How to Get Lost Coast Trail Permits (without the hassle!)

You’re dreaming of the Lost Coast.

Crashing waves. Zero crowds. A trail that hugs the edge of the continent like it’s clinging to a secret. It’s wild, remote, and so beautifully off-the-grid it feels like a backpacker fever dream.

But before you start rolling your sleeping bag and daydreaming about sea lions and silence, there’s one thing standing between you and that trailhead:

A permit.

Yep. Even here, on one of the most remote stretches of coastline in the lower 48, you’re gonna need one. At least if you want to do it right.

Don’t panic. We’ll walk you through exactly how to get Lost Coast Trail permits, without screaming at your laptop or rage-quitting Rec.gov.

Beautiful and serene, the fog adds an ethereal feeling.

So... When Should You Start Planning?

Short answer: Early.

The Lost Coast Trail runs through the King Range National Conservation Area, managed by the BLM. That means…

King Range Wilderness Permit is required year-round for overnight trips in the Northern Section.

They drop 6 months in advance — to the minute…

… And they go fast (especially for weekends between May and September).

If you want primo dates, you’ll need to:

• Create a Rec.gov account ahead of time

• Know your start date, group size, and section of trail

• Be logged in and ready to hit "Reserve" by 7:00 AM PT

Expert Tip: Aim for shoulder season. April, early May, or late October usually means fewer people, more permits, and less fog. Plus, fewer bugs. Win-win.

Pick Your Route

There are two main sections of the Lost Coast Trail. And they couldn’t be more different:

Northern Section: Mattole Beach → Black Sands Beach (~25 miles)

• Most popular

• Iconic coastal views

• Requires permit

• Tidal zones = real planning required

Southern Section: Hidden Valley → Usal Beach (~29 miles)

• Less trafficked

• Big elevation changes

• No overnight permit required (for now)

• Feels more foresty than coastal

Northern Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1: Mattole → Sea Lion Gulch (7.5 mi)

Day 2: Sea Lion Gulch → Spanish Flat (9 mi)

Day 3: Spanish Flat → Black Sands Beach (8.5 mi)

Heads up: The northern section needs a shuttle, unless you’re planning an out-and-back. We recommend parking in Shelter Cove - shuttle (or key swap) to Mattole.

NOTE:

If you are planning to do the Northern Route, you really do have to plan around the tides. 

Impasse Zones:

• Punta Gorda (impassable above ~5 ft)

• Sea Lion Gulch → Randall Creek (~4 mi; impassable above ~2.5 ft)

• Miller Flat → Gitchell Creek (~4.5 mi; impassable above ~3 ft) 

Let’s Talk Permits: What You Need (and Where)

Northern Section (Mattole → Black Sands)

Permit required: Yes

Type: King Range Wilderness Permit (Overnight Use)

Managed by: BLM

Get it from: Recreation.gov

Southern Section (Hidden Valley → Usal)

Permit required: Not currently for overnight

Might need: Campfire permit or park access in certain zones

Day Hiking? No permit needed.

Okay, But How Do I Actually Get a Permit?

Let’s break it down — no fluff, no jargon, no B.S.

Step-by-Step: Getting a Lost Coast Trail Permit

1. Create a Recreation.gov Account IN ADVANCE

2. Find the King Range Wilderness Permits Page

3. Search “Lost Coast Trail” or bookmark it now.

4. Choose ‘Overnight Use’

5. Pick Your Entry Date

6. Set Group Size (Max group = 15. Bigger than that? You’ll need to split up.)

7. Reserve at 7:00 AM PT — on the dot

8. Permits drop 6 months in advance. Be early. Be caffeinated.

9. Pay the $6 Fee - Yup. That’s it. $6 to lock in your backcountry dream.

Missed out? Don’t stress. Check back for cancellations. People change plans all the time and permits get recycled into the system.

Can You Camp Anywhere?

Pretty much — but with some non-negotiables.

• Camp 100+ feet from water sources

• No toilets = pack it ALL out

• Don’t camp in tide zones (unless you want a salty wake-up call)

• Stick to durable surfaces to protect fragile ecosystems

• No camping on private land

• Fires? Sometimes okay, but only with a California Campfire Permit, and often banned in summer or dry spells. Check the rules before you strike a match.

What to Expect on the Lost Coast Trail

This isn’t a walk in the park — it’s a challenging trek with sandy shores and cobbles. And it’s incredible. But also:

• Tide-locked sections, if you miss the timing and you’re stuck

• River crossings can get gnarly after storms

• No cell service — like, none

• Bring a bear canister (it’s required)

• Weather roulette — fog, wind, blazing sun… sometimes all in one hour

• Poison oak, wear trousers. Bring Tecnu. You’ll thank us later.

Bottom Line: You Got This

The Lost Coast Trail is raw, rugged magic. It’s the kind of hike that leaves you wind-swept, sore, and completely in love with the wild.

But to keep it that way? We’ve gotta follow the rules.

Snag the permit. Respect the tides. Pack it all out. And then, once the boring stuff’s done, go soak in one of the most beautiful, untouched stretches of trail you’ll ever walk.

No crowds. No signal. Just you, the ocean, and a trail that earns every step.

One Last Thing…

Backpacking permits can feel like a total hassle, but they’re there for a reason — and now you know the steps to purchase one, the next step is actually locking one down.

And trust me, that part? It’s its own wild ride.

If you’ve ever stared down a 7:00 AM permit release or watched your dream weekend disappear while you were still figuring out your group size, you know exactly what we mean.

That’s why we put together the Pathloom Permit Strategy Guide — to help you go from “Wait, how do I even get this permit?” to “Yep, I just scored my spot on the Lost Coast Trail.”

We’ve spent years untangling the permit maze so you don’t have to, and while we’re building an app to make this way easier, we wanted to share the timing hacks, backup plans, and little-known tricks that actually work.

Want it? It’s free.

Just answer a few quick questions to help us build the best tools, and the guide is all yours.

See you on the trails!