional Details: Recent rains have caused the river levels to rise substantially. Buffalo River is approximately 3' deep. Lifted vehicles with larger tires (33" +) may find it difficult and/or dangerous to cross Buffalo River. There's another crossing that's about 30" deep 1/2 mile north of the main crossing. We recommend checking water levels first, but this is typically the alternative crossing point. Aside from water levels, the rest of the trail is running fantastic!

 

[OTG Ben]

Seasonal Gate Closure
A seasonal closure remains in effect for Usal Road from Usal Beach and north to 4 corners (Usal beach remains accessible from Hwy 1). Mendocino County controls the gates, and they're typically opened between Mid April to Mid May. We're anticipating they'll open any day now given rainfall was lighter than average this year. The typical detour is to drive back to Hwy 1to Hwy 101, and then take the pavement to Shelter Cove and continue the route north.

For the most up to date info, please contact Mendocino County Transportation Dept:
707-463-4363
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/transportation/road-closures

Indefinite road Closure to Bear Harbor
The road from needle rock visiting center to bear Harbor remains closed following the road's closure a year ago due to unsafe conditions. It's unclear if Humboldt County (who manages the road) will open this section of road back up to vehicles in the future. This closure is negligible, as the drive to Bear Harbor is an out-and-back endeavor.

 

[OTG Ben]

Mendocino County Transportation Dept has confirmed that Usal Road from Usal Beach to Four Corners is now open. The entire route is open to vehicles, except the section beyond Needle Rock Visitor Center to Bear Harbor, which appears it may end up being a permanent closure.

Indefinite road Closure to Bear Harbor
The road from needle rock visiting center to bear Harbor remains closed following the road's closure a year ago due to unsafe conditions. It's unclear if Humboldt County (who manages the road) will open this section of road back up to vehicles in the future. This closure is negligible, as the drive to Bear Harbor is an out-and-back endeavor.

 

[LeroyZ]

Route from Usal Beach to Bear Harbor is still closed as of 5/25/2022

 

[Superduty]

What about getting to Usal Beach (and camping there)? That looks to be accessible from what I see online.

 

[pwbandy_-8615]

Date Riden: 5/26-5/27. Current Status: Open with GREAT road conditions. Additional Deets: Below
Just got back from riding the Lost Coast on my Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro (ADV Bike). I started out from Fort Bragg late 5/26 and made my way north to Usal Beach. I got there around dinner time and was able to score a campsite right on the beach and scavenge some firewood to go with a couple beers. Road conditions were amazing and easily passable for an intermediate rider.

I continued north the next morning, making my way to Shelter Cove where the light house was actually having a grand reopening. Pretty cool spot for lunch on the cliff over looking the ocean.

From there, I continued north through the King Range and Wilder Ridge to Honeydew, Petrolia, and then up along the coast to Cape Mendocino. I unfortunately did not take advantage of any of the off-shoot portions of this adventure this trip... and by nightfall I had hit the top end of the Six Rivers BDT and made way south to the Mad River Campground (cleanest toilets I can remember seeing at a campsite).

 

[OTG Ben]

Route from Usal Beach to Bear Harbor is still closed as of 5/25/2022

Unclear if/when this will ever re-open. After speaking with one of the caretakers at Needle Rock, it's currently up to Humboldt County if they want to re-open. Previously, there had been an issue re-routing the road through wilderness that posed challenges a few years back.

 

[timdmacdo]

Dates: 7/1/22 - 7/4/22

Current Status: Open with some obstacles

Additional Details:
We followed mostly followed route #2, camping at Usal Beach, AW Way County Park, and Albee Creek, and were traveling with a 4-door Jeep Wrangler and a Subaru Forester.

Day one was only arrival at Usal Beach and setting up camp. It was packed and loud given the holiday weekend, but we were still able to find a small site with a fire ring after arriving around 8:30pm.

On day two we started up Usal Rd and found a fallen tree partially blocking the road about 10 miles in. It was tight but both of our vehicles made it through without issues (probably the same one reported by another member earlier). We also took the road down to the Needle Rock Visitor center. The road is still closed past here. After that we went to Shelter Cover and eventually made our way to AW Way, which still had several sites available.



On day three we went to Mattole Beach to do the lighthouse hike starting from there. The lighthouse is undergoing construction work but is still visible and the elephant seals were around as well. After this we drove back to Honeydew and attempted to begin the offshoot towards the Kinsey Ridge Trailhead. However, we found that a closed gate was blocking the route shown on the site. We were still able to get to it by taking an alternate route near the Honeydew Day Use Area. After that we headed into the state park to camp at Albee Creek. We were able to get a reservation here around a week in advance by watching the reservation site for cancelations. Beware that google maps may tell you to turn into a hiking trail rather than the actual road to the campsite - the real road is paved and marked with a large sign. We headed back home the next morning.



Overall a great time with no big issues!

 

[OTG Ben]

Dates: 7/1/22 - 7/4/22


View attachment 823

Overall a great time with no big issues!

Nice catch! That's actually a mapping error on our part. The blue line is actually where the route is supposed to be. We'll be updating the gpx files within the next week to reflect this. How was the view when you made it to the top of the Ridge?

 

[timdmacdo]

Glad it was helpful! It was a bit cloudly that day but still good. We didn't make it all the out to the viewpoint on the map, which was probably for best since it started raining a few minutes after we started heading back. Also the view the day before at Saddle Mountain Rd was amazing, so this was just a bonus.

 

[Happy29]

Has anyone run these parts recently? With all the rain I suspect some challenges but perhaps it's weathered it well.

Planning a Redwood Lost Coast trip in June/July to beat the heat...

 

[OTG Ben]

Has anyone run these parts recently? With all the rain I suspect some challenges but perhaps it's weathered it well.

Planning a Redwood Lost Coast trip in June/July to beat the heat...

Most folks aren't running the lost coast 4x4 trail until mid to late may, when Mendocino county opens the gate for Usal Road. You can check with King Range NCA ran by BLM about some of the trails and roads along the northern section, but they may not have had a ranger out that way in months. That section of norcal gets the most rain in the state. I'm guessing the current state is that many of the roads along ridges are littered with deadfall, but BLM is pretty good about cleaning those up once the rains die down.

 

[rckjnke]

Anybody know if the tree that was laying diagonally over the road right after Usal has been removed? Smaller vehicles could get under it, larger vehicle could not.

 

[Steve D]

Has anyone found any trails that connect Bear Harbor Camp and Jackass Creek / Usal Road (not Beach) Camp grounds via actual vehicle or hiking trails (not bush whacking)? The North Fork trail is closest but appear to dead end; and while I can get to Kenny via Usal/Moody Rd there doesn't appear to be any connection north or west unless you go all the way to Indian Creek (and that runs out before Bear Harbor). Thanks

 

[OTG Ben]

Has anyone found any trails that connect Bear Harbor Camp and Jackass Creek / Usal Road (not Beach) Camp grounds via actual vehicle or hiking trails (not bush whacking)? The North Fork trail is closest but appear to dead end; and while I can get to Kenny via Usal/Moody Rd there doesn't appear to be any connection north or west unless you go all the way to Indian Creek (and that runs out before Bear Harbor). Thanks

Bear Harbor Road is actually a county road within Humboldt County. As I understand it, a storm about 5 or so years ago caused damage, the the re-alignment would go cross slightly into the wilderness boundary, which would make the road illegal for cars. It sounds like after this debacle, Humboldt Co. largely punted on fixing the road, and I'd be surprised if it ever opens again to vehicles.

As far as hiking from Usal to Bear Harbor, hundreds if not thousands of people do it every year by takin the Lost Coast Trail. If you camp back in the redwoods at Usal, you'll even see the trail heads up the hill. As far as vehicles go, Usal Road is the only open Road that connects highway 1 to Usal Beach and then to 4 Corners (the 4-way intersection a few miles up from Needle Rock visitor center).

Here's the southern section of the Lost Coast Trail (the hiking trail) that connects Usal Beach to Bear Harbor

 

[dglisson76]

Date: 7/2/2024 - 7/6/2024

Current Status: open with some obstacles

Additional Details: Vehicle: 4x4 high roof Sprinter van
Route: Usal Rd to Usal Beach open with deep ruts in places. Rough and rutted but no problem for a lifted 4x4 Sprinter van. Passable with AWD, clearance may be an issue in spots but we saw Suburus and an Acura MDX AWD at Usal Beach. The first leg of the trail was a bit busy, but it was a holiday week. We arrived at Usal Beach around 4pm on 7/2, and though most of the campsites were already taken we were able to find a nice spot in the forest. No drinking water or services.

Usal Rd gate open. Usal beach to four corners was less traveled, rougher and tighter. After the gate is a steep climb with large ruts on the inside of the road against the mountain. Climbed in 4L and no issues, but keenly aware of the trail camber for the tall van. This leg was a bit rougher than the first leg, and much tighter. I used 4L a bit more. Expect pinstripes and a lot of scalping in a full size, tall vehicle.

Briceland Rd to Needle Rock, easy one-lane dirt road, 3.5 miles each way. There is a closed gate at the Needle Rock Visitor Center and only foot traffic is allowed further to Bear Harbor. Note that Briceland Rd is scheduled to be closed beginning August 6 for road repairs.

Tolkan CG was nice and uncrowded. Leaving Tolkan, we chose to take King Peak Rd instead of Saddle Mountain Rd. There were several shallow water crossings a couple inches deep, some were in short, deep gullies. High clearance and 4L served us well traversing some of the gullies. In spots there were large ruts to the inside of the trail making it off-camber towards the mountain (for a tall van). Some exposure, some rock gardens with small rocks and a few small shelves. King Peak Rd was the most difficult section of the route.

After King Peak Rd, we turned onto mostly-paved Wilder Ridge Rd through the forest and down the mountain to Honeydew, A.W. Way County Park and Mattole Beach. We camped at A.W. Way a nice campground on the Mattole River with clean bathrooms and water.

The road to Mattole Beach (Lighthouse Rd) is gravel with bits of washboard. On the way back, once you turn North off Lighthouse Rd towards Petrolia, the road is paved but in poor condition. It winds through Mattole valley and up and around to Ferndale. Though that portion is paved, it is not for the squeamish. The views more than make up for the road condition, just keep an eye out for pot-holes and wash-outs. From Ferndale we took Hwy 101 to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and there’s nothing to report except more beautiful scenery!

Notes: We filled up with diesel in Fort Bragg, and again at the Honeydew General Store, and it was more than enough fuel for the trip in the Sprinter, though we did not make it down to Shelter Cove. Also, we took King Peak Rd which is a different, shorter route between Tolkan and Honeydew (and maybe more challenging?). Bring cash or check for self-registration at campground iron rangers. Campsites ranged from $15-$30/night.

 

[OTG Ben]

@dglisson76
Thanks for the trail report. Next time, I would recommend taking Saddle Mountain Road instead of King Peak. Saddle Mountain features some of the best views of the Lost Coast, which is precisely why we chose it over the more direct route between Shelter Cove and Honeydew.

 

[dglisson76]

Thanks, Ben. Wow what great views we missed!! Our plan was to go to Shelter Cove and then Saddle Mountain Rd to Honeydew. But a new campground friend at Tolkan CG recommended taking King Peak Rd to a beautiful swimming hole, so we decided last minute to divert and check out the swimming hole since the kids had been cooped up in the van. When we found the swimming hole, it was absolutely stunning, but it was on private property so we skipped it altogether out of respect for the property owners. Bummer we missed Shelter Cove and Saddle Mountain Rd, but I guess you live and learn. It was still a fantasctic trip, and now we have reason to return! Thanks again for the route, I can't wait to tackle some of the other OTG routes!!

 

[Gvb40]

Date: 7/2/2024 - 7/6/2024

Current Status: open with some obstacles

Additional Details: Vehicle: 4x4 high roof Sprinter van
Route: Usal Rd to Usal Beach open with deep ruts in places. Rough and rutted but no problem for a lifted 4x4 Sprinter van. Passable with AWD, clearance may be an issue in spots but we saw Suburus and an Acura MDX AWD at Usal Beach. The first leg of the trail was a bit busy, but it was a holiday week. We arrived at Usal Beach around 4pm on 7/2, and though most of the campsites were already taken we were able to find a nice spot in the forest. No drinking water or services.

Usal Rd gate open. Usal beach to four corners was less traveled, rougher and tighter. After the gate is a steep climb with large ruts on the inside of the road against the mountain. Climbed in 4L and no issues, but keenly aware of the trail camber for the tall van. This leg was a bit rougher than the first leg, and much tighter. I used 4L a bit more. Expect pinstripes and a lot of scalping in a full size, tall vehicle.

Briceland Rd to Needle Rock, easy one-lane dirt road, 3.5 miles each way. There is a closed gate at the Needle Rock Visitor Center and only foot traffic is allowed further to Bear Harbor. Note that Briceland Rd is scheduled to be closed beginning August 6 for road repairs.

Tolkan CG was nice and uncrowded. Leaving Tolkan, we chose to take King Peak Rd instead of Saddle Mountain Rd. There were several shallow water crossings a couple inches deep, some were in short, deep gullies. High clearance and 4L served us well traversing some of the gullies. In spots there were large ruts to the inside of the trail making it off-camber towards the mountain (for a tall van). Some exposure, some rock gardens with small rocks and a few small shelves. King Peak Rd was the most difficult section of the route.

After King Peak Rd, we turned onto mostly-paved Wilder Ridge Rd through the forest and down the mountain to Honeydew, A.W. Way County Park and Mattole Beach. We camped at A.W. Way a nice campground on the Mattole River with clean bathrooms and water.

The road to Mattole Beach (Lighthouse Rd) is gravel with bits of washboard. On the way back, once you turn North off Lighthouse Rd towards Petrolia, the road is paved but in poor condition. It winds through Mattole valley and up and around to Ferndale. Though that portion is paved, it is not for the squeamish. The views more than make up for the road condition, just keep an eye out for pot-holes and wash-outs. From Ferndale we took Hwy 101 to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and there’s nothing to report except more beautiful scenery!

Notes: We filled up with diesel in Fort Bragg, and again at the Honeydew General Store, and it was more than enough fuel for the trip in the Sprinter, though we did not make it down to Shelter Cove. Also, we took King Peak Rd which is a different, shorter route between Tolkan and Honeydew (and maybe more challenging?). Bring cash or check for self-registration at campground iron rangers. Campsites ranged from $15-$30/night.

I did the Saddle Mtn part about a month ago in my high top Sprinter. It was steep and loose going up and the same going down 4L but totally doable. Nice views. .