Lost Coast Loop Hike March/April

[Ken Thompson]

Did a trip early last April. Best weather I have ever experienced there. March could go either way. Would like to do from Mattole south to do the Cooskie Ridge Trail loop. Friday night camp at A.W. Way County park with an 6am start at Mattole. Return on Sunday. Usual hazards include, high winds,ticks,poison oak,bears,rouge waves,steep climbs and poorly marked trail at times. You know, wilderness.

Time change is March 11th. Want to go before spring break goes nuts.

LIMITED TO SIX TOTAL

Bear Canister required. An Ursack is not a canister.

Wet feet are a given when hiking the coast trail.

FULL PERMIT

Edit: Let's shoot for 6am. Or sleep in and hike faster.

[Ken Thompson]

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

[Casey Bowden]

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

[Ken Thompson]

Matthew Black and myself Casey.

[Kattt]

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

[Ken Thompson]

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

[David Lutz]

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.

[Ken Thompson]

I'll PM him.

[Kattt]

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

[Ken Thompson]

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

[Kattt]

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

[Ken Thompson]

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.

[Ken Thompson]

We do need a bus.

[Matthew Black]

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

[In Active]

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

[Casey Bowden]

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.

[Diana Vann]

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

[Ken Thompson]

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

[Ken Thompson]

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

[Justin Baker]

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!

[Ken Thompson]

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.

[Justin Baker]

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.

[Ken Thompson]

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…

[Matthew Black]

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.

[Ken Thompson]

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.

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