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King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead

Garberville, California

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

4.79 miles

Elevation Gain

1942 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Solitude and epic views overlooking the King Range and the Lost Coast from King's Peak.

King's Peak is the tallest peak in the King Range, the home of the famous and spectacular "Lost Coast". At an elevation of 4,000' and less than 3 miles from the ocean, King's Peak provides stunning views in all directions: of canyons, beaches, foggy valleys, and the many greenhouses that dot the Humboldt County backcountry.

King's Peak is perhaps the only coastal peak that can be compared to Big Sur's Cone Peak, having almost the same awe-inspiring vistas but with none of the traffic or the abandoned fire lookout. Even on a summer weekend you have a reasonable chance of having the trail and summit to yourself.

Take a beer or two preferably from a northern Californian brewery.

There are several routes to the summit of King's Peak, the shortest being the 2.5 mile long (one-way) Lightning Trail from the Lightning Trailhead, which can be reached by heading towards Shelter Cove from Gaberville and the 101, and then taking a right on the dirt/gravel King's Peak Road and the left on King Range Road which dead-ends at the trailhead. The trail ascends the King Range Crest from the east side passing Maple Camp on its way to the summit. This route has about 2000' of elevation gain.

Most though will attempt the climb from the Lost Coast Trail via either the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail from Big Flat or the Buck Creek Trail. These are much longer routes of 8+ miles with 4,000' of elevation gain,with all the high-tide concerns that come with hiking the Lost Coast trail.

NOTE: The King Range is remote, with no services other than those found in Shelter Cove, an hour+ drive away and yes, Humboldt County is very green, and the locals do not take kindly to strangers wandering down their driveways, gated-dirt-roads, or into their agricultural areas.

Permits are required for camping in the King Range. Visit the BLM website for information on permits and BLM campgrounds.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead Reviews

Hello, thank you for sharing! I'm excited to check this one out. The links you referenced in the camping sections on the bottom of the blog aren't working though. Definitely interested in camping there if possible.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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