Lost Coast Trail or Ansel Adams?

Permit restrictions on the Lost Coast. A victim of its own success. That blows.

I would go to AA or go solo elsewhere.

I did the 60 mile version of the Lost Coast Trail about 15 years ago. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. That being said, I wouldn’t want to do that whole trail solo. It was a logistical pain in the neck. The trail heads are very rural, and it’s tough to shuttle between them.  The Northern section (north of Mattole) can get a little dicey with the tides.  It is, however, an amazing place.  Wait until you have a hiking buddy, and do the entire 60 mile trail. I highly recommend the Eel River Cafe in Garberville.

Ferndale Pizza

I really like spring on the Lost Coast.

As of today road down to Agnew Meadows/Red’s Meadow is still closed to all vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Road was plowed but severe winter damage is being ascertained by experts before allowing vehicles, the shuttles, etc. on the road. No estimated time for opening the road. Hikers can pass through Red’s and Agnew Meadows, eat, pick up re-supplies, etc. but no driving down there at this time, no shuttles. Complicated!

Good to know Jane. Rough winter.

UPDATE: Just got an e-mail from Red’s Meadow Resort that the road is still closed to vehicles, including the shuttles, but now bikes and pedestrians are being allowed to be on the road. They’re warning those on bikes to be very careful as there is still a lot of work going on and a lot of debris. No estimate for opening the road to cars and the shuttles.
We’ve got a pack trip scheduled with our youngest grandchildren for late July so hoping we can get in and do the trip. They will ride horses with our daughter, we will hike, setting will be Thousand Island Lake, Garnet, etc. Fingers crossed!!

For what it’s worth, last year on June 17 the road at the  Kiosk at the top was closed to vehicle traffic, so we hiked from the Kiosk down to Agnew Meadow and the trip only took an hour.  About a 900 foot elevation difference from the top to the meadow.

Jane – thanks for the update on Agnew Meadow… just saw all these replies.

I hope it works out for you and your daughter as well!

This is would be my decision tree:

solo > 3 companions of which 2 I don’t know

great new route > great route I’ve done before

Lost Coast > Ansel Adams

Thanks, Rob, for your good wishes for our pack trip. Nothing new about the road yet but there’s still time for it all to work out.
You have two fine choices so either will be great.

I dont know the AA route, but I did the Lost Coast earlier this year.  It’s not a great trail if you’re wanting to put in big miles (since it’s only 28 miles long) but given the circumstances surrounding going to AA (being slowed down by hiking partners, not knowing hiking partners, etc…) I would go with the Lost Coast.

I hate to say this, since this is backpacking LIGHT, but maybe bring a book to read?  Sitting on the beach, reading a book, sipping on an alcoholic beverage, watching the sun go down…sounds like a perfect vacation to me.