Essential Gear for Climbing the Lightning Trail
Bear canisters are required by law, and there is a $150 fine per hiker for anyone found to be not using them. They can be rented from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for $5 per trip, $75 credit card deposit. Black bears are indigenous to this area and it is not at all unusual to come across bear tracks on the beach. Beware.
The websiteAbove California has a complete Lost Coast topographic map to search for topos anywhere on the area. This is an excellent outdoor California website, and also has a search function with regards to tide tables. An excellent map, titled "Trails of the Lost Coast," (Wilderness Press, ISBN: 0-89997-203-9) can be purchased from REI stores in California for $9.95.
Good, solid hiking boots should be worn on this hike. Much of this hike is over rocky, difficult areas, with some minor scrambling over driftwood, boulders and stream beds. Your feet and legs will suffer for it if you don't wear good, solid, comfortable boots. Hiking poles are good to have along on rougher areas. High winds, cooler temperatures and foggy, damp conditions are often the norm on the Lost Coast, even when the rest of the state is baking in ninety to one hundred degree temperatures, so a good rain and windwear combination for shell protection is advised.
Bear canisters are required by law, and there is a $150 fine per hiker for anyone found to be not using them. They can be rented from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for $5 per trip, $75 credit card deposit. Black bears are indigenous to this area and it is not at all unusual to come across bear tracks on the beach. Beware.
The website
Good, solid hiking boots should be worn on this hike. Much of this hike is over rocky, difficult areas, with some minor scrambling over driftwood, boulders and stream beds. Your feet and legs will suffer for it if you don't wear good, solid, comfortable boots. Hiking poles are good to have along on rougher areas. High winds, cooler temperatures and foggy, damp conditions are often the norm on the Lost Coast, even when the rest of the state is baking in ninety to one hundred degree temperatures, so a good rain and windwear combination for shell protection is advised.
Mountain Conditions
In winter months it rains a lot on the North Coast, and an average day can be gloomy with endless fog. The roads are an adventure in themselves after a good rainstorm, and are often closed or impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles. Trails are in generally good condition but one must be careful not to lose the trail, which fades away at times.
Mudslides are reported to be affecting high cliffs and faces in the tidal zone and in the King's Crest Trail area. In summer months it is warm and dry on the Lost Coast, although many days will see a cover of fog over the beach and coastline.
In winter months it rains a lot on the North Coast, and an average day can be gloomy with endless fog. The roads are an adventure in themselves after a good rainstorm, and are often closed or impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles. Trails are in generally good condition but one must be careful not to lose the trail, which fades away at times.
Mudslides are reported to be affecting high cliffs and faces in the tidal zone and in the King's Crest Trail area. In summer months it is warm and dry on the Lost Coast, although many days will see a cover of fog over the beach and coastline.
Hazards of the King Range
In the forests care must be taken to avoid becoming lost. A good map, a compass and a good knowledge of routefinding may be required for those unfamiliar with the area. Hikers should stay on the trails to avoid propogating erosion on mountain slopes, and to avoid becoming lost. There's a whole lot of country here, and a very remote place to be missing in. Be responsible for your own safety and do not trust cell phones or the likelihood of a rescue, should trouble strike your outing. Backcountry travel on the Lost Coast is dangerous. Do so at your own risk.
Mudslides occur frequently in winter and after rainstorms. Backcountry travelers should watch out for dangerous slide zones. Bears are common here and should be avoided. Rattlesnakes also populate the area; keep away from piles of rocks or driftwood.
In the forests care must be taken to avoid becoming lost. A good map, a compass and a good knowledge of routefinding may be required for those unfamiliar with the area. Hikers should stay on the trails to avoid propogating erosion on mountain slopes, and to avoid becoming lost. There's a whole lot of country here, and a very remote place to be missing in. Be responsible for your own safety and do not trust cell phones or the likelihood of a rescue, should trouble strike your outing. Backcountry travel on the Lost Coast is dangerous. Do so at your own risk.
Mudslides occur frequently in winter and after rainstorms. Backcountry travelers should watch out for dangerous slide zones. Bears are common here and should be avoided. Rattlesnakes also populate the area; keep away from piles of rocks or driftwood.
Maps
King's Peak Acknowledgements and Photo Credits
The information contained on the King's Peak page has been compiled by Henry Timmer, a Canadian citizen, mountaineer and adventurer currently residing in Sacramento, California, USA. To make comments, corrections, additions or inquiries, contact me atclimbwild@hotmail.com
The text of this page is based on the experiences, research and writing of Henry Timmer and is protected by copyright.
All images are the property of Henry Timmer and are protected by copyright.
The information contained on the King's Peak page has been compiled by Henry Timmer, a Canadian citizen, mountaineer and adventurer currently residing in Sacramento, California, USA. To make comments, corrections, additions or inquiries, contact me at
The text of this page is based on the experiences, research and writing of Henry Timmer and is protected by copyright.
All images are the property of Henry Timmer and are protected by copyright.