Lost and Found

Fall Escape to the Lost Coast and Humboldt County

Maybe it’s the name. Or that it’s found along California’s longest stretch of undeveloped coast. Either way, the remote beauty of Humboldt County’s Lost Coast inspires a mystique unlike any other place in the state; it’s 80 miles of spectacular sea-to-summit beauty. Autumn is one of the best times to visit because the weather is typically Indian summer–warm.

Hike in true wilderness along the Lost Coast and King Range, where you can trek to the abandoned Punta Gorda Lighthouse or take in panoramic splendor after climbing up the Lightning Trail to King Peak’s summit, which shoots more than 4,000 feet above the Pacific. Don’t miss Shelter Cove’s Black Sands Beach, a 3.5-mile stretch of such unusual sand, you won’t find it anywhere else. A short drive from Shelter Cove brings you to Richardson Grove State Park and Benbow State Reserve, home to Humboldt County’s marquee giant redwoods.

Drive along Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where you’ll find abundant hiking trails for viewing the largest old-growth redwoods in the world! You can also picnic, fish, and swim along the Eel River here. Lost Coast? More like Paradise Found. In Humboldt County.

STAY: There’s a huge range of lodging options all across Humboldt County, including lodges and cabins, B&Bs, hotels, and motels.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View
  2. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

    View
  3. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

    View
  4. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View
  2. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View