Point Reyes National Seashore: Rugged Coastline Meets Rolling Meadows
Just about an hour north of San Francisco, Point Reyes feels like another world one with 150+ miles of trails twisting through coastal bluffs, wind swept valleys, and wildflower meadows. Whether you’re hiking in for a weekend or just wandering through for a day, this massive stretch of protected shorelines and inland ridges has something for every level of backpacker.
Base yourself at Coast Camp or Sky Camp if you’re spending the night both offer ocean views and decent shelter from the wind. For day hikes, Bear Valley Trail makes a strong impression without needing too much mileage, ending in the dramatic drop off views at Arch Rock.
Wildlife is another draw. You’ll likely spot tule elk up north near Tomales Point, while elephant seals crowd the beaches near Chimney Rock in winter. It’s raw and alive out here.
Make no mistake: this is still a protected park, and permits are required for overnight stays. If you want a prime weekend slot, especially in spring or early fall, book well in advance. It’s popular for a reason.
Lost Coast Trail: California’s Last Untamed Shore
This isn’t your average weekend hike. The Lost Coast Trail is 25 miles of unfiltered coastline between Mattole and Black Sands Beach windswept, unpaved, and almost completely cut off from modern noise. You’ll tread across driftwood strewn beaches, navigate black sand stretches that vanish under rising tides, and weave through quiet valleys thick with ferns.
It’s the only backpacking route in California where the ocean calls the shots. Certain sections become impassable during high tide, so timing matters. One bad read of the tide chart and your itinerary can get wiped out. Add in slick rocks, loose sand, and the weight of a full pack, and you’ll understand fast why this trail earns your respect.
It’s no loop you’ll need to sort out a shuttle ahead of time. That, plus the lack of cell service and tough terrain, means this trip’s best left to those with solid backcountry chops. But for those who come prepared, the payoff is enormous: raw wilderness, no crowds, and an experience that feels like stepping off the grid and into another time.
Big Sur Coast via Central Coast Ridge Trail
Though officially tipping into Central California, the Big Sur coast remains a staple for NorCal backpackers who aren’t afraid of vertical gain and long views. The Central Coast Ridge Trail carves a high line through Ventana Wilderness, connecting sky to ocean in a way few trails can. It’s rugged, exposed, and best tackled by those ready for elevation both physical and emotional.
Cone Peak Loop is the crown jewel. At nearly 5,200 feet, Cone Peak drops faster into sea level than any mountain in the continental U.S. The climb is a burner, but the payoff? You’ll see the Pacific stitch itself to the horizon. Other anchored favorites like Vicente Flat offer redwood groves tucked between cliffs and coastal wildflowers that burst to life each spring.
You’ll earn every view. But if skyline ridges, sharp switchbacks, and cliffside forests speak your language, this stretch is worth every blister. Fog can roll in fast and water sources become scarce in late summer pack and plan accordingly.
Salt Point State Park: Underrated and Wild
If you’re looking to get off the beaten coastal path without giving up the views, Salt Point State Park delivers. Just north of Jenner, this stretch of rugged coastline blends quiet beauty with a bit of botanical weirdness. Crowds thin out here, especially compared to Point Reyes or Big Sur, which makes it ideal for off season trips or quick overnight escapes.
Instead of epic mileage, Salt Point is about quality over quantity. Short trails loop through craggy shoreline, soft coastal prairies, and dense pygmy forests where trees look like bonsai but grow straight from the coastal soil. Check out Fisk Mill Cove for tidepools and rocky drama, then swing through Kruse Rhododendron Preserve if you’re hiking in spring you won’t forget the bloom.
Permits are straightforward, trailheads are accessible, and solitude is more of a feature than a challenge. If you pack light and want a coastal reset without the chaos, Salt Point is worth the detour.
Gear and Season Tips
Northern California’s coast doesn’t hand out easy miles. Weather turns fast fog in the morning, sun at noon, and wind strong enough to knock your hat off by late afternoon. That’s why layering isn’t optional. Base, mid, shell have it all, and make it packable.
Tide timing is more than a footnote, especially on beach heavy routes like the Lost Coast. Carry tide charts every time. No signal means no app rescue. Misjudge it, and you could find yourself cliffed out or wading where you shouldn’t be.
Late spring through early fall offers the best balance of clear skies and decent temps. Winter brings drama storm swells, rain, and some sketchy trail conditions. Great if you’re after solitude, not so much if you’re learning the ropes.
Want inland strategies too? Check out the Seasonal Guide to Sierra Nevada Backpacking Adventures for a broader view of California wilderness timing.
Final Take
Northern California’s coast doesn’t try to charm you it dares you. The weather swings hard. Trails vanish under fog or tides. And cell service? Forget it. But that’s part of the draw. This stretch offers a kind of wild that hasn’t been sanded down for comfort. Every bend in the trail throws you something new: elk in the mist, cliffs battered by wind, forests shrinking into stunted pine. It’s scenic overload in the best way.
These backpacking routes demand planning permits, tide checks, gear dialed for wet and cold. But what you get in return is worth far more than the effort. Real quiet. Real solitude. And the rare chance to feel small (and okay with it). With respect, good prep, and a flexible mindset, NorCal’s coastal trails offer some of the most unforgettable days you’ll spend under a pack.