06/19/2026
The Lost Coast Trail is beautiful, but a lousy place to be caught unprepared. Here's some helpful info from our friends in Petrolia.
🌲 LOST COAST TRAIL SAFETY MESSAGE 🌊
The Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind everyone planning a trip on the Lost Coast Trail and in the King Range National Conservation Area to come prepared.
The stretch between Shelter Cove and Petrolia is one of the most beautiful hikes anywhere, but it is also one of the most remote and rugged. Depending on your route, hikers can be covering more than 25 miles of isolated coastline with steep terrain, rough beaches, changing tides, little to no cell service, and very limited access to help. Once you’re out there, assistance may be hours away and rescues can be complicated by weather, fog, surf conditions, and difficult terrain.
Before heading out, make sure you have everything you need to be self sufficient. Essential items include:
• Plenty of food and water, plus a way to filter or purify additional water.
• A tide table and a plan that accounts for impassable sections during high tide.
• Warm layers and rain gear, even if the weather looks nice.
• A first aid kit and any medications you need.
• Navigation tools such as a map, compass, GPS, or satellite communicator.
• A headlamp with extra batteries.
• A sleeping bag, emergency blanket, or extra warm clothing to help you stay warm if you’re delayed overnight.
• Proper footwear and clothing suitable for rough terrain.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Hiking with a partner is highly recommended.
The Lost Coast offers incredible scenery, wildlife, and unforgettable experiences, but it is also unforgiving. Between Shelter Cove and Petrolia, there are long stretches without roads, cell service, or quick access to help. Even in the middle of summer, coastal fog, wind, and nighttime temperatures can quickly turn an inconvenience into an emergency. Being prepared can make all the difference.
Enjoy the beauty, respect the ocean and tides, and come home safely.
❤️Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department❤️
