O
20

Heads up about the new permit system for the Lost Coast Trail

I used to just show up at the King Range office in Shelter Cove and grab a walk-up permit, no problem. Did that for three years straight. Last month I drove up there again, and they told me they switched to a full online lottery system six months ago. I mean, I had no idea and had to turn around. It's all through recreation.gov now, and you need to book like four months ahead for summer. Has anyone else gotten caught by this change? What's the backup plan if you don't win the lottery?
2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In
2 Comments
fisher.kevin
Ugh, that's a brutal surprise. My backup is the Sinkyone Wilderness section further south, it's first-come first-serve and way quieter. Check out Needle Rock visitor center, you can often just roll up and get a spot for the next day if you're flexible.
4
hernandez.brooke
hernandez.brooke5d agoTop Commenter
How reliable is cell service out there for checking last-minute spots?
0