
The Punta Gorda Lighthouse Via Lost Cost Trail is a 5.5 mile beach hike in Kings Range Wilderness featuring amazing ocean views, tide pools, and a historically significant lighthouse.
The drive to the trailhead can be windy and a bit rough - the road is unpaved in places and potholes can leave a smaller car stranded. Walking through the sand makes this hike a tad more difficult than normal. The beach varies from sand to pebble, but about half the trail is on packed dirt. Some parts of the trail can get muddy with small running streams (you may have to take your shoes off at one point). In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. When you reach the lighthouse, prepare to see sea lions lounging about!
It is recommended to bring a windbreaker. Wear sunscreen no matter how chilly it is from the wind, and watch for poison oak!