Wilderness.net's King Range Wilderness Fact
Sheet
Introduction
The United States Congress designated the King Range
Wilderness in 2006 and it now has a total of 42,695 acres. All
of the wilderness is in California and is managed by the Bureau
of Land Management.
Description
From beaches to high peaks commanding outstanding vistas,
the King Range Wilderness is the wildest portion of the
California coast. Indeed, the King Range is the longest stretch
of undeveloped coastline in the United States outside of
Alaska. Botanists consider the region's dune system extremely
unique in that the aggressive introduced European dune grass
has not yet encroached, as it has on most coastal dunes north
of San Francisco.
Rare coastal ancient forests of Douglas fir, madrone, and tan oak dominate the Honeydew Creek
watershed. Endangered species include leafy reedgrass, California brown pelican, steelhead trout,
Chinook and Coho salmon, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, northern spotted owl, and Roosevelt elk.
The California Coastal Trail traverses the entire length of the area. In 2000, President Clinton
designated the rocks and islands just offshore as the California Coast National Monument.
Mountains, forests, streams, and coastal bluffs of the King Range Wilderness provide homes for the
bald eagle, American peregrine falcon, osprey, spotted owl, Roosevelt elk, otter, gray fox, black
bear, and other wildlife.
Leave No Trace
Here are some tips to help you "Leave No Trace:"
Properly Dispose of What you Can't Pack Out
On Lost Coast Trail: Bury all human waste in the sand below the high tide line. All other trails:
Bury human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet (approximately 70 paces) from streams
when you are not near the ocean. Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them out in plastic
bags. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes, and use
small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter dish water after removing all food particles. Inspect
your campsite for trash and evidence of your stay. Pack out all trash: yours and others'
Plan Ahead and Prepare Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Visit the backcountry in small groups. Avoid popular areas during times of high use. Choose
equipment and clothing in subdued colors. Repackage food into reusable containers. Camp and
Travel on Durable Surfaces
On the Trail:
Stay on designated trails. Walk single file in the middle of the path. Do not shortcut switchbacks.
When traveling cross-country, choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry
grasses or snow. Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for rock cairns, tree scars and
ribbons.
At Camp:
Choose an established, legal site that will not be damaged by your stay. Restrict activities to the
area where vegetation is compacted or absent. Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping
at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from lakes and streams.
Pack it In, Pack it Out
Pack everything that you bring into wild country back out with you. Protect wildlife and your
food by storing rations securely. Pick up all spilled foods.
Leave What You Find
Treat our natural heritage with respect. Leave plants, rock, and historical artifacts as you find
them. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site should not be necessary. Let nature's
sounds prevail. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum. Control pets at all times. Remove
dog feces from trails or camping areas. Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
Minimize Use and Impact of Fires
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Always carry a lightweight stove for
cooking. Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire. Where fires are permitted , use established fire
rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Do not scar large rocks or overhangs. Gather sticks, no larger
than an adult's wrist from the ground. Do not snap branches off live, dead or downed trees. Put
out campfires completely. Do not burn trash; pack it out.
For more information on the "Leave No Trace" program and Leave No Trace teaching activities,
visit the Web site of the Leave No Trace organization, sponsored in part by the Bureau of Land
Management.
ENJOY AMERICA'S WILD COUNTRY AND "LEAVE NO TRACE"
Location
The King Range National Conservation Area is located about 230 miles north of San Francisco and
60 miles south of Eureka.
Know that:
All roads leading to the King Range are narrow, steep and winding. Allow PLENTY of time
between destinations, have a full tank of gas, and be alert to oncoming traffic.
All main roads are normally accessible to passenger cars except during heavy winter storms.
Primitive roads may be closed seasonally. Call the BLM for current road conditions.
Brown directional signs mark all major intersections in the King Range giving the road name and
distances to primary recreation sites.
NORTH ACCESS: U.S. 101 to the Ferndale exit. Once in Ferndale, follow signs to Petrolia. One
mile past Petrolia, turn right on Lighthouse Road; it is 5 more miles to the Mattole Recreation Site.
Allow 1 1/2 hours for the 42 mile trip.
CENTRAL ACCESS: U.S. 101 to South Fork - Honeydew exit. Follow the signs to Honeydew (23
Miles). Turn left in Honeydew to Honeydew Creek Recreation Site and Smith-Etter Road. Allow 1
hour for the 24 mile trip.
SOUTH ACCESS: U.S. 101 to the Redway/Garberville exit. Follow signs to Shelter Cove/King
Range NCA. Allow 45 minutes for the 22 mile trip to Shelter Cove.
TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN SELECTED DESTINATIONS
Black Sands Beach to Mattole Recreation Site, 2 hours, 30 minutes
Honeydew to:
A.W. Way Park, 8 miles, 20 minutes Mattole Recreation Site, 18.5 miles, 45 minutes
Smith-Etter Rd./Wilder Ridge Rd. Intersection to:
(Four -Wheel Drive Recommended on this road.)
North Slide Peak Trailhead, 7.5 miles, 1 hour Kinsey Ridge Trailhead, 10 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Spanish Ridge Trailhead, 14 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes
King Peak Rd./Shelter Cove Rd. Intersection to:
Tolkan Campground, 3.5 miles, 15 minutes Horse Mountain Campground, 6.5 miles, 25 minutes
Lightning Trailhead, 16 miles, 1 hour Saddle Mountain Trailhead, 10.5 miles, 1 hour
Shelter Cove Rd./Chemise Mountain Rd. Intersection to:
Hidden Valley Trailhead, 1/4 mile, 1 minute Wailaki/Nadelos Campgrounds, 1/2 mile, 5 minutes
Sinkyone State Park (Needle Rock), 10 miles, 45 minutes
Area Management
The King Range Wilderness is part of the 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation
System. This System of lands provides clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered
plants and animals. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking,
backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. You play an important role in helping to "secure for the
American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of
wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964.
Please follow the requirements outlined below and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the
King Range Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.
King Range Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.
Unless otherwise specified, no motorized equipment or mechanical transport, with the exception of
wheelchairs, is allowed. This is generally true for all federal lands managed as designated
wilderness.
Contacts
Phone: 707-825-2300
Fax: 707-825-2301
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 707-986-5400
Arcata Field Office
1695 Heindon Road
Arcata, CA 95521-4573
King Range Project Office
P.O. Drawer 189
Whitethorn, CA 95589
Links to Other Websites
Bureau of Land Management, California Wildernesses
Current local weather conditions
NOAA tide predictions for Shelter Cove, Ca
Links on Wilderness.net
National, Regional and Local Wilderness Organizations (NGOs)
A listing of societies, organizations, coalitions and other wilderness-related advocacy and
stewardship groups.
Career and Volunteer Opportunities
A listing of sites providing information about wilderness- and environmentally-related career and
volunteer opportunities.
Applicable Wilderness Law(s)
Law
Date
Acreage Change (in acres)
Public Law 109-362
October 17, 2006
42,585
Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act - Public law 109-362 (10/17/2006) To
designate certain National Forest System lands in the Mendocino and Six Rivers National Forests
and certain Bureau of Land Management lands in Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, and Napa Counties
in the State of California as wilderness, to designate the Elkhorn Ridge Potential Wilderness Area,
to designate certain segments of the Black Butte River in Mendocino County, California as a wild
or scenic river, and for other purposes.
download 109-362
General Trip Planning Information
BEAR ALERT! There is a serious bear problem along the entire beach. Bears are coming into camp
and taking food. This is a dangerous situation for people and bears alike. BEAR RESISTANT
CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED as hanging food is not an effective method on the coast.
The King Range contains over 80 miles of hiking trails spanning from the beach to the highest peaks.
Most of the upland trails are strenuous due to the steep rugged nature of the area. In addition to
mileage, pay attention to the elevation changes listed in the trail descriptions. A number of connector
trails allow for loop hikes. The King Range backcountry was designated as official wilderness on
October 17, 2006 and the BLM manages it accordingly, so expect no facilities and minimal signing
on trails. Some of the lesser used trails (such as Rattlesnake Ridge, Spanish Ridge and Cooskie
Creek) may be somewhat overgrown and difficult to follow. Its best to carry a map and compass
with you, and call the BLM office before your trip to get the latest trail conditions.
Dogs are allowed in the King Range. Owners are advised that the trails are difficult on dogs. Your
canine should be above in average physical condition and special attention should be given to your
dog's paws, as the rocky trails can cause cuts and/or swelling in paw tissues on even the most fit
animals. Some hikers provide their dogs with 'booties' to protect against paw damage. Dogs should
be on a leash no longer than 6' in a developed campground. Outside of developed campgrounds they
do not need to be on a leash, but should be under voice control at all times.
BLM Special Recreation Use Permits are required for all commercial outfitters, universities, and
other organized groups accessing the King Range.For information on obtaining a special recreation
use permit, please contact the King Range Office at (707) 986-5400.
Individuals, families, or 'non-organized' groups need self-service backcountry permits for all
overnight use of the King Range backcountry, including the Lost Coast Trail. The free permits,
which also serve as California campfire permits for the King Range, are available in self-service
boxes at King Range trailheads, King Range Project Office in Whitethorn and BLM Arcata Field
Office in Arcata. Hikers will be asked to complete a brief form leaving one part in the permit
collection box or at the office, and keeping the second part with them while in the King Range.
During high fire danger the use of fires may be suspended (camp stoves are still authorized). Please
check with the local BLM office prior to leaving for current campfire restrictions.
If you build a fire, use existing fire rings and burn only dead/down wood or driftwood. Put your fires
out with water before you leave your campsite or go to sleep. DO NOT bury with sand!
Practice Leave No Trace principles; such as, bury all human waste in the sand below the high tide
line or 6-8" deep and at least 200 feet (approx. 70 paces) from streams when you are not near the
ocean. Pack out trash, do not bury.
Respect landowners' privacy; ask permission to cross private property.
Respect wildlife. If animals notice your presence, you're too close.
Climate and Special Equipment Needs
WEATHER
From October to April, the King Range wrings moisture from Pacific storms, making it one of the
wettest spots in the U.S. Local weather stations typically average 100+ inches annually of rainfall,
wettest spots in the U.S. Local weather stations typically average 100+ inches annually of rainfall,
and during wet years, 200+ inches can fall along the Lost Coast. Snow can blanket the higher peaks
after storms, but typically doesn't last for long. The coast rarely sees frost or snow. Sunny weather
hikes are still possible in winter during breaks between storms. Scattered showers can linger into
early June.
From May - September, the King Crest is normally warm and dry with temperatures reaching the
80's - 90's in mid-summer. At the base of the peaks, the King Range coastline sees less of the cool
fog that characterizes much of northern California's Coast, but coastal weather is still highly variable
-- one day may bring fog, drizzle and 60 degrees, while the next is a dry 85 degrees. Prepare for
rapid weather changes by bringing plenty of clothing layers. Always carry rain gear on extended
hikes. Summer winds along the King Crest and Lost Coast Trails are often very strong and erratic.
Plan to choose a sheltered camping spot and secure your tent.
Check the weather forecast at: www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka
TIDES
Tides are created by the known and predictable gravitational pull of the sun and moon in their
relationship to the earth. Tides are also affected by unpredictable forces of nature (winds, storms,
river runs, atmospheric pressure changes). An understanding of the forces causing ocean tides is
complex.
Generally, there will be 2 high tides and 2 low tides every 24 hours occuring approximately 50
minutes later each day. During periods of full moon or new moon high tides are usually higher than
normal and low tides are usually lower than normal. During periods of the first quarter and last
quarter the high tides and the low tides are usually less than normal.
WAVES
** DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK TO THE OCEAN; BE WATCHFUL AT ALL TIMES **
The ocean along the north coast of California is very unpredictable. Visitors should never attempt to
swim or enter the water along this stretch of coastline. The water is very cold and survival is limited
to 20 minutes without a wetsuit. The Northern California coastline has very strong undertow and rip
currents. Always stay aware of ocean conditions while hiking along the Lost Coast beaches. Larger
than normal sets of waves, also known as "sneaker" or "rogue" waves, with high energy can race far
up the beach without warning. Unsuspecting hikers can be washed out to sea in an instant from these
occurrences.
Safety and Current Conditions
Poison Oak and ticks WILL, and rattlesnakes may, be encountered along the trails. Ticks carry
debilitating Lyme disease. Check your selves and clothing frequently for ticks while hiking in
brushy and/or grassy terrain, particularly near the coast.
Be prepared to get yourself out of any situation you put yourself into. Emergency response time in
the King Range may be hours at best. Avoid rescue situations through preperations and prevention.
Proper clothing, enough food, and a first aid kit are as essential as knowing your group's limitations.
When prevention fails, self-rescue may be your next step. Do not rely on cell phone coverage. Water
is available year round from coastal streams, but should always be purified before drinking. Water
sources are scarce on upland trails such as the King Crest. Carry plenty of water on these trails.