Lost Coast Trip November 2014

[LandRonB]

Last Update: Nov 11, 2014

 

Print this page(s) for the Trip

 

A Lil Bit about the Lost Coast and Glass Beach:

 

The Lost Coast is a section of California's north coast in Humboldt County, lying between the King Range and the Pacific Ocean.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Morning_on_the_Lost_Coast.jpg/800px-Morning_on_the_Lost_Coast.jpg

 

Wiki Lost Coast: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Coast

National Geographic Adventure: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/surfing/california-lost-coast-adventure-guide.html

 

Very rugged and remote location. Stock Land Rover is ok; good recovery points (front and rear), and gear (recovery strap). Ham Radio is good to have.

 

The area is known for its black sand beaches, which get their color from the significant tectonic activity of one continental and two ocean plates meeting just offshore.

 

We'll be driving on an old logging trail (Usal Rd), primitive camping on Usal and Wailaki campgrounds; will end-up exploring a small town called Shelter Cove (parts of the town used in Afred Hitchcook's classic movie "The Birds"). Last leg of our trip is Glass Beach at Fort Bragg.

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Glass_Beach_Fort_Bragg_3.jpg/800px-Glass_Beach_Fort_Bragg_3.jpg

 

2013 Trip to the Lost Coast: http://norcalrovers.org/forum/showthread.php?2366-Unofficial-Club-Trip-to-the-Lost-Coast-Nov-2013&highlight=Lost+coast

 

Additional pictures from 2009 Trip: http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=183236

 

Trip Dates/Overview/Agenda:

 

Dates:

Group A: Fri to Sun Nov 14, 15 & 16

Group B: Sat to Sun Nov 15 & 16

 

Overview:

- Group A: leave the Bay Area Friday mid- morning eg 10am, and meet-up/caravan in Laytonville eg 2pm, and from Laytonville head to Leggett, turn left into Hwy 1, go 14.7 miles, look for mile marker sign 90.88 and then turn right into Usal Rd (off-road).

- Enter the Lost Coast unto Usal Rd, and then camp Friday night at Usal State campground or Usal Beach eg 5pm.

- Saturday morning head to Sinkyone Wilderness Park (Needle Rock Visit Center) and then camp at Nadelos Group Camp Saturday, and meet up with Group B eg 3pm.

 

- Group B: leave early Saturday morning, and follow the same directions, refuel & meet-up in Laytonville and enter the Lost Coast on Usal Rd.

- Head to the Lost Coast, drive on Usal Rd, continue to Sinkyone Wilderness Park, and camp Nadelos and meet up with Group A eg 3pm.

 

- Group A & B: Sunday morning caravan to Shelter Cove (paved road), optional bfast at Fish Tank cafe. Group photo by the Light House. Head to Garberville. Pass thru giant Redwoods. Head home via 101 or optional stop at Glass Beach in Ft Bragg via 101 to Hwy 1.

 

Details:

- Details of this trip are highlighted in the guide Norther California Backroads and 4wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells.

- From San Francisco to Laytonville (last fuel stop) is about 4 hours via Hwy 101 North.

- Suggestion: Chevron on 44801 Highway 101, Laytonville, CA (707). There's a grocery store across the station for last min shopping e.g. firewood, ice, food...

- From Laytonville to Leggett is about 22 miles via 101 North. Leggett has a gas station but limited hours and at times close.

- In Leggett, turn left into Hwy 1, go 14.7 miles, look for mile marker sign 90.88 and then turn right into Usal Rd (off-road).

- Less 5 miles on Usal Rd is a campground; large enough for 9 or more trucks. First come/first serve. Look for self-service fee lock box. $25 for the first vehicle and $8 per additional vehicles.

- About 6 miles after crossing the wooden bridge and left on Usal Beach. There's beach camping. $25 for the first vehicle and $8 per additional vehicles. 9 or less vehicles do not need group camping permit. Otherwise permit avail: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/sinkyone_wilderness.html

- Prepare for BYO dinner or we can have a pot luck, and have a camp fire (in fire rings only)

- Prepare for cold weather

- Be on the look out for Giant Elks. Mating Season (very hostile) so beware and keep your pets on the lease

 

- Next day Sat, continue on Usal Rd, and make it to Sinkyone Wilderness State Park (Needle Rock Visitor Center).

- If Bear Cove is open, we can hike down the beach.

- Also Saturday Group B takes off from Bay Area early morning eg 6am and meet at Laytonville eg 10am, Usal Beach noon for lunch, Sinkyonne Wilderness Park 2pm and then Nadelos campground by 3pm.

 

- Camp at BLM Nadelos group campground: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/campground.html

- Ron has reserved and paid Nadelos campground: 8 campsites. 3-4 vehicles per site. Max 60 people. Cost $85 per night. Will collect later (amount will be $85 divided by # of vehicles).

- Prepare for BYO dinner or we can have a pot luck, and have a camp fire (in fire rings only) 2nd night on the Lost Coast

- Prepare for cold weather

 

- Last Day Sunday, up early and head to Shelter Cover for breakfast and explore.

- Fish Tank Espresso Cafe has one of the best Bagel and Lox w/the Works that I've tasted. Ocean view with your breakfast. http://www.innofthelostcoast.com/dining-2/fish-tank-coffee-house/

- Make our way to Glass Beach at Fort Bragg for late lunch

- Head home after playing at Glass Beach.

 

Attendees/interested:

 

See list provided by Chris/RGB for Group A

Group B: Ron B

 

Additional Trip Information:

 

Maps/Links: will be provided during driver's meeting at our last gas stop before we enter the Lost Coast

 

Weather: will check the week before; last few year, Nov has been warm during the day 60-65 degrees, sunny but lil cloudy; be prepared for cold weather at night.

 

GPS Coordinates:

Entrance to Lost Coast via Hwy 1 (Usal Rd): Lat 39 46 50.0 Long 123 49 49.2

Next Marker (Usal Beach): Lat 39 50 5.4 Long 123 50 33

Next (Entrance to Sinkyone Wilderness State Park): Lat 39 58 24.5 Long 123 57 54

Nadelos Group Campground: N 40.02098 and W -124.00614

Next (Shelter Cover): Lat 40 2 19.9 Long 124 1 52.8

Exit to 101: Lat 40 21 19.7 Long 123 55 23.8 head to Fort Bragg (Glass Beach)

 

Vehicle Requirements

Stock vehicles welcome. Towing a camper is fine as long as it has good clearance.

Communication: CB is ok but Ham is preferred

Required SAFETY Equipment and trail items: FIRE EXTINGUISHER, and first aide.

Required Recovery Equipment: Strong recovery points (front and rear), and strap

Misc equipment: metal shovel, repair tools and spare parts (to suit your vehicle) and sand ladder (for the beach)

Expected Trail conditions: Dry if no rain; otherwise wet/muddy

Clothing Suggestions: Cold weather clothing

 

Fuel:

 

You won't need a spare fuel can if completely fill-up in Laytonville on Friday.

From Laytonville to Leggett/entrance to Usal Rd is about 35 miles (all paved road)

And the entrance from Hwy 1 unto Usal Rd to Friday night's Usal campground, and then to Saturday night Nadelos campground is about 30 miles (add +5 miles exploring or getting lost no pun intended) (90% off road).

From Nadelos campground to Shelter Cover and to Garberville where we will jump on 101S back home is about 30 miles (all paved road).

On my 2004 DII, I still have about 1/4 tank left by the time I get to Garberville.

 

Services:

 

Sinkyonne Wilderness SP is managed by CA parks:

Park Tel Contact: (707) 986-7711

Park Office Address: Richardson Grove State Park, 1600 U.S. Highway 101 # 8, Garberville, CA 95542

 

Nadelos Campground is managed by Kings Range BLM

Tel Contact: 707-825-2300

Office Address: 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521

Website: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/campground.html

 

Towing: Redwood Towing in Garberville - 707-923-3440

 

Parts Store: Don's Auto Parts on 622 Locust St, Garberville, CA 707-923-3961

 

Generally what to bring:

Bring your camera and extra batteries

Tent/SLEEPING BAG

Cold Weather Gears

Extra garbage bags

FOOD/drink supplies (1 gallon of water per person per day)

Sun-block/sun-screen/hat/glasses (protect your skin/eyes expected to be sunny)

GPS Unit optional certainly map of the area and compass

Nights might be cold - bring extra blanket and warm clothing

There's a pit toilet @ Usal Beach State Campground, and Sinkyone State Park - but suggest bring your own PORTABLE TOILET/wag bags

Firewood

[GriffSC]

Always wanted to do this trip. I'm a possible. If the later weekend, i'll have my boys.

[RedRover]

Hey Ron;

 

I see you've already got us slotted but pending -- chatted w/ Erin and the first week looks good but 2nd is also doable -- she doesn't get Veteran's day off, so we probably couldn't do the extended trip (although it sounds like the better plan.)

 

Either way, looking forward to it and will keep watching the thread.

 

-Jared

[El Solis]

I am tentatively in with Roxson and my dad (Ron)

[DHappel]

I'd say put Michele and I down as a tentative as well. We'll do it if our schedules permit but I'm doing good to know where I'll be in 2 days much less a month from now.

[LATEAPEX]

At this point pending work being nice to me, count me in for either weekend. Unfortunately Elizabeth will not be able to get any week days off that month because we will have just returned from the wedding and it is open enrollment at her job :-/ so I'll be flying solo

[El Solis]

Sean, my dad can bunk with you and keep you company!

[DHappel]

Looks like Michele is out of town 8-10. Not sure if I'd fly solo or not just yet.

[LATEAPEX]

Sean, my dad can bunk with you and keep you company!

.....yay thanks!... :-) Is he a cuddler?

[El Solis]

He is not a cuddler but it looks like Don needs a bunk mate now too!

[LATEAPEX]

He is not a cuddler but it looks like Don needs a bunk mate now too!

 

I'm not big into sharing

[DHappel]

Let me know when this gets weird. Because I wouldn't want it to get weird.

[Disco2Guy]

Let me know when this gets weird. Because I wouldn't want it to get weird.

 

Then I'll refrain from posting my comment;)

[LandRonB]

QUOTE=DHappel;33553]Let me know when this gets weird. Because I wouldn't want it to get weird.

 

I'm at a "Lost" for words. No pun intended

 

Anyways, back on the topic. Let's plan on Nov 14, 15, and 16 wkkd.

 

Now let's all get Lost and back to our labor day weekend.

 

Cheers!

[El Solis]

Hey Ron, will you be bringing the CT? Cause you know that would be cool to have both of them rolling down the road together.

[RedRover]

Added to the NCLR Calendar here as a tentatively-scheduled event for November 14th-16th.

 

-Jared

[Jen]

You know I love this trip my first NCLR trip and always my favorite. I will need to dig out the paper work to see whether I'm going alone or with kiddos.

[Phil.]

checking schedules. will this be open to guests like any other trip? i have a friend who drives a heep who saw our pics from last year on FB and may want to come along.

[DHappel]

I'm OK with Jeeps, but I draw the line at Toyotas, what with their always not breaking down and such.

[RedRover]

checking schedules. will this be open to guests like any other trip? i have a friend who drives a heep who saw our pics from last year on FB and may want to come along.

 

I had a long thing written out about this topic, but it's not my trip so i'll leave it at this -- when I hear about a non-NCLR member attending an NCLR trip, my mind goes to safety issues and club liability. I think if someone wants to experience the club as a prospective member, they can A. go to a MORG or non-trip related gathering or B. sit shotgun in a member vehicle as a guest.

 

...and all of those opinions I just wrote above are worth no more than 2¢... ::bigsmile::

 

-Jared

[DHappel]

I agree that it's a tough call. Let anybody who wants to tag along and you open up liability issues (I suppose...I'm no lawyer) and of course you end up 'giving away' the club benefits for free. Close the doors and you risk alienating people and driving them away.

 

I'm guessing there is an official policy about this? Seems like we more or less discussed similar issues surrounding joining Cal4 re liability.

[El Solis]

I believe the policy is anyone (non-member) can attend 1 club event as a guest and after that they should join to continue participating. We (the board of directors) are looking at revising this policy. The goal of course is to encourage new members.

[LandRonB]

Hey Ron, will you be bringing the CT? Cause you know that would be cool to have both of them rolling down the road together.

 

If I go solo, will most likely bring the CT; yes, agree; would be cool!

[LandRonB]

checking schedules. will this be open to guests like any other trip? i have a friend who drives a heep who saw our pics from last year on FB and may want to come along.

 

I think our policy is that your friend sells his heep and buy a Land Rover

[PaulD]

Hi Ron,

 

Very interested, but as a bagpiper, I am quite busy on Veteran's Day, so better for the late show.

 

Tx,

 

Paul