The Importance of Tides on the Lost Coast Trail
The Lost Coast Trail is one of California’s most breathtaking hikes — wild, remote, and unforgettable.
But it’s also one of the most dangerous if you don’t understand one crucial factor:
the tides.
Unlike most coastal trails, large portions of the Lost Coast are directly on the beach with
no alternate routes.
The ocean meets the cliffs, and when tides rise, the trail disappears completely beneath the surf.
Planning around the tides isn’t optional — it’s the difference between a safe, successful hike and a life-threatening situation.
📍 The Three Tidal Zones
There are three separate tidal zones along the trail, each with its own safe-to-pass window:
- Zone 1: A costal point located just before the Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Passable at anything under 6 ft.
- Zone 2: A 4-5 mile stretch located between Sea Lion Gulch and Randall CreekMust be 2.5 ft or lower
- Zone 3: A 4-5 mile stretch located between Miller Flatt and Gitchell Creek. Must be under 3 ft
If the tide is higher than these limits during your planned hiking time, you’ll be
trapped by impassable cliffs and waves until conditions change — sometimes for hours.
⏰ Why Some Days Are Unhikeable
It’s important to remember that the tide rises and recedes every day,
but that doesn’t mean you’ll always have a safe window to hike.
On certain days, the tides never drop low enough to safely clear these sections. Other days, the only low tide may occur
in the middle of the night, making the day unhikeable during daylight hours.
While it’s not illegal to hike at night, it’s strongly discouraged.
Low visibility, rugged terrain, and unpredictable waves make night hiking especially dangerous —
particularly when crossing creeks or navigating slippery rocks.
🧭 If You Don’t Understand the Tides
If you’re unsure how to read tide charts or plan around them, seek help before you go.
You can:
- Contact the King Range BLM Office and speak with a ranger
- Ask experienced hikers in Lost Coast forums or social groups
- Book a Consult with Lost Coast Adventure Tours to help interpret safe hiking windows
It’s always better to double-check than to risk misjudging a tide window.
⚠️ Respect the Power of the Ocean
Every season, the Lost Coast sees hikers caught off-guard by the tides.
Some have been swept into the ocean, and rescues in this area are difficult and slow.
The trail’s beauty lies in its remoteness — but that remoteness also means help is far away.
Always come prepared, carry a tide chart, and have a backup plan if conditions aren’t right.
Never assume the trail will be passable just because it was the day before.
The Lost Coast Trail is raw, wild, and stunning — a true adventure unlike any other in California.
But with that comes responsibility.
Know the tides. Respect the ocean. Plan wisely.
Your safety depends on it.
