Visit the Lost Coast at Shelter Cove
California’s beautiful but rugged Lost Coast is aptly named. Considering how few people know about this hidden gem, it might as well be lost! Except, of course for the otherworldly town of Shelter Cove.
With a population of less than a thousand, Shelter Cove is a quiet place. You won’t find a gas station, a chain restaurant, or a retail store. There isn’t even a real grocery store—just a general store that carries limited groceries.
Known as “The Gem of the Lost Coast,” Shelter Cove may be lacking in modern convenience. But the town is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Read on for tips on activities, where to stay, and where to eat in Shelter Cove during your visit to the Lost Coast!
Where is Shelter Cove Located?
Part of the reason why Shelter Cove stays under the radar is because of it’s remote location. As you can see from Google Maps below, California’s Pacific Coastal Highway (Highway 1) hugs the coastline pretty tightly south of Leggett and north of Eureka.
But in the stretch in between, Highway 1 curves away from the California coast, leaving a large stretch of coastal wilderness.
Why is this stretch of the coast still wilderness?
Well, that area is the King Range National Conservation Area. It’s very mountainous, and much of the coastline is steep and dangerous. Even for areas where the coastline widens out, getting from Highway 1 to the Lost Coast is no easy task. The King Range is very steep, and there are only a few narrow and twisty mountain roads that stretch between the highway and the coast.
If you’re still skeptical, trust me. Getting to Shelter Cove is not just a short drive over some mountains. It’s barely over twenty miles from Shelter Cove to the highway, but the drive takes about forty-five minutes.
Once you’re out there, you don’t have cell service, a gas station, or other modern commodities that we take for granted. You’re cut off from the rest of the world.
It’s pretty awesome.
Lost Coast Outdoor Activities
Black Sand Beach
The crowning glory of Shelter Cove is its black sand beach. From the beach, you have a stunning view of the King Mountain Range along the Lost Coast. The mountains literally rise from the coast, creating a stark contrast between the foaming water and the steep, green inclines.
The black sand beach itself is more pebbly than sandy, featuring white-striped black stones that have been rounded and smoothed by the ocean. If you like to collect rocks, you will enjoy combing the beach for the prettiest striped stones to add to your collection.
While the black sand beach is beautiful, keep a sharp eye on the waves. The shoreline drops off quickly and is especially dangerous because the pebbles can start washing out beneath your feet. When the wind kicks up, the waves get pretty large and violent.
So, it might not be the best place for wading, but it’s perfect for laying out on the warm rocks and sunbathing.
The Lost Coast Trail
If you prefer hiking to laying out on the beach, consider doing the Lost Coast Trail. It’s beach backpacking at its finest! The Lost Coast Trail spans a nearly 25-mile stretch of the Lost Coast, and is an immersive way to experience the beauty of the King Range and the rugged coastline.
Just because it’s beach hiking doesn’t mean it’s easy though. In stretches, The Lost Coast beach is full of boulders and creeks that can often flood, creating difficult water crossings. To make it even more difficult, even though the trail is less than 25 miles, it usually takes three days to complete. That’s because certain segments of the coastline are impassible at high tide, forcing hikers to wait for the tide to subside before continuing the hike.
If you decide to hike the Lost Coast Trail, be very careful. Between the tides, sneaker waves, and rough coastline, several hikers have drowned while hiking the Lost Coast. In fact, one hiker drowned during my visit to Shelter Cove.
With no cell service, if you get in trouble while backpacking along the coast, there is a very slim chance that you will get help in time.
Where to Stay in Shelter Cove
There aren’t many places to stay in Shelter Cove. You won’t find any of your regular hotels!
But the few inns available are charming and offer a beautiful view of the rocky coastline. During my visit, I stopped by the Inn of the Lost Coast, which is painted blue with fun jellyfish art. Inside, the inn also hosts a small visitor center and an art gallery featuring pieces by local artists.
The Castle Inn of the Lost Coast, Spyglass Inn, and Shelter Cove Oceanfront Inn all offer beautiful views of the coastline as well.
Shelter Cove does have one campground, which has both RV sites and tent sites. The campground is just a short walk away from the coastline, and is right across the road from the relocated Mendocino Lighthouse.
However, prepare for a strong breeze coming off the sea! The campground is laid out in a large field, so there are no windbreaks. Also, no privacy. Your tent or RV will simply be lined up in a field right next to another site.
The good news? They always have campsites open. Since Shelter Cove isn’t a popular place to go camping, you might just get a good-sized chunk of the field to yourself. If you are planning to camp in Shelter Cove, be sure to check out my list of top tent accessories.
Shelter Cove Restaurants
Despite its small size, Shelter Cove still has a few restaurants to choose from. For a light meal or baked goods, stop by the Shelter Cove Deli at the campground. They also have wifi available for a fee, which you might need, considering how cell service is very very spotty in Shelter Cove. If you’re looking for a drink, across the road from the campground is Mario’s Marina Bar.
Next door to the campground is the Gyppo Ale Mill, which has earned a spot on California’s brewery tour trail and boasts the title of “California’s Most Remote Brewery.” The place also serves burgers and has a good mix of outdoor and indoor seating, so you can take your pick.
Otherwise, the Inn of the Lost Coast has its own small cluster of places to eat. You can grab your morning coffee at The Fish Tank and eat lunch at Delgada Pizza, both of which are conveniently tucked inside the inn. If that doesn’t satisfy you, cross the street to the Venezuelan restaurant Mi Mochima for some seafood and cocktails.
While the options may be limited, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good. Enjoy your stay at Shelter Cove, and soak in the rugged beauty of the Lost Coast. And if you still have time to hang around in California, head north after your stay in Shelter Cove and visit my favorite Redwood groves.
