1. The Cooskie Creek Trail is now called Cooskie Creek Route.
You'll also notice on the map that it says, "Cooskie Creek Route is unmarked and unmaintained. Route finding skills necessary." This is because this "route" is very difficult to follow.
Primarily, this is because it goes through grassland. Build a trail that goes through grass and you'll notice that it will be overgrown very quickly, unless you have a very large amount of human traffic on that trail - which this trail does not. In addition, there are wildlife and cattle trails that crisscross and parallel the human trail - making a spaghetti of paths to choose from that all look the same.
There are several dozen trail markers out there but unfortunately most of them are usually on the ground (even a month after I reinstall them). In the near future the majority of the trail markers are going to be removed to help improve undeveloped wilderness character while providing the minimum tool necessary. I believe that a wilderness area should be managed as a place of absolute minimal development and that information should be provided off site whenever possible. Are we not bombarded with enough signs and directions in our daily lives?
On the map you will find several GPS coordinates if you choose to use them. Primarily these are coordinates for land marks and/or near private property.
If you choose to hike the Cooskie Creek Route give yourself much more time than you think will be necessary. As the map says: route finding skills necessary. You may end up hiking a cow trail for a while until it either fades out or branches into multiple more trails before you realize you're going the wrong way.
2. There is an area between Sea Lion Gulch and Cooskie Spur Route that is impassable at all tide levels and requires you to use an overland route; this is now indicated on the map.
3. The addition of the Sea Lion Gulch State Marine Preserve boundary
The take of all living marine resources is prohibited at this location.
4. The addition of the Big Flat State Marine Conservation Area boundary
5. The wilderness is now indicated on the map with the green boundary, which is inside of the yellow line (the National Conservation Area boundary).
This is great info, thanks! I have an older Wilderness Press map but will definitely get one of these newer King Range maps. I had a couple of questions if you have any time to answer it would be greatly appreciated. I'm hiking the normal Mattole to Black Sands route in mid July with my wife, our 13 year old son, and our dog. We were going to take our time and maybe even stay at the same campsite or general area two nights in a row, doing the hike in 5 days (4 nights). What are some of the best campsites to stop at along the way? If we were going to linger a day or two, where is a good spot to stay a couple nights and explore? Just looking at the map briefly I was thinking we would have a short first day (starting mid-day) and first night camp at Sea Lion Gulch or Cooskie Creek depending on our start time and tides. Second night maybe somewhere past Spanish flat? from there not really sure. would love to hear recommendations. Great blog, thanks!
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