The Lost Coast, Part Two: Usal Road & Beach
Since my friends Anthony & Astrid (@Overlandnomads) were heading up to the Lost Coast area just a week after our trip, followed a few weeks later by friends Lou & Nancy (@OnlyDirtRoads), I quickly threw together what information I had that might be of value in their trip planning. I’m now reproducing that information here, along with additional links and info. Note that I’ve already covered some of this information and posted a lot of related photos in Part One of this series.
Disclaimer – This information is provided from the best of my recollections, as well as my photos and GPS data, and is written from my personal (and subjective) perspective. Use of any of this information is at your own risk and responsibility – period. Don’t let anything written here override your own personal common sense or safety.
I’m going to try to cover pretty much everything I know from my research and our recent visit to Usal Beach, Usal Road, Usal Creek, and Usal campground, with a side of Usal fries.
We drove Usal Road from its southern terminus with Highway 1, to it’s northern end at the Four Corners intersection. You could of course drive it the other direction, but everything here will be written in order from the perspective of south-to-north.
So let’s start with the southern end. You pull off Highway 1 at about N39º 46.823′ W123º 49.894′, where you are greeted with a variety of signs. Several yards past that there is a gate, which was open when we were there. I’ve read that this gate can be closed for seasonal (mud!) reasons or because of overcrowding, but this latter scenario would seem unlikely. From here it’s around 9.4 miles to the Usal Beach campground area. I drove it in about 20 minutes but your time may vary, especially if you’re the middle-aged woman driving the silver CRV that was in front of us for a while…
This section of Usal Road was a well-graded, narrow but easy dirt road. This was during the dry season. During the rainy season, it may be difficult, impassible, or outright closed. The road is narrow, with some pretty blind corners, so stick to the right, go slowly and be very alert for oncoming traffic. And if someone catches up behind you, do the goddam courteous thing and let them pass when you can safely move over for them.
You know you have reached the campground area when you encounter the park sign which is posted with numerous warnings and regulations. This is a fee area and the fees for camping, day use, etc. are posted. Overnight camping was $25 at the time of our visit. Unfortunately, the “iron ranger” pay station has been decapitated, so no one was leaving money for the park fees in it. I would pick up & fill out an envelope, then pay a ranger if one happens to show up. If you leave money, someone’s gonna just grab it.
As a California state park that has mostly been abandoned, there are no trash cans and no trash pickup. Pack it all out. Also, bring your own TP or you’ll be taking your chances. There are several outhouses scattered around the camp area, so you can pick the least hellish one. 
Bring your own drinking/washing water.
There are fire rings at the sites. Our site conveniently had wood & kindling already, otherwise bring your own if you want a campfire. Each site also has a picnic bench.
Our site was a good one. After passing the camp area entrance board, you soon cross the cool wooden bridge over Usal Creek. There’s a road immediately after it on the left, where there’s also a memorial plaque. Pass it, and keep straight for about 80 yards and there’s another road on the left, and this one is very easy to miss. Take that left and our site was the first one on the left, after maybe another 50 yards. The coordinates are N39º 50.111′ W123º 50.638′. We liked this site, although you could probably find one that was a little more secluded, or closer to the beach if you wished.
We were apparently naughty as we briefly drove around on Usal Beach, which was some 600 yards from our campsite. I’ve since heard that this is not permitted and that the rangers will ticket you if they see you doing it. We didn’t see any signs, had read of others driving on the beach, and saw other tracks on the beach, so had assumed it was OK. Now we know better.
Speaking of infracting the regulations, the locals apparently like to party out here. When we were there, they were drinking, driving around fast, yelling and playing music until around midnight. Oh, and apparently setting off artillery shells on the beach, if the enormous explosions we heard were any indication. One family’s kids threw rocks at the elk, and the big group of young people left their campfire unattended. One description I read of this park said that the locals turned it into a “wild west” on weekends and now I fully understand that description. Fortunately we also met well-behaved and friendly visitors as well.
During weekdays, I expect this campground to be less busy and quieter. If you’re going up for a weekend, I suggest trying to arrive as early as you can (preferably Friday afternoon or earlier) in order to have the best pick of campsites. There are no reservations taken.
Heading north from the campground area, it’s about another 19-1/2 miles until you reach pavement again at Four Corners, and the end of Usal Road. When we drove it, the road was still freshly graded for a few miles from the campgrounds. Beyond that, I got the impression that they hadn’t graded the road this season. It was definitely a little rougher and more rutted, but still nothing that I would call technical, at least not that I can recall. In those conditions, personally I wouldn’t think twice about driving it in a stock 2WD pickup, for example. But I can’t speak for every driver or their vehicle.
Related Info
We had zero AT&T cell/data reception the entire time we were in this area, and well beyond. That includes Shelter Cove and most of Kings Peak Road to the north. We didn’t have reliable coverage we could count on until we reached Ferndale to the north. We did see people using cell phones in Shelter Cove, so perhaps Verizon works there.
The cheapest gas we saw on the trip was in Laytonville, on Hwy 101 south of where we turned off towards Usal Rd on Hwy 1. It was as low as $4.02 there. Most places along our four-day the trip were closer to $4.29/gallon, including Eureka, although I think the gas at the Shelter Cove convenience store was substantially higher. Of course, by the time you read this, the prices have probably swung one way or the other, but they likely stay fairly relative to each other.
Reference
In California Coastal Byways (Tony Huegel), Usal Road is Tour 14, and King’s Peak Road is Tour 11.
Both roads are listed under trail section 4 in the Guide to Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails (Wells).
They are missing from the Backcountry Adventures – Northern California (Massey & Wilson) book for some reason.
Wilderness Press offers a nice, waterproof Lost Coast recreation map. The information for Usal Road is incomplete though, so it’s a useful map but I wouldn’t rely on it to have everything you might want.
California State Parks Sinkyone Wilderness SP official website.
Map
I hacked this together with Google Earth, showing an overview of the Usal Beach area. I’ve added rough waypoints for the campgrounds, outhouses, and such that I remember. I didn’t go around marking or noting them all though, so there are surely others scattered around the area. The top of the map represents map north.
On the map, the thing labeled to the farthest right is where Google has helpfully labeled Usal Creek as “Usal Road”. Ignore that.
Usal Beach Area map – click for full size.
If you have any questions, please feel free to add them to the comments below. I’ll help if I can.
Part Three of our Lost Coast trip will be up next to wrap things up.
David, this is all very useful and helpful…I’d been picking my way through posts on a variety of forums; which was pretty laborious; and still picked up a lot of incorrect info…I’m looking forward to hearing about A&A’s trip there this weekend.
August 19th, 2012 at 3:28 pmLou
I’m looking forward to hearing from them too. I’m thinking the cell black hole has them out of communication as well.
The forum info I picked up was mostly good, other than the bit about driving on the beach. But yes it was very time-consuming to mine that data before our trip, hence this post…
August 19th, 2012 at 3:38 pmAnthony & Astrid visited, and have a blog post with their experience at http://www.overlandnomads.com/2012/09/exploring-the-lost-coast-of-california-day-1/
September 27th, 2012 at 8:55 pmSept. 2013. The place has been destroyed. The yahoos in their pickup and 4wheel drives have done wheelies all through the park, made roads through everything knocked over outhouses and generally destroyed everything. The remaining pit toilets are full and not useable. Toilet paper and crap everywhere, flies and flying insects into everything. Apparently the idea of digging a wastehole is unheard of and leave no trace is a joke. The drunks with their guns and motorcycles really make you wish for a ranger but did not see one for the4 days we were there.
September 3rd, 2013 at 11:16 amDelcia, sorry to hear that things have apparently deteriorated since our visit there. Let’s hope the state gets their acto together and restores order and conditions at this beautiful area.
September 3rd, 2013 at 12:09 pmWhat a shame! I was going to go there this week, but I’ll cancel. Anyone ever camp at Rockport Bay campground?
November 8th, 2013 at 9:24 amGary, it may be quieter out there now that the weather has cooled down and school is back in session. Weeknights are probably a better bet to if that’s an option. The drive and area is still worth it, even if you don’t camp at Usal Beach… We considered the Rockport Bay campground but I couldn’t find much info about it, and I didn’t want to stay in a town for this part of our trip if I could avoid it. Good luck!
November 8th, 2013 at 10:11 amThat’s true, we still may go. If we do I’ll take your advice and go during the week. As for the Rockport Campground, I couldn’t find any information on it either. Thanks.
November 8th, 2013 at 4:24 pmAnyone know if Usal rd is open and if it is, what condition it is in? I didn’t go last fall, but we are going this year.
April 19th, 2014 at 9:09 pmwhat is the latest on the damage?
June 11th, 2014 at 4:23 pmMy brother went there about a month ago it was good. He said, Thursday was 3 campers, but Friday night was full campground with gunfire, loud music and people racing there trucks. I’m planning a trip in 2 weeks . We are going in on a Sunday and staying most of the week. Hope to miss all the fools.
June 17th, 2014 at 7:45 pmJust spent three days there and will never go back! The camp sites were covered in garbage and the loud music and gun fire all night was riduculas!
July 2nd, 2014 at 2:40 amWe just spent July 4th weekend there and it was a nightmare. When we got to our camp site we had to pick up the trash left by the campers. The weather was nice, but the rock music coming from the other camp sites along with the intermittent gun fire at night kept us up every night. We had a pair of trucks racing each other thru the camp ground 2 nights in a row. Friday night we had a drunk camper come into our camp at 1am thinking it was his camp. He tried to open our tent! Then he got verbally abusive and wanted to fight. He ended up leaving without a confrontation.
We left a day early and we will never go back. The place is not safe and it’s just a matter of time before somebody is hurt. There is no law enforcement at night and the morons know it. The road is awful and the 2 outhouse bathrooms were so dirty they were not usable. People were dedicating around there campsites.
July 7th, 2014 at 4:33 pmThanks for the update, Chris. It’s a shame it’s become such a mess there… I certainly wouldn’t go again on a summer weekend, much less 4th of July weekend! Hopefully California will get this park the budget to get this place cleaned up and properly controlled again by the rangers.
July 7th, 2014 at 5:06 pmYes, this place needs a lot of work! All the Park Rangers need to do is disguise themselves as campers and spend a weekend there. I bet it would even shock or scare them. It was was like “Dodge City”, drinking, fighting, truck races, shooting etc. We never even saw a Ranger the whole weekend? I don’t think anyone paid for there camp sites? It’s like the state has washed there hands with this park.
July 8th, 2014 at 2:43 amI was planning on staying here saturday night, does anyone have any updates? i would appreciate it! Any good alternatives? i am riding a dual sport up from san jose so i could keep moving up the coast if there is a better option nearby.
August 18th, 2014 at 11:16 pmGood luck. We were there last Saturday and it was ridiculas. Heavy metal concert all night, with gunshots, people screaming and the camp sites were discusting! Watch where you walk, there iare piles of fecal matter everywhere. We will never go back.
August 25th, 2014 at 2:46 amIt worked out fine for me but the trick is arrive on a sunday and sleep on the beach! I saw the idiots when i came in on my dual sport and heard the thumping bass so i knew that would not be peaceful. People that slept on the beach saturday night said that they were crazy until about midnight, driving by the camp and running over logs that they were sitting on. the beach requires more schlepping but if you pack light enough there is plenty of nice beach to set up camp, the ocean drowns out any other noise and its nice and peaceful. If its a holiday weekend or you can only make it friday/saturday night…i would say stay on the coast in mendocino. i had a great site at Mckerricher park and it was a short ride to Usal from there. I talked to some rangers and they said they are working on a solution but obviously its too remote to patrol regularly. I think they need a couple weekends of arrests and the rats will get out.
August 28th, 2014 at 2:53 pmif i didnt make it clear, i meant to say that sunday night i was the only one on the beach and only a few were camping in the woods, they might live there for all i know. If you can sustain yourself there, its free rent!
August 28th, 2014 at 2:55 pmhave things quieted down there now that fall has set in? I was thinking about a Nov. trip up from SoCal, but if it’s still Dodge City……..
October 8th, 2014 at 9:49 pmWas there last weekend and most camps were taken. It looks like there are a lot of homeless people living there now. The camp sites are attroucios and we never felt good about leaving our camp out of fear of thieves. There some really rough peeople staying there. It’s sad, it used to be a nice place.
October 12th, 2014 at 5:26 pmI grew up in the area and this place has always been known by us locals to be a site for partying and drug use rather than family camping. Great place for a day trip during the week but avoid if you’re planning on doing a weekend family trip; this is not the place for that.
January 16th, 2015 at 5:22 amI first visited this site in high school and back then it was my school mate’s weekend getaway; a place to party hard, free from rules. Unfortunately, several years later this place has not changed.
For those willing to take on the challenge keep in mind the following ( I visited on 1-1-2015:
1. Bring in your own water.
2. The nearest gas station if your coming from the south is in Laytonville (there is one gas station in Leggett but is cash only and often closed) so fill up or bring fuel.
3. No cell surface.
4. Road is very narrow and in some places only enough room for one vehicle; so drive with caution.
5. Bring a camera as some of the views are breath taking.
6. Bring toilet paper and don’t be surprised if going to the bathroom in the woods becomes more appealing than the campground facilities.
6. Bring your own firewood and lastly please take with you what you bring in.
Thanks for your input, Daniel. The reports continue to roll in and they’re generally not good, but a few friends have survived their visits since I was there. My advice is that it’s certainly worth a visit, but I’d camp elsewhere.
January 16th, 2015 at 5:34 amGreetings,
Was there any confirmation that one is not allowed to drive on the beach? I always see pictures of people doing so but I want to be safe.
August 17th, 2015 at 2:22 amJay, I believe it was confirmed that driving on the beach there was not allowed, and that the rangers will ticket if they catch you. I don’t think it was otherwise unsafe per se, unless you run over a sunbather or something.
If you want to be 100% sure, get the number for the ranger station off their website and give ’em a call.
August 17th, 2015 at 4:47 amis there another option for camping that is close?
August 18th, 2015 at 4:34 pmcould any recommend any good surfing spots as well?
August 18th, 2015 at 5:02 pmMy family and I just stayed there last weekend and we will never go back! People were shooting guns throughout the night and racing there 4×4 trucks in the campground. The camper next to us got into a fist fight while there children watched. We spent Saturday on the beach as people were driving on it, just to return to find somebody stole our stove and lantern. Awful place!
August 20th, 2015 at 1:53 amWow! What an awful lawless place! We just stayed there last week and witnessed some of the craziest things! People were shooting their guns all night long and it sounded like they had a rock band in camp? There are homeless people living there and they roam around in the dark just outside the light of your camp. When my husband confronted them they state they are looking for cans? Some will approach you during the day wanting a dollar? There are no bathrooms so the there is fecal matter everywhere. We didn’t spend much time at the beach out of fear of our camping gear getting stolen. We had planned to stay for a week, but left on the second day. The road there is horrible and there are pieces from vehicles laying along side of it. The pot holes and ruts are really bad and would probably damgage anything other than a 4×4 wheel drive. It primarily a one lane dirt road that some real steep sections. It’s a nightmare when vehicles meet on the road. Somebody has to back up sometimes a 1/4 mile. This place is a complete dump, which is sad because it could be so nice.
August 21st, 2015 at 3:39 pmHi there, thanks for the great post with really great info. I have a quick question, My wife and I do a coast trip by bike every year and thinking of changing it up this year and doing some dirt. Do you think Usal road is ridable on say a gravel or cross bike? We are both very good bike handlers so as long as its not too rocky or sketchy I think it would be ok. If you could get back to me that would be a HUGE help! Thank you so much!
January 29th, 2016 at 5:05 amTayler, the roads there all seem to be pretty well-maintained and graded dirt roads. They can be pretty steep in places but otherwise I don’t think my old mountain bike would have any trouble with them, as long as they are dry. We saw a couple of guys on motorcycles when we were there too.
January 30th, 2016 at 4:05 amJust went up this past tues on Usal rd from where you went in at hwy 1 … pretty mellow rd , drove in 4hi all the way ( 96 LX450 ). The road past the beach going north is closed , cause I suppose of the rains we had this year ( slides, etc. ) But had never been there and oh my the scenery is Fantastic. I hear weekends are not a good time to go , with all the yay-hoos shooting guns and doing other dumb stuff but when I was there I was the only one ! So Peaceful ! I highly recommend this trek ! I will be back later this summer and hopefully the whole rd will be open … and it too will be during the week …
April 7th, 2016 at 3:32 pmJust tried this weekend to drive Usal Road from the north, in our very well equipped Toyota FJ. This despite the ranger at Needle Rock telling us not to bother – he said the road is awful, slow, and there are no views worth bothering with. We drove into it for half an hour but it really was in terrible condition, with continuous deep ruts. It was imposssible to drive even at walking pace, most of the time the speedometer was on the needle as we rolled in and out of the ruts. Maybe someone with a stronger stomach and less sympathy for their suspension could do it faster, but it wasn’t for us. We ate our picnic at a delightful spot in the woods, then turned around and took the looong way round via Garberville and 101. Looks like the road hasn’t been graded since last winter’s rains.
August 9th, 2016 at 4:40 amThanks very much for the road condition update, John. Sounds like it’s in rough shape compared to when I drove it! I wonder when they would grade it next, after the next winter rains end?
The ranger was right about there not being much in the way of views too, but it’s otherwise a pretty drive.
August 9th, 2016 at 4:59 amWe took usal road yesterday ( August 13) and it was in great condition and the views and beach were beautiful. We made it to the beach in 20 minutes granted we were in a jeep but we also saw a Prius make it. Not sure if the previous commenter was on a different road or what but I’m glad we disregarded his review and gave it a shot anyways it was well worth it!
August 14th, 2016 at 6:45 pmKelsie, It sounds like you took the short road from the south up to Usal Beach, as opposed to John who was taking the long dirt road from the north. I don’t think the section you drove gets bad, and it probably sees more maintenance.
August 14th, 2016 at 7:32 pmThanks for this blog! I’m a veteran of many a backpacking trip in Sinkyone SP and the Lost Coast. I’ve been lucky at Usal, and it saddens me that it’s such a terrible place to camp now.
My “go to” spots are either Nadelos camp, or if I’m in the mood for beach camping, Black Sands Beach on the north end of Shelter Cove. I park at the BLM lot and either carry my stuff down to the beach or sleep in the grassy area of the parking lot(I even pitched a tent back in the bushes there a few years back when rain threatened). The only people I met were normal backpacker types, and “flushable” amenities made the next morning a breeze.
September 20th, 2016 at 4:58 amThis is all so sad to me. We discovered Usal and Jackass Creek in the late 60’s when hardly anyone went there. Once in awhile we would run across a backpacker. We continued to camp there through the 70’s. There was one family that made this an annual trip, otherwise we had the place to ourselves. It was after the the state park people came in with ‘improvements’, maps and it was ‘discovered’ that things started to go downhill. We quit going in the early 80’s. There were still house foundations at Jackass Creek from the logging they did there in the early 1900’s. Too old to do that kind of camping anymore, but the pictures do bring back so many wonderful memories of times spent at both places.
February 18th, 2017 at 5:59 amThink twice before you go.
March 23rd, 2017 at 12:13 amI have been going to USAL since 1971 “was” awesome. Been going each year but ever since the STATE DOES NOT PATROL it has gone to HELL! One night gun fire through camp sites, another time finding strangers wondering in middle of camp site, parties all night and best of all drunk drivers driving through camp sites while people are in tents not to mention loud music. I posted before this statement- “someday someone will get killed or really hurt” I am shocked why the state allows this, really wrong.
Has anyone driven this road lately? I’m going to Mendo next weekend and I’m looking for a fun road to drive in the area. I’d like to do Usal Road from Hwy 1 to Shelter Cove, then head east and meet up with 101. I’m not in a heavy duty 4 wheeling rig. I have a stock 4WD SUV very slightly lifted, 4×4 (Hi only–and no lockers), and a good set of A/T tires. Is this road do-able with this equipment? Or should I find an easier road, or wait until later in the summer?
May 20th, 2017 at 4:48 pmNobody answered my above post, but in case anyone in the future is reading this and wondering about driving this road recreationally, I found that the road WAS NOT do-able with a light-duty setup (I’m in a late model 4×4 Cherokee with 30″ A/T tires, with <10" clearance). Driving from south to north, I made it about 14 miles in. Up to that point, it wasn't difficult. Road was mostly dry (haven't had rain for 1 month in the Bay Area, not sure about up here) but a few small patches of mud, nothing serious. There was only one spot where the road was heavily rutted out, but it wasn't too hard to navigate around. Then about 100 yards short of the intersection at Kenny, the road became too dangerous to continue forward. Very deep ruts (upwards of 18" deep or more), several in succession. Road is too narrow to go around, and it would have been very difficult to nagivate over or through. Very high risk of high-centering. Definitely obstacles capable of stranding a vehicle that's not a hardcore off-roading machine. If that's not you, then be prepared to turn around and go back the way you came. If it IS you, then you don't need my advice 🙂
Very beautiful drive for the part that I got to see.
May 29th, 2017 at 9:53 pm@Jeremy… thanks for the update. I have a group of 2-3 rigs thinking about going in there next weekend but that definitely gives pause…. I assume the ruts are washouts? Are there a lot of them or could you bridge them with traction aids, etc?
June 1st, 2017 at 7:15 pmJust as another ongoing data point, I recently saw photos online that showed a pretty large group (or groups) of people that were driving, riding dirt bikes, parking and camping on the beach itself, as well as firing off handguns, shotguns and centerfire rifles. There were also fireworks at night.
June 2nd, 2017 at 12:44 amJust ran this this weekend from the South End to Four Corners. Not sure what Jeremy ran into, but it seemed entirely passable, even despite the rain making things a little slick. We had two lifted rigs and one stock 4runner (on road tires) and they all made just fine. I wouldn’t recommend it without either a winch or some traction boards, but it wasn’t particularly difficult. Also, didn’t see many people at Usal Beach – just a few vehicles on a Saturday mid-day. But the light rain showers may have discouraged parties.
June 12th, 2017 at 7:05 amjust returned to fort bragg from a drive on usal road from highway one to four corners. used a ford expedition and although some very deep ruts, we did just fine. camped at wailaki which we all loved!
July 3rd, 2017 at 3:41 amDo not waste your time going to Usal. Terrible road, campsites filled with litter and poo, and irresponsible people making the place dangerous. I think there are a few squatters living there also. I would not leave my campsite unattended for 2 minutes out there. I will never go again.
July 11th, 2017 at 7:56 amHas anyone been out there this fall? Hoping to spend a few nights at Usal beach but not excited about the reports of rednecks firing off guns and driving drunk through campsites. Was planning on going midweek.
October 8th, 2017 at 5:11 pmSo to answer my own question (and maybe help out anyone thinking of heading out there) Usal was quite nice this time of year, mid-week.
Maybe 8-10 groups total, no late night parties or other annoyances. Road is fine but i can see how it would be tricky if it gets wet. There was a guy who made it out there in a vw cabriolet.
The campground was in fair shape – some vandalism and garbage here and there, but the beauty of the area wins out.
Would love to go back, but only midweek and off season. Lost coast trail is amazing but overgrown and in pretty rough shape…would be fine for an experienced hiker.
October 13th, 2017 at 1:26 amReally sad to read about the squaters and issues up there. I was looking for some nice family camping and light 4 wheeling. Looks like I won’t be staying at Usal Beach.
Does anyone know if the roads are open during the winter months. I’d like to run the full Usal Rd. up to Shelter Cove, but don’t want to take the time off work if they have gates and roads closed.
December 29th, 2017 at 5:07 pm@Max: It’s been closed since November 2017. To wet to drive.
From https://www.mendocinocounty.org/government/transportation/road-closures
Seasonal Road Closures
Effective November 14, 2017 the following road segments are CLOSED until further notice.
Fort Bragg / Sherwood Road: CR 419 MP 5.08 – 27.54
March 13th, 2018 at 11:28 pmTen Mile Road: CR 506 MP 0.18 – 1.68
Navarro Ridge Road: CR 518 MP 8.82 – 13.10
Usal Road: CR 431 MP 6.26 – 24.30
It’s open from the south end, but just after Usal Beach there is another gate that is closed. I was just there this weekend. Definitely a lot of partier type people who stayed up late lighting off fireworks.
We camped a ways away from the main crowd and found the fireworks to be entertaining, but not what we typically look for when heading to the back country.
I’d love to do this whole road sometime too.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:50 pm8/30/18, Drove with my wife and dog. Grand Cherokee, Trailhawk. Drove south on Usal Rd. Dry as a bone. Traction was not an issue. A few deep ruts. Slow going unless you want to beat up your vehicle. We had no issues. Did feel limited slip apply going up hill through the deep ruts. This time of year would not even be entertaining for a hard core wheeler. Wet would change that though. I could see this type dirt it is turning in to slipper snot. This from an D36, Cross Country dirt bike racer.
September 1st, 2018 at 5:18 pmBut is a beautiful drive. A great big bike Dual Sport Ride. ‘
“Green” for a light dual sport. Probably some great single track hiding in that forest.
Did not stop at camp ground or beach. Don’t know conditions there.
Memorial Day 2019 we drove Usal Road north from SR1 through Usal Beach to Shelter Cove Road…spent the night in Shelter Cove at the Oceanfront Inn and then Tuesday morning got up early and headed north on Kings Peak Road through the BLM Wilderness past Tolkan, Horse Mountain, Honeydew, Petrolia, around Cape Mendocino to Capetown then on to Bear River Ridge to Rio Del. A fabulous trip, fun drive that was challenging in spots but not really technical. Our rig is a 2016 4Runner Trail Premium with all the bells and whistles (including KDSS)…but it is stock with just aftermarket tires (BFG AT KO2). We put it in 4H and left it there until we encountered pavement. Never rushed or pushed limits. Yes there were ruts, some water, some mud, no rock crawling. I took a shovel, Hi Lift jack, food, water, gas, chainsaw, tools, a fishing rod, Sig .40 and 50 rounds of Critical Defense ammo. We had sleeping bags, rain gear, a tarp, TREAD traction pads. My wife navigated. We saw Elk, Bald Eagles, two dead SUVs that were abandoned. On the Usal Road segment we encountered one pickup truck north of Usal Beach; while on King’s Peak we saw no one until we arrived in Petrolia. The roads signage was acceptable, but I was thankful for the Toyota navigation system. NO CELL SERVICE meant the iPhones were useless…we did us the Back Country 4 Wheel write up and a DeLormee map book.
May 30th, 2019 at 8:27 pmSome additional thoughts on our Lost Coast trip:
May 31st, 2019 at 12:47 am1. Usal Beach dirt roads were muddy but passable and the pot holes were inspiring but again passable.
2. Usal & Kings Peak Roads had some spectacular vistas but for the most part this was a forested road trip with lots of tunnels through the dense foliage…often so dense that you couldn’t see 20 yards into the canopy
3. Many steep climbs and equally steep descents.
4. Ruts and such would make this a problem for rental cars or other passenger sedans.
5. We didn’t see a single government representative while on the dirt tracks…meaning, be prepared to self recover or else travel in a group.
6. There are bears and such around, be aware and respectful
7. Don’t expect to contact someone for help. Be self reliant.
8. Take photos…or wildlife, trees, vistas, rivers, creeks, mud puddles, sheer drop offs.
9. You will get some desert pinstripes…expect it, life with it, own them…they are badges of honor.
I want to leave a somewhat positive review for this spot. Call me crazy, but I took my 1979 Mercedes 240D to Usal from the southern entrance in July 2017. It was nerve-wracking, but my car made it just fine. It was crowded, but I found a nice campsite out of range of most of the noise. When I arrived there was the biggest pyramid of speakers I’ve ever seen on the beach…While I know people are bummed that this isn’t the backcountry utopia they’re aiming for with their families, it’s nice to think about riding a dirt bike on the beach and dancing under fireworks next to the ocean and the forest at a party without cops. I didn’t see any poop or trash, and slept through the night. But ya, it’s no Bear Harbor.
August 10th, 2019 at 4:30 amAnyone been recently? Thinking of heading there at the end of June.
May 19th, 2020 at 12:28 amLove this spot travel alot and always pack trash bags when I head to the beach to clean up. Makes you feel good and any one trashing beach feel stupid. Also blues is pretty rad too.
July 6th, 2020 at 1:23 pmRecommend going on a weekday, non-holiday, and not during the peak season. We went on New Years week and lucked out avoiding the crowds some have mentioned above. It also helped that it was a downpour which deterred most visitors. Overall the roads are not terrible conditions but some cars with low clearance might have some difficulties during the wet seasons. Lots of TP littered all around the campsites which is a huuuugeeee bummmer but otherwise great place to camp out.
January 1st, 2021 at 7:38 amWent there when I was 5 (1969). It was wild then but camping was the primary reason for others. There was an old ghost town up the north hill the hippies lived in before the Forestry Service burned them out of squatting. The graves were dug up by the hippies looking for goodies. Skulls and bones were laying around. Most of the grave markers were stolen or burned for wood. Went back about 20 years ago and Usal Creek campground was a mess sadly
August 29th, 2023 at 5:45 am