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The Lost Coast is a mostly natural and development-free area of the California North Coast in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties, which includes the King Range. It was named the "Lost Coast" after the area experienced depopulation in the 1930s. In addition, the steepness and related geotechnical challenges of the coastal mountains made this stretch of coastline too costly for state highway or county road builders to establish routes through the area, leaving it the most undeveloped and remote portion of the California coast. Without any major highways, communities in the Lost Coast region such as Petrolia, Shelter Cove, and Whitethorn are isolated from the rest of California.Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Lost Coast Scenic Drive by using our Ferndale travel planner.
The region lies roughly between Rockport and Ferndale. At the south end, State Route 1, which runs very close along the coast for most of its length, suddenly turns inland at Rockport before merging with U.S. Route 101 at Leggett. At the north end, State Route 211 begins its journey at Ferndale, heading towards Highway 101 in Fernbridge. Section 511 of the California Streets and Highways Code still says that "Route 211 is from Route 1 near Rockport to Route 101 near Fernbridge", but it is unlikely that the portion south of Ferndale will be built. Most of the region's coastline is now part of either Sinkyone Wilderness State Park or King Range National Conservation Area.
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Lost Coast Scenic Drive reviews
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Tales of potholes are overblown. A spectacular and safe drive for practically any vehicle. Observe basic safety standards, be aware you are very off-the-grid for much of it. Be sure to stop for a...
Tales of potholes are overblown. A spectacular and safe drive for practically any vehicle. Observe basic safety standards, be aware you are very off-the-grid for much of it. Be sure to stop for a... more »
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One of the most beautiful and lonely drives I've ever been on; we took the Westcat road and as we drove up the road, the properties got more and more scarce. When you get to the top of the road and...
One of the most beautiful and lonely drives I've ever been on; we took the Westcat road and as we drove up the road, the properties got more and more scarce. When you get to the top of the road and... more »
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