The Road Between Mattole and Black Sands Beach is closed.
Check Other Road Conditions.
Before heading out to the King Range this winter to go backpacking research the current and projected conditions.
If it's sunny or storming is only one factor to consider.
Also be aware of the marine conditions - large swells will make it extremely difficult and hazardous to hike on the beach.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Meanwhile...
Beach Hazards Statement
COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EUREKA CA 415 AM PST FRI JAN 27 2017 CAZ101-103-104-109-272015- /O.CON.KEKA.BH.S.0002.000000T0000Z-170128T0000Z/ COASTAL DEL NORTE-NORTHERN HUMBOLDT COAST-SOUTHWESTERN HUMBOLDT- MENDOCINO COAST- 415 AM PST FRI JAN 27 2017 ...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON... * SNEAKER WAVES...THE SNEAKER WAVE THREAT WILL INCREASE FRIDAY AS THE LONG PERIOD SWELL LINGERS THROUGHOUT THE WATERS. * IMPACTS...LONG LULLS WITH COMPARATIVELY SMALL WAVES ARE LIKELY TO DEVELOP BETWEEN SETS OF LARGER WAVES. THESE LULLS MAY LAST SEVERAL MINUTES...GIVING BEACHGOERS A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY PRIOR TO THE ARRIVAL OF LARGER WAVES THAT WASH FARTHER ONTO THE BEACH THAN EXPECTED. THESE WAVES CAN EASILY WASH BEACHGOERS INTO THE FRIGID AND TURBULENT WATERS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... BEACHGOERS ARE ADVISED TO OBSERVE THE OCEAN FROM A SAFE DISTANCE...AND ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAVES WHEN VENTURING CLOSE TO THE SURF ZONE.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EUREKA CA 405 AM PST FRI JAN 27 2017 CAZ101-103-104-109-281215- COASTAL DEL NORTE-NORTHERN HUMBOLDT COAST-SOUTHWESTERN HUMBOLDT- MENDOCINO COAST- 405 AM PST FRI JAN 27 2017 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT. A DIMINISHING LONG PERIOD WESTERLY SWELL OF 10 FT AT 16 SECONDS WILL BRING A THREAT FOR SNEAKER WAVES TODAY. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
Any day can be potentially high risk for sneaker waves (often most dangerous on sunny days because there are more people on the beach and they are less expected).
High winds will make your trip miserable - and potentially dangerous also.
Point is: Just because it's sunny doesn't mean that it will be a good time to backpack the Lost Coast Trail during the winter. If it's not sunny, you definitely don't want to be out here. There could be calm days between storms but really know all of the conditions before you head out. This winter has been particularly wet and stormy with rough seas.
Read these blog posts for more information about general winter conditions and travel advice.
http://lostcoastranger.blogspot.com/2016/01/winter-travels-safety-first.html
http://lostcoastranger.blogspot.com/2015/11/careful-of-sneaker-waves.html
http://lostcoastranger.blogspot.com/2012/11/winter-conditions-prepare-for-worst.html
http://lostcoastranger.blogspot.com/2011/12/winter-in-king-range-what-to-expect.html
http://lostcoastranger.blogspot.com/2013/09/rescue-on-lost-coast.html
For current conditions call the King Range Project Office: 707-986-5400
Thanks tons for keeping this blog alive. Love your photos.
ReplyDeleteJust got off the phone with the park service. He mentioned currently the creeks are pumping and can be challenging if not dangerous to pass. Here's to hoping the conditions improve over the next two weeks.
ReplyDeleteJust starting to consider a mid-late march trip. Is it possible/likely conditions will significantly improve by then? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAlso planning for late march, what is the best website for updated info on trail conditions?
ReplyDeleteI am also planning for late march. I called the ranger's station today and they said right now it is not a good idea (3/2) but I should call back in a week or two to check again. Will keep this thread updated.
ReplyDeleteI was also planning at trip for early April. Curious if anyone has heard anything more about the conditions out there?
ReplyDeleteWas planning on end of march/early April trip - from Saddle Mountain Trailhead. Does anyone have any updates?
ReplyDeleteI have been in touch with Mendo Insider Tours in regards to trying to get a shuttle booked for the first weekend of April. They said they talked with the BLM and that they are planning to send crews out to make repairs at the end of this month or beginning of April and that the repairs would take 4-6 weeks. They mentioned that early May would probably be the earliest. This is for the LCT shuttle from Mattole to Black Sands, which they said they aren't running until they get the go ahead from BLM. I am not sure of any other trails within the park...
ReplyDelete