HIDDEN GEMS: The Lost Coast (California)

The California coastline is hands down one of the most sought after road trip in the United States. Taking the 101 to the classic 1, one can cruise nearly 800 miles of pacific coastline, or close to it, but to have a section of the coast all to yourself? Good luck! 

It's not hard to imagine that deep in the heart of every adventurer there is a desire to find a diamond in the rough. A location far away from the tourist traps and travel brochures. An oasis where time stands still, forgotten by most of society with the exception of a few locals that live up to your expectations. They are not easy to find, but when found, they are such a sweet reward. Last year, I was lucky enough to find such a thing while traveling around Humboldt county, California, in search of weed farmers to document. 

It's known as "THE LOST COAST SCENIC DRIVE" and it's a must-see.

Stretching from Ferndale to the Redwoods, a 1.5-hour scramble through crumbling and disheveled backroads leads to a small, 5 mile stretch of forgotten coastline hugging the Pacific Ocean. With no major roadways or developments in the area, only a few small ranches and cows greet you as you decent a 45-degree drop into the coast. Far away from reception, you find yourself in a world of its own. With the roads becoming overgrown and lacking upkeep, occasionally cows graze on the waterline as clouds gently glide through the King Mountain range to your back. Black sand beaches speckle the waterline, and for the most part you will have this oasis to yourself. One of the benefits of making the trek to reach this time capsule is solitude. With a series of small pullouts along the water, you can easily pull off for a few days and sleep in your vehicle, falling asleep to the thunder of crashing waves and howling winds. With its desolate location, no sheriffs will be coming to knock on your window. In California, this may be the ONLY place along the coast you can guarantee that is possible. Want more than just a drive? The Lost Coast is a vast stretch of land prime for backpacking and hiking as well.

links and more information:

Wikipedia: LOST COAST - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Coast

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/26/travel/northern-california-lost-coast.html

https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/lost-coast/

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