Lost Coast Trail: Shelter Cove
The 9.2-mile trek heads along one of California's last pristine beaches to the swimming grounds of harbor seals and the once-endangered California gray whale.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.2
Waypoints
LCT001
Location: 40.0447006225586, -124.075706481934
Unmarked trailhead; head W to coastline. Best hiked @ low tide
LCT002
Location: 40.0448417663574, -124.080070495605
Head N along coast, cross Humboldt Creek
LCT003
Location: 40.04736328125, -124.080062866211
Cross Telegraph Creek; watch for rogue waves
LCT004
Location: 40.0528450012207, -124.079772949219
Black Sand Beach; runoff from Katuna Cliffs
LCT005
Location: 40.0567741394043, -124.079605102539
Beach narrows; best to cross @ low tide
LCT006
Location: 40.0621109008789, -124.079498291016
Look for black bear tracks in sand
LCT009
Location: 40.0937576293945, -124.101585388184
Head up cove for campsite; cross creek
LCT007
Location: 40.0686111450195, -124.08171081543
Watch for harbor seals on rocks offshore; California gray whales frequent in January and February
LCT008
Location: 40.083179473877, -124.092308044434
Driftwood and dried kelp litter the beach
LCT010
Location: 40.0959701538086, -124.103965759277
Tidal flats; sweet lunch spot and optional swim. Return to trailhead