Lost Coast Loop Hike March/April

Come on. It'll be fun. I'll get trail information up today.

I'll see if I can make it. Who else is in?

Matthew Black and myself Casey.

I am interested. I have wanted to do the Cooskie loop, instead of staying by the beach the whole time…

All repeat offenders so far… Adam Criswell's trip report from December has inspired this trip.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?bo=watch&forum_thread_id=55561

I've also wanted to get off the beach up there….

I know DW is very interested in the area, but probably hasn't seen the post yet.

I'll PM him.

Maybe Idester? I think he had tried to make it last year or year before.

He's going to think we like him if we keep asking him to join us.

Hmmm. We're probably safe: it's cold enough up there that he'll keep his clothes on.

I've PM'd him also.

So we have
Me
Matt B.
Kat P.
Casey B.
Jay W.
Eric E.

That makes a full permit.

We do need a bus.

Kat, I can drive from SF if you make it to the City. We can grab Casey on our way North.

I am interested in going, depending on how many beach hiking miles are involved.

Awesome of you to offer Matt. Looking forward to the drive up with you guys almost as much as the hike. Sorry I missed you at Coe.

I'm in the Seattle area now, but I should be back in California in time for this trip if there's still room.

Eric and Diana. I will get back to both of you.

Sorry Kat. no Doug. You'll have to pick on someone else.

A random question… because I might take some friends there later in the year.
Do you need a bear canister for each individual person or can you share one canister between two people? The website seems to say that, but it's a little unclear.
I went there last may and was so rushed that I didn't even realize I needed one.
Have fun guys!

That is a good question Justin. The answer is not so good.

Bear canisters are required for every backpacker in the King Range NCA. Backpackers failing to use bear canisters are subject to being fined (43 CFR 8365.1-6)

So that means a canister for each person. Don't forget too that they will cite you if your canister is unlocked and out of arms reach too.

Thanks Ken. Can't say I see the logic in that though.
Hopefully the ranger station rents out smaller canisters instead of only expedition size… I'm guessing not though. I have a small bearvault but none of my hiking buddies do.

Those lovely Garcia canisters are the rental choice here. I recommend getting a Bareboxer. The small amount over renting a can vs. the size and weight savings, plus you now own it and could sell it here on the swap after a trip or 2. But that's just me. I know money is an issue, but if they can't swing $45 between now and a trip later in the summer…

I took a Garcia in my old, heavy 40 liter pack the first time I went to the Lost Coast with Ken, et al. It worked fine but my pack was stuffed. Several people had the Bare Boxer Contender and I ordered one as soon as I got home since it is so much more compact and holds plenty for most trips I consider.

The Garcia is heavy and bulky but it seems consistently reliable. Canisters are just a sacrifice I think it is worth making to protect bears from us and vice versa.

Dave L is out.

Have not yet heard from Dave W.

We are going to meet up at Burlington Campground in Humboldt Redwood State Forest on Friday. Get up early and hit the trailhead by 7-7:30.

You might meet the wife and dogs.