Plan Your Lost Coast Trip

The Lost Coast is a soul-stirring experience for seasoned hikers who appreciate the thrill of Nature’s challenges. Please read our Must-Do’s, check the shuttle schedule, and contact us if you have any questions.

Must Do's

Book your trail Permit

You need one permit per group to stay overnight on the trail. The only charge is a non-refundable $6 processing fee. (Fees will be changing for the 2025 season.) All permits must be obtained through rec.gov we do not issue or handle permitting. If you have permit questions you must call the BLM directly. (707) 986-5400

 Book your permit here. 

Pack Your Bear Canister

Each hiker must carry one bear can, which generally stores 3 days’ worth of food, toiletries, and garbage per hiker. You can also rent bear canisters from us for $22/trip. We have BV500 and BV450 canisters available.

 Rent a bear canister.

Check the tide prediction charts.

Hiking during high tides can be fatal, even for very experienced hikers. There’s no phone reception on the trail, so you must check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tide prediction chart for each day of your trip before you go.

The NOAA chart shows tide information in feet on the left and time on the bottom. You can see how high the tides will be at any given time where the lines intersect.

Please DO NOT book a shuttle until you have checked your tides. This trail is based on crossing at the right times, you MUST do your homework before going out on the trail. We are ony responsible for shuttling you from one point to another unless you are taking a guided hike with us.

Shelter Cove tide predictions screenshot

Visit the NOAA site to check the tides for your trip dates.

Visit the NOAA site to check the tides for your trip dates. Check tides with the NOAA site

Don't invite your dog, unless they love tough terrain.

Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it’s not so fun for them. The sand and rocks can rub their paws pads raw, and jumping between boulders can make their nails bleed. If you do bring your buddy, bring dog boots for them to wear throughout the trip. There is wild life such as elephant seals and deer on the trail, please leash your dogs to avoid them harming/being harmed. Please also note that we only allow 2 dogs per shuttle to ensure the comfort of our passengers. There is a fee to bring your dog. 

Check our FAQs for Safety Info

Even the most experienced hikers may learn something new. Go see the advice we've compiled for you on snake-sighting, tick-flicking, water sources, and more.

 Read the FAQ 

Check trail conditions before your trip

Check the BLM website for the latest on trail conditions so you're fully prepared for your trip. You can also call the local rangers at (707-986-5400)

*Disclosure:  It is a liability for us to create a hiker’s itinerary unless they are booking a guided hike directly through us. We cannot give advice not knowing the physical state of the hiker and their experience level. There are also variables such as changes in weather, tides, swell and terrain. Due to not being there side to side to assess the situation and advice the hiker we cannot plan their trip on their behalf.

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

Check availability and secure your spot!  Meet your shuttle at Black Sands Beach Trailhead in Shelter Cove 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

 BOOK A SHUTTLE 

Cancellations: We provide a full refund minus the $50 non-refundable desposit if you cancel up to one week before your trip, this applies to solo hikers as well; after that, we may not be able to fill the empty seats. We do however provide a 100% refund of the booking if inclement weather prevents travel to or on the trail (boooo).

See full cancellation policy.