Backpacker’s Dream on Northern CA Coast

Combine a pre-planned backpacking trip with trail cleanup!

The Lost Coast Trail (LCT) traverses 25 miles of jaw-dropping coastal wilderness featuring secluded beaches, lush coastal prairies, and the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Every spring, rangers and volunteers hike out marine debris that washes ashore during large winter storms – and this year you can help with these efforts on a Volunteer Vacation!

Join this project to help keep this beach clean by participating in marine debris removal on a point-to-point backpacking trip along the coast. In Spring 2024 alone, more than 1,700 single-use water bottles were collected from this stretch of coastline!

Daily hiking distance will vary between 3-5 miles along the beach with minimal elevation gain. About 50% of the hike will be over loose sand, 25% will be through boulder fields requiring balance and stepping up and down repeatedly, and 25% will be on hard-packed, flat ground. The terrain along the Lost Coast Trail may pose some challenge to hikers with joint (ankle and knee) mobility issues due to the uneven terrain. Volunteers can expect a pace of one mile per hour, as the goal is to search high and low for hidden marine debris washed up among the driftwood.

Backpackers will get to experience a few different camping locations as we make our way up the coast along this point-to-point trail. Planning an adventure along the LCT typically requires a significant amount of research and planning to navigate around the tides and ocean conditions. Let experienced park rangers lead the way and help lend a hand in removing plastic trash from our coastline, waterways, and ocean.

We highly recommend prior backpacking experience to participate on this trip.

There is no trail experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.