Trail Reports : Usal Road/Jackass Ridge

Lost Coast, CA
By: Mike Serpe

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The lost coast is a section of the Northern CA coastline where Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) was never built due to terrain issues. Therefore, a trail was cut by surveyors for Route One that extends from just above Fort Bragg, Mendocino, all the way up to just south of Eureka in Humboldt county. The Lost Coast trail is found off Route 1 North just beyond where it veres to the west in order to meet up with US 101 after passing through Ft. Bragg. High Clearance is recommended, but not necessary. In summer months, the trail dries up, and 2WD is possible for access. However, in winter and spring, this trail is hit hard with rain, and therefore becomes rather muddy. The Trail is seen on most maps as “Usal Road” which connects to the North with the Jackass Ridge Trail. Other than just having the chance to tour some of the most amazing and beautiful portions of the CA coastline, the best destination is most likely to be Usal Beach. Usal Beach is a great place to camp for a weekend, offering normal camp facilities, and an incredible beach area. Reached by few, it can be one of the most amazing “established camps” on the CA coast.

Ratings:
G Access: Easy
4WD: only when very wet (Spring travel)
Camping: only at Usal Beach and 3 established camps north of Usal Beach along the road
Lockers: No



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