Lost and Found

Fall Escape to the Lost Coast and Humboldt County

Maybe it’s the name. Or that it’s found along California’s longest stretch of undeveloped coast. Either way, the remote beauty of Humboldt County’s Lost Coast inspires a mystique unlike any other place in the state; it’s 80 miles of spectacular sea-to-summit beauty. Autumn is one of the best times to visit because the weather is typically Indian summer–warm.

Hike in true wilderness along the Lost Coast and King Range, where you can trek to the abandoned Punta Gorda Lighthouse or take in panoramic splendor after climbing up the Lightning Trail to King Peak’s summit, which shoots more than 4,000 feet above the Pacific. Don’t miss Shelter Cove’s Black Sands Beach, a 3.5-mile stretch of such unusual sand, you won’t find it anywhere else. A short drive from Shelter Cove brings you to Richardson Grove State Park and Benbow State Reserve, home to Humboldt County’s marquee giant redwoods.

Drive along Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where you’ll find abundant hiking trails for viewing the largest old-growth redwoods in the world! You can also picnic, fish, and swim along the Eel River here. Lost Coast? More like Paradise Found. In Humboldt County.

STAY: There’s a huge range of lodging options all across Humboldt County, including lodges and cabins, B&Bs, hotels, and motels.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

    View
  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  2. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

    View
  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View