Tucked away in Northern California lies a stretch of land where time slows down, pavement ends, and wilderness still reigns supreme. We ventured on a route through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, along the Lost Coast, and into Fort Bragg. This trip brought together a mix of ancient forest, untamed coastline, and coastal village charm in California.
In this blog, we’ll take you along the wild edge of Northern California, from backpacking to roadtrippin’. Whether planning a backpacking trek, a road trip through the redwoods, or a quiet coastal escape, this route promises the kind of adventure that stirs something deep within.
Destination Insights
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Step into the largest remaining old-growth redwood forest in the world. Along the Avenue of the Giants, trees reach heights of over 300 feet, forming a green canopy that silences everything but awe. Trails like Founders Grove and Bull Creek Loop invite exploration, while picnic areas and pullouts make scenic stops effortless. Wildlife sightings may include black-tailed deer and dozens of bird species like pileated woodpeckers and Steller’s jays. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when cool mornings and mild afternoons offer perfect conditions for hiking and peaceful roadside stops.
The Lost Coast
The name “Lost Coast” originated in the 1930s when plans to extend Highway 1 were abandoned due to steep terrain and erosion-prone cliffs. As one of the most rugged stretches of Pacific coastline in the United States, the Lost Coast gives a mysterious and rugged vibe. Here, mountains plunge straight into the ocean, and tides determine when and how to move. Prepare to hike beside black sand beaches, navigate washed-out paths, and feel completely immersed in the raw power of land meeting sea. Along the trail, look for Roosevelt elk and banana slugs. In the water, keep an eye out for river otters and harbor seals. For clear skies, manageable tides, and fewer crowds, the best time to visit is between May and October, when coastal fog lifts and the trail becomes more accessible.
Fort Bragg
This charming coastal town is full of character. Fort Bragg was founded in 1857 as a military outpost, named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. The site of Glass Beach was once a city dump but over time, the ocean transformed discarded glass into colorful, smoothed sea glass. Today, Fort Bragg is a thriving arts and eco-tourism town with a strong focus on marine conservation and community-led initiatives. We enjoyed wandering the Pudding Creek Trestle, collecting smoothed glass fragments along Glass Beach, and browsing quirky museums and local shops. Nearby tidepools are full of marine life—sea anemones, crabs, mussels, and occasionally harbor seals sunning on rocks. Coastal bluff plants like wild strawberries and sea thrift added color to every corner. Summer is the best time to visit, when coastal fog gives way to sunny afternoons, and long daylight hours invite slow exploration.
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Fly SNA to SJC • Roadtrip (5 hours): San Jose to Humboldt Redwoods State Park |
| Afternoon | • Shop at Redcrest Resort and Gift Shop: Ice cream sandwich hit the spot! • Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat, CA: We fit through this 3000 year old tree! • Roadtrip (20 mins): Weott to Redway • Grocery run at Redway Liquor & Deli: We picked up sandwiches for tomorrow’s picnic at the Lost Coast. |
| Evening | • Dinner at The Lost Frenchman: Pizza was delicious! • Night at The Northern Inn Motel: Ask us about the wild night… |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Roadtrip: Reway to Needle Rock Visitor Center •Hike to Bear Harbor (2.7 miles). Insider Tip: This was the best-maintained trail on the Lost Coast! |
| Afternoon | •Lunch at Bear Harbor Camp: The picnic tables were a great spot to eat our sandwiches – nothing beats watching the river otters flocking nearby! •Hike Lost Coast Trail South from Bear Harbor to Usel Beach (15.4 miles round trip). Insider Tip: This trail was heavily overgrown and full of obstacles, including fallen trees and dense patches of thistle. |
| Evening | • Backpack at Bear Harbor Camp. Pro Tip: Bring string lights and mini- cards to play games, UNO was a hit! |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Hike Lost Coast Trail North from Bear Harbor to Whaler Gulch (4.5 miles round trip). |
| Afternoon | • Lunch at Jones Beach. Insider Tip: This was a perfect midpoint to refuel. |
| Evening | • Backpack at Bear Harbor Camp |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Hike Lost Coast Trail North from Bear Harbor back to Needle Rock Visitor Center (2.7 miles). • Roadtrip: Needle Rock Visitor Center to Leggett (1.5 hours) |
| Afternoon | • • Lunch at The Peg: OMG literally the best food – be sure to try the burger and oysters! • Roadtrip: Leggett to Fort Bragg (1.5 hours) • Walk to Pudding Creek Trestle. Insider Tip: Wood Walk Bridge is known for its love locks, so make sure to bring a small pad lock to show a symbol of love and commitment. • Explore Glass Beach: So many small pieces of smoothed sea glass! |
| Evening | • Dinner from Taqueria La Gloria: Delicious Mexican food followed by drinks and board games. • Night at The Beachcomber Motel. Such a picturesque setting just steps from the water! |
Day 5
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Walk to Glass Beach: Low tide for optimal sea glass finds. • Explore downtown Fort Bragg. Some of our favorites include Historic Redwood Cross-Section, Sea Glass Museum, and Model Railroad Museum. |
| Afternoon | • Hike Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail in Van Damme State Park (1/4 mile) • Roadtrip: Little River to Boonville (1 hour) • Tasting at Anderson Valley Brewing Company: Laid back dog friendly stop. • Roadtrip: Fort Bragg to Santa Rosa (1 hour) • Lunch at In-N-Out Burger |
| Evening | • Roadtrip: Santa Rosa to San Jose (1.5 hours) • Flight SJC to SNA |
* This travel guide was pretty off the beaten path! Our itinerary was not based on an official guidebook, instead pieced together by combing through social and blogs to learn more and prepare for our adventure. Big thanks to Maria for taking the time to help us plan such an awesome trip!
Next Time Must Do’s
In Humboldt, would love to hike Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – there are 50-foot-tall canyon walls covered in lush ferns and moss that make this seem like stepping into a prehistoric world. Along the Lost Coast, would be great to hike Lightning Trail to King Peak, the highest point in the King Range. In Fort Bragg, would be fun to do pedal-powered railbikes along historic railroad tracks among tree groves.
Wilderness Wisdom
While backpacking the Lost Coast, we came across a herd of Roosevelt elk. These powerful creatures, with their broad antlers and steady presence, were calmly grazing across the trail. Rather than rush or try to move through, we paused. We stayed quiet, stepped back, and watched from a safe distance. For over 30 minutes, the herd wandered through the brush, hooves rustling softly in the dry grass. Eventually, they moved on, and we continued along the trail. Remember to always give wildlife space, stay still and remain calm, and never walk through a herd of elk. Encounters like these are part of the wilderness experience, and respecting animals from a distance ensures safety for everyone.
Trailside Ties
This trip brought together backpackers of all ages, from college students to seasoned explorers. We supported one another through tough climbs, quiet moments, and unexpected laughs as we journeyed through Northern California’s wild and untamed landscape. Everyone brought something — extra snacks, encouragement during steep climbs, or just a well-timed joke that lightened the load. What made this adventure special wasn’t just the places we explored, but the people we walked beside.
Photo Journal
* Some of the incredible photos featured in this photo journal were taken by our amazing family and friends (Maria, Nicholas, Julia, Nam, Mitch, Jenny, Liz, and Stan thank you for capturing the adventure from your unique perspectives!).
Summary
From redwoods to rugged coastlines, this journey through Northern California reminded us how good it feels to step off the map and into the wild. We slowed down, adapted to the land, and shared moments that will stay with us long after the trail ended. Whether you’re backpacking or chasing seaside views, we hope you explore with intention and move at nature’s pace.
We’d love to hear your stories exploring California’s wild and untamed landscape. Share a memory or let us know where the trail is calling you next below.
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