State Parks and National Parks

The rugged wilderness that once covered the entire Mendocino Coast can still be explored and enjoyed in 7,367-acre Sinkyone Wilderness State Park.

Because there are no major highways in this coastal region, the area has come to be called the "Lost Coast."

The park's remoteness leads many visitors to assume there has been little human impact on this area. But every trail, road and flat spot has been modified by human activity that dates back thousands of years to when the Sinkyone Native American tribe lived here. The Sinkyone people still use the land occasionally for ceremonies and festivals.

The long, narrow park is a favorite among backpackers who challenge themselves to walk more than 17 miles from one end to the other, staying at primitive campsites along the way.

The more than 40 miles of trails are also frequented by day hikers and equestrians. Mountain bikes are restricted to established park roads.

A visitor center and camp host are located at Needle Rock Ranch House, at the north head of the park.

The park is bordered on the north by the Kings Range Conservation Area.

Wildlife watching is excellent and the Roosevelt elk herd is the big attraction. Seals, sea lions, river otter, bob cats, cougars and bear are also seen here.

The park can be very crowded on summer holidays, when temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees F. Over 100 inches of rain fall during winter, when temperatures are a mild 35 to 55 degrees F. Some roads may be impassable in wet weather.

There are 31 primitive hike-in campsites throughout the park. Fresh water is available at all camping areas, but it should be purified or boiled for drinking or cooking. Drinking water is available only at the visitor center.

Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping permits are available at the Needle Rock Visitor Center and Usal Beach.

The campground itself has 16 primitive drive-in campsites. The park's roads are not suitable for motor homes or recreational vehicles.

Dogs are not permitted on any trails.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of California