The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Abalone Point day-use area in the region called the Lost Coast of California is an isolated grass and wildflower-covered bluff above the Pacific Ocean near Shelter Cove, CA. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the authority responsible for the protection of Abalone Point as part of its mission to “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” Since the area’s settlement, visitors came to this spot along the California coast first in wagons and then bicycles, motorcycles, and cars.
Almost immediately, the Bureau of Land Management recognized the necessity of protecting the Abalone Point day-use area and proceeded to pave a surface a few yards away from the site to facilitate parking while prohibiting any motorized use on the bluff. The BLM eventually contributed more protection by setting up temporary picnic tables and establishing pathways to keep visitors from wandering through the area and damaging wildlife areas. Abalone Point is as impressive for its views of crashing waves, wildlife, and storm watching as nearby Redwood National Park is for its towering trees and Lassen Volcanic National Park is for its geologic activity.
One of the trails accessible to visitors at Abalone Point is the Lost Coast Trail. It runs from the Black Pebble Beach just south of Abalone Point to the Mattole River, emptying into the ocean far to the north. The track is rugged, and it's one of only a few hiking trails that run through a preserved area along a United States coastline. Visitors using this trail hike along beaches, across streams, and around outcrops.
Length: 24 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The King Peak Trail runs into the King Range Conservation Area and up King Peak, three miles inland from the ocean. The trail is steep, with plenty of areas to stop and rest along the way. Beautiful views are on each side of this trail that climbs a series of switchbacks to the summit of King Peak. A wooden overlook provides an impressive view of the wildflowers covering the peak and the ocean beyond.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Communities here, like Shelter Cove, are small, isolated, and intriguing. Many offer boat launches for offshore fishing, which is fantastic along the reefs just off Abalone Point. Passage on fishing boats is a significant industry in the area. The rivers and streams that empty into the ocean along this section of the California coast are known for their rich harvest of salmon, steelhead, and bluefish during seasonal runs.
Abalone Point day-use area wildlife viewing is an incredible experience for visitors to the area. Among the rocks of the point, tidal pools emerge during low tide, providing a fantastic scene that includes sea anemones, crabs, seaweed, clams, and small fish. Many times of the year, people get a close-up look at sea lions as they bask in the sun during low tide and play among the waves crashing over the rocks at high tide. Whale watching from Abalone Point is a pastime enjoyed by locals and visitors as the magnificent beasts pass close to the Point on their migrations to the north and the south.
There are a few movable picnic tables on Abalone Park, which are removed during winter storms. Other picnic areas are more stationary along sections of the coastline next to parking lots with great views of the shoreline and the ocean beyond.
Of the two types of BLM RV Camping sites — developed and undeveloped — the agency provides both within easy driving range of Abalone Point. An example of developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is the Wailaki Campground in the coastal highlands near Shelter Cove. The Bureau of Land Management camping site offers 19 organized spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. The BLM provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in many locations beside secondary roads in the Shelter Cove area. Horse Mountain Campground, located along the coastal foothills just outside the Abalone Point day-use area, is a typical example of what BLM RV camping for free can provide in this area. The campground provides nine primitive campsites with no amenities whatsoever.
Performing a search for “BLM camping near me” while designating Shelter Cove as a starting point finds several campgrounds in the vicinity. Visitors post great reviews of these campsites, even if they provide no amenities.
The Lost Coast of California, with its isolated regions and lack of major highways, means that visitors who come to the area intend to go a little off the beaten path. People coming to the site to hike should know that environments and temperatures change drastically as they climb hills. The currents off the coast come from the north and carry cool temperatures with them. Dress for your adventure and bring extra clothing. Even the developed BLM campsites in the area have few amenities, so bring extra water, cooking utensils, pots and pans, insect repellent, and sunglasses. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Abalone Point day-use area is subject to the BLM’s “leave no trace” regulation. Before the BLM took over Abalone Point and established its rules, garbage of every sort was found among the boulders, atop the Point itself, and in the creeks crossed by trails in the area. This led the BLM to strictly enforce this regulation to help maintain the site's beauty. Everyone visiting the location must pack out their garbage so that the next visitor can enjoy the site.
To reach Abalone Point day-use area from Eureka, CA, take United States Highway 101 South (US-101 S) for 61.8 miles to exit 642 toward Redway. Get onto Redwood Drive and travel 1.7 miles, and then turn right to enter Garnerville. Follow the signs to Shelter Cove Road and travel 7.9 miles into the town. Follow the signs to Abalone Point day-use area.
Address: 768 Shelter Cove Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589
Ready to visit Abalone Point day-use area? An RV Share is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RV Share.
