Choosing between the John Muir Trail and the Lost Coast Trail this spring was a real brain bender

Blair Green · 2026-03-13T02:25:09.11003+00:00

I had a full week free in May and couldn't decide between the classic high Sierra views or the wild Northern California coast. I ended up picking the Lost Coast because I wanted something totally different from my usual mountain trips. The route was amazing, but the tides are no joke, we had to wait 2 hours at one point for a safe crossing. Has anyone else done both and have a strong favorite for a spring trip?

parkermorgan7mo ago

I always thought the JMT was the clear winner for spring. That changed after I got stuck in a surprise snowstorm near Forester Pass one May. The Lost Coast's weather is way more predictable that time of year.

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diana2387mo ago

Wait, you got stuck in a snowstorm in May?

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black.mark6mo ago

Picked the Lost Coast last spring too... those tide charts are serious business. Honestly glad I avoided the Sierra snow gamble.

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