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. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  3. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View
  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View
  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View