25Miles
3–4Days
1,500 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
BLM King Range overnight wilderness permit (Recreation.gov)Hike north to south from Mattole to Black Sands Beach so the wind is at your back. Three stretches are impassable at high tide; plan days around a tide table. Book a shuttle in advance.Apply or read more
Cost
$6 per reservation
Bear storage
Required
Season
Best
May – October. Fog is common in summer.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Creeks every few miles. Filter all.
Resupply
None. Shelter Cove has a small store at the south end.
Notes
California's longest roadless coastline. Most of the walking is on sand and cobbles, which is slower than it looks.
Elevation
0 ftHigh 200 ft
Resupply towns
Shelter Cove (end)
Petrolia (start)
Recommended gear
Permit details checked 2026-10 · blm.gov