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King Range Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Located between Petrolia, Honeydew, and Shelter Cove along the coast of California, the King Range Wilderness displays some of California’s most breathtaking scenery. The wilderness spans almost 43,000 acres, and visitors to the area can view the coast, walk along beaches and dunes, or hike through meadows and old-growth forests, along streams, or up mountains. Swimming and surfboarding are also popular activities in the area. The wilderness is the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the U.S., outside of Alaska, and offers an incredible, unique, and largely untouched environment.

The King Range Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2006. The goal of this system and the BLM is to offer visitors opportunities for recreational activities and time away from urban areas while protecting landscapes, environments, plants, and animals. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, you can search for “BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

King Crest Trail

This gorgeous trail climbs steadily in elevation, offering hikers panoramic views of the area. The trail is also a great place to spot native birds.

Length: 14.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Lost Coast Trail

This lengthy trail traverses through the King Range Wilderness and along beautiful stretches of shoreline. It’s ideal for backpacking.

Length: 25.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Horse Mountain Creek Trail

Located along Black Sands beach, this trail offers spectacular views of both the coast and the nearby forests.

Length: 13.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

King Peak Trail

This looping trail is great for hiking, bird-watching, or, during the spring and summer months, viewing wildflowers.

Length: 4.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Saddle Mountain Road

This road is excellent for hiking, horseback riding, or off-roading.

Length: 3.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Humboldt Redwoods State Park offers excellent salmon fishing opportunities thanks to its location along the Eel River. The river is also a great location for boating or swimming. Richardson Grove State Park is also a fantastic place for fishing. Salmon is the most common catch. Many visitors also enjoy swimming in the river.

ClimbingClimbing

There are several excellent rock-climbing locations near the King Range Wilderness. The area known as the Promontory, for example, is located along the coast and offers over 50 sport and traditional routes. These routes traverse sandstone overhangs that provide a variety of difficulties, plus beautiful views.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The King Range Wilderness is the ideal place to view wild animals, including several endangered species. Animals native to the area include spotted owls, elk, California brown pelicans, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, otters, foxes, black beats, and osprey.

Picnicking

Richardson Grove State Park offers a picnicking and day-use area with shaded tables. There is also a beach area and a visitor center. Visitors can also head to the nearby Blue Slide Day Use Area, which offers shaded picnic tables and provides access to nearby hiking trails.

Horseback Riding

Since motorized vehicles are prohibited in much of the wilderness, horseback riding is a popular way to explore the coastline. Many of the trails in the King Range Wilderness and the surrounding area are perfect for riding. Check the trails’ signs or information before heading out to make sure they are equestrian-friendly.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

BLM RV camping can be found at Humbolt Redwoods State Park in Honeydew. The park has five seasonal campsites with tables, chemical toilets, fire rings, and bear-resistant storage areas. Another excellent option for RV camping is at Mattole Campground, right in the King Range Wilderness. The campground offers 14 sites, and there are vault toilets. For a less rugged camping experience, Ancient Redwoods RV Park is small and quiet but offers full hookups.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, just south of the King Range Wilderness. There is a pit toilet, but water is not available. Honeydew Campground is another excellent option. The campground offers five sites with toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

RV Rentals Near King Range Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your King Range Wilderness BLM trip

Although all of the major roads to the King Range Wilderness are passable in normal vehicles and don’t require four-wheel drive, these roads are incredibly steep and narrow. The wilderness is also remote, so always make sure your vehicle is in top shape, and begin your journey with a full tank of gas. Be alert to oncoming traffic. Never attempt to traverse the roads during inclement weather. Remember that primitive roads into the wilderness’s different sites may be closed seasonally.

Once inside the King Range Wilderness, motor vehicles, including ATVs, OHVs, and mountain bikes, are largely prohibited. There are some designated areas where motor vehicles are allowed, mainly to travel between different sites. Always check the rules before you head out.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Whenever you visit Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or wilderness areas, it’s a good idea to follow "Leave No Trace" practices. These practices vary from region to region, as different sites and environments will require different things, but they stay the same at their core. For example, it’s always important to respect the landscape by staying on trails when hiking. Only camp on durable ground that has little vegetation. Always dispose of any waste properly, and do your part to preserve the area by picking up and throwing away any litter you see. When observing wild animals, maintain a safe distance, and never make any wildlife feel threatened by your presence.

Leave No Trace
Location

King Range Wilderness Location

From Ferndale, follow signs to Petrolia. In Petrolia, take a right on Lighthouse Road and continue for five miles to the Mattole Recreation Site. The wilderness can also be accessed from Honeydew or the Redway/Garberville exit off the U.S. 101, coming from the south. To approach from Honeydew, take a left at the Honeydew Creek Recreation Site and follow signs for the wilderness. From U.S. 101, exit at Redway/Garberville and follow signs for the Shelter Cove/King Range NCA.

Ready to visit King Range Wilderness? An RV rental 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 RVshare.

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