Coastal Trail - Klamath Section, CA

The Coastal Trail in the Redwoods National and State Parks in northern California is 70 miles in length. On this day we hiked part of the Klamath section. Technically, this section starts at the Wilson Creek Picnic Area off Highway 101. However, we were advised by park rangers to go a bit further south to the Lagoon Creek parking area as (a) there would likely be more parking available and (b) there's a short loop hike (Yukon Loop) that's more kid-friendly.


Shortly after getting on the trail, headed south, we were greeted by expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from high up on a bluff. The trail wove in and out of Sitka spruce and red alder and then back out onto the lip of the bluff. Having kids along, we hiked, I'm guessing about 1.5 miles before dropping down a well-worn path (steep in places) to the beach. There we were mesmerized by the ocean, clambered over rocks, sorted through driftwood for interesting pieces, and were shunned by crabby crabs hiding in tidepools.On the way back we stopped at an overlook and were thrilled to see dolphins (porpoises!) popping up here and there in the ocean. We were told that if we had gone further south we might've seen whales.

Note that I gave this hike a difficulty rating of "3" assuming you (1) go the entire length (11 miles round-trip) of the Klamath section and (2) there are some switchbacks and moderate grade beyond where we hiked. I would recommend this hike for kids and folks of most physical capabilities in that, within a short distance from the parking lot, you can get to a magnificent overlook of the Pacific Ocean. From there, you can go on as much or as little as you like.

As we did not hike the whole length of the Klamath section, I welcome edits/additions/corrections to this Description.

2017-08-19 Steph_and_Blake