How well can two people time their arrival at a remote trailhead? Jacob and I nailed it within ten minutes of each other. Arriving at the overcast, misty somewhat foreboding feeling Saddle Mountain trailhead on Friday afternoon. Our destination for the evening, Maple Camp was about 6 miles before us. Best get moving since it was nearly 3 p.m. when we left.
Blowing mist and the thick canopy of the forest gave the hike atmosphere to say the least. The weather continued to deteriorate as we hiked. Glad to make the climb down into the somewhat protected little drainage where Maple Camp had little tent spots carved out of the hillside.
Not able to find a spot large enough for the both of us and as we had the whole place to ourselves, we spread out and took the best spots for ourselves. We could tell that this campsite sees little use. Firewood is abundant here. Too wet to have one that night I had Jacob over to my Unna for some evening conversation. A long day for the both of us and the not so easy hike to camp we hit the sack about 9 p.m.
Still crappy weather when we awoke Saturday. The forecast was for improving weather throughout the weekend. We were also camp high enough to be basically in the clouds so we hoped that it would lessen as we descended Rattlesnake Ridge to Miller Flat, our proposed destination for the night.
We took the time to bag King Peak as we were close by. No view, just a gray abyss.
The weather assumption proved correct. As we made our way to our next water spot, Bear Wallow camp, we got glimpses of a calm azure sea and a sunny beach below.. For us to get there we have to descend a seemingly endless series of swithcbacks, hike over and under dozens of blowdowns. Then cross, recross and hike down portions of Miller Creek to get to the beach.
Now when Jacob and I made plans for this hike we both forgot that the holiday weekend was also the same weekend. Seemed so early this year. Well plans were made and we went anyway. This is where it got a bit interesting. Getting closer to the beach I noticed a tent city built right up into the canyon itself. I have never in all the times that I have been out there seen so many people, Ugh.
So not a spot to be found at Miller Flat. The tide was with us and since we were heading to Buck Creek a few miles down the beach we hoped we could find a spot at any of the creeks. Really ready to stop by the time we arrived at Miller Flat we did not look forward to take our ever rubber feeling legs for a hike on the soft beach.
Passed a few camps along the way, all packed to overflowing. Onward and southward for us. About 5:30 we roll into Buck Creek. This is where we leave the beach to make our ascent up what is known to be one of the steepest trails in Northern California Sunday.
In hindsight being forced to go all the way to Buck Creek was a good choice. Sure we had to split up and horn our way into getting a place for each of us to set up. Too tired to care.
A lovely evening in camp and a big dinner and a couple of cocktails with some conversation rounded out our evening on Saturday.
I was out by 9:30 or so and slept like a rock with the noise of the surf in the background.
Sunday morning. Less than five mile to go today. We take our time and head out of camp about 8:45 after breakfast surfside.
The Buck Ridge trail was a road at one time. It takes no regard for human ability to propel oneself upward steadily for miles at a time. Just a steady up. A reputation well deserved,
Our hearts trying to jump out of our chests suggest that we take a little break from the joy of uphill and eat and recharge a bit.
Power restored thanks to sausage and a Hostess Lemon pie, we proceed.
Eventually getting to the sun exposed side of the ridge we get periods of sun and periods under the canopy. Very nice. We saw not a soul once we left camp on Sunday.
Finally topping out and then a brief descent we knew the end was near. A sign! Sooner than expected there was a junction sign. 20 minutes later the trailhead was before us.
Will it still be cold? Yes! Two tall boy Modelos that I left in the car we still ice cold. Never tasted better.
Jacob was a wonderful hiking companion. If you are looking for a hike that offers all that the Lost Coast has, this will do it. Not family friendly by any means. It is a steep one. But it has it's rewards.
I'll be back.
You can tell this is early on in the trip as Jacob is dry.
All the moss. Right around the next bend in the trail we were greeted with the stiff wind and mist.
Wham! Welcome to the Lost Coast.
With the color of the soil and all the Manzanita it reminded me a lot of hiking in the Lagunas in SoCal.
A lot of California looks likes this.
Wildfires are pretty common. But life goes on. With tons of blowdowns.
Maintenance and mealtime in my borrowed corner of a campsite. Thanks Tom.
What do you do when you overfill your alcohol stove? Use the excess heat output to preheat those damp, clammy shoes.
My new cone by Rand and crew worked awesome too! A real miser on fuel.
The weather was excellent on Sunday. A great vantage point along the Buck Ridge trail. Was really surprised to see so few boats out with as calm as it was.
As always I never take enough photos. Luckily Jacob came along. I know he has more…
