King Range

Lost Coast and King Range

The Lost Coast and King Range area was inhabited by the Mattole and Sinkyone Indians. The westward push brought other settlers to this area approximately 150 years ago. Many different enterprises were tried over the years, cattle and sheep, some agriculture, fishing, Tanbark export, logging and other timber related jobs. Because of the rugged terrain, the settlements that sprang up in the area remained small and only the the hearty remain today. It is this lack of population and the spectacular scenic views that draw many to pass this way.

Much of the land is controlled by the Bureau of Land Management with a small amount of privately owned land within the boundaries. There are five developed campsites and many primitive sites in the King Range National Conservation Area. Campfire permits are required for all undeveloped campsites. Shelter Cove offers a privately owned campground, a few motels, 3 restaurants and a Bed and Breakfast! Shelter Cove also has two general stores and a deli in this community of approximately 450 homes. There are several State Parks with campgrounds, and small towns dotting U. S. Hwy 101 that offer services and lodging making them a prime base for day trips into the different areas.

There are many back roads and old logging roads throughout the area. Most can be traveled in 2WD and will not offer the 4WD enthusiast a challenge but four wheel drive is handy in some areas. In recent years beach access for off-road vehicle use has been limited to an area approximately 3½ miles from Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove north to Gitchell Creek.

There are a few Hwy 101 to Hwy 101 loop trips on paved mountain roads depending on time allotted. Each will take you through coastal mountains, forests of Douglas Fir or redwood, pasture lands, rivers, streams and beaches of magnificent beauty. Entrance may be made at Redway, Rockefeller Forest, Rio Del or Ferndale. The shortest of these is approximately 4 hours if you don’t stop to smell the flowers. A full day would benefit anyone appreciating nature and low density population. The ecological diversity should peak the interest of any visitor to northern California. For your safety and comfort I recommend starting your trip with plenty of gas in your vehicle, snacks and drinking water. There are numerous springs, streams and rivers throughout the area but they have not been tested for potability.

Publications:

RECREATION GUIDE
KING RANGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
BLM Publication No. BLM-CA-GI-10-010-8630 REV 94
(Good information and overview with map)
Arcata Resource Area

U.S. Bureau of Land Management
1125 16th Street, Room 219
Arcata, CA 95521
707-822-7648

Ukiah District Office, District Manager
Bureau of Land Management
2250 North State
Ukiah, CA 95482

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TOPO MAPS:
King Range area (15 minute:) Point Delgada, Cape Mendocino.
(7½ minute:) Honeydew, Shelter Cove, Shubrick Peak, Bear Harbor, Briceland, Cooskie Creek and Petrolia
Northern California Atlas & Gazetteer by DeLorme Mapping Company.
Available at most sporting goods stores.

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