Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

grassy slopes and crashing sea. Within a couple of hours, we had reached park
headquarters at Needle Rock, the simple wood cabin where we had parked our
second vehicle. To the north of the cabin, another 2 miles (3.2km) of trail led to the
park’s remaining environmental campsites. And beyond that lay the King Range
Conservation Area, a continuation of this same wild coastline, which is accessible
only via a 24-mile (38km) beach walk. Another dream to be fulfilled another time.
GC
ORIENTATION
Start // Usal
End // Needle Rock
Distance // 20 miles (32km) one way
Getting there // The California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (also
called Arcata-Eureka Airport) is a 2½-hour drive from either trailhead.
When to go // April to October
Where to stay // Minimalist campsites at Usal, Anderson Gulch, Little Jackass
Creek, Bear Harbor and Needle Rock.
What to take // Adequate water and purifying supplies; rope for hanging food;
calamine lotion for poison oak.
What to wear // Coastal California gets cool at night, even in summer; dress in
layers and bring a warm hat.
More info // lostcoasttrails.wordpress.com
Things to know // Hike the trail out-and-back, or bring two vehicles, parking one
at each trailhead. Driving time between Usal and Needle Rock is about two hours,
with extensive unpaved stretches. Beware the shiny, trifoliate leaves of poison oak,
an abundant itch-inducing plant.