San Francisco
Lost Coast Camp Trip
Into the Lost Coast
Join Usal and Forgotten Lands Project for a weekend of camping on California’s scenic Lost Coast, where free-flowing rivers wind through towering forests and mountains plunge into the sea. This stretch of coast remains one of the wildest places in California — and the state’s longest undeveloped shoreline — a landscape of fog-draped headlands, windswept prairies, and lagoons alive with birdlife where solitude still feels possible.
By day, we’ll follow the trails that crisscross the northern tip of the King Range National Conservation Area. The Lost Coast Trail winds across black-sand beaches and leads to the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse, where elephant seals and sea lions bask across rocky islets. Inland, other paths carry us through mossy, old-growth forests that echo the feel of a temperate rainforest, and along coastal prairies with sweeping views of the Pacific.
Evenings will bring us back to our riverside camp along the free-flowing Mattole River, where we’ll share meals, circle the fire, and watch stars brighten the dark sky.
REI will provide all the camping gear, so all you need to bring is your food. Our basecamp setup includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and chairs, ensuring a comfortable stay as we immerse ourselves in this remarkable and untamed landscape.
Ticket Type
When
10/24 - 10/26
Nights
02
Intensity
about
Josh Jackson is a writer, photographer, and a prominent advocate for public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As a conservationist, he is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable diversity, wildlife, and ecosystems that these landscapes harbor. Through his evocative Forgotten Lands Project, Josh employs immersive storytelling and striking visual narratives to motivate and empower audiences to explore and conserve America’s most vulnerable and lesser-known public territories.
Itinerary
Arrive at camp by 5 PM and settle in along the banks of the Mattole River. Once tents are chosen and gear is unpacked, we’ll head to Mattole Beach to watch the sun set over the Pacific and wander the lagoon before returning to camp. There, we’ll gather for dinner and ease into the weekend. As night falls, we’ll circle around the fire and watch the stars come alive in one of California’s darkest skies.
CaMping Gear List
We will be providing a full basecamp set up for all campers. This includes:
- REI Basecamp 4 Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Camp Chair
Disclaimer
Transportation is not included. However, carpooling is encouraged, and your guide will create a group chat to facilitate introductions and share driving details.
