King Range

Reservation Fee & Special Area Fee For individuals and family groups: Reservation Fee: $6 per permit Special Area Fee*: $12 per person, per trip (No fee for youth under 16) Special Recreation Permit (SRP): Organized and Commercial group fees Organized group fee: $7 per person, per day Commercial group fee: 3% of total gross earnings Commercial group fee (institutional): $7 per person, per day Special Area Fee*: $12 per person, per trip (No fee for youth under 16) There is a minimum $130 fee for all SRP groups. A deposit is due with submission of the application. For more SRP Information and to request information on how to apply for an SRP, call the King Range Visitor Center (707) 986-5400. *The King Range Wilderness Special Area Fee is new and based on King Range Business Plan, 2024 and Federal Register Notice. Fees remain in King Range Wilderness to assist maintenance, stewardship and education.

Important Safety & Trip Planning Info: Impassable Zones ALERT: There are 3 sections on the Lost Coast Trail that are impassable at certain tide levels. #1: Punta Gorda--passable under 6 ft #2: Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek--passable under 2.5 ft #3: Miller Flat to Gitchell Creek--passable under 3 ft Before purchasing permits, watch Tide Safety Video . Properly plan your trip itinerary to ensure your safety and ability to pass, PRIOR to purchasing a permit. “Low tide” does NOT EQUAL “passable”. There are dates that the low tide does not fall under the passable threshold. In other words, just because its “LOW TIDE”, it doesn’t mean the trail is safe to pass. Always use the above thresholds to determine a passable tide window through each impassable zone. DO NOT ASSUME that if permits are for sale, the dates are passable on LCT. These permits are for the entire King Range Wilderness, including the upland trails. Watch the ocean! Especially on sloped beaches, avoid walking near the water because forceful waves can surge up at any time without notice (sneaker waves). The ocean on the Lost Coast can sweep a person off their feet, out to sea, and to their death at any time. Never attempt to swim or wade on this stretch of the Pacific Ocean due to strong undertow and rip currents. The water is very cold, and survival is often limited to 20 minutes without a wetsuit. Don’t ever assume it is ok to “just get a bit wet” to pass through impassable zones. Weather can change drastically; be prepared with a backup plan. From October thru April, the King Range Wilderness is one of the wettest spots in the U.S. with annual rainfall averaging 120 inches. Storms can make coastal creeks impassable very fast. Never attempt to cross creeks above knee height. Wait for water to subside. Check the marine forecast just before your trip. Find the forecast for Cape Mendocino to Point Arena. Note the winds, wave height, and period/seconds. Campfire Permit is REQUIRED! A campfire permit is required from CAL FIRE to operate camp stoves and campfires. Find Campfire Permit here. Hard-sided Bear Canisters are required. The canister must be of appropriate size to store all scented items including food, soap, sunscreen, and trash. Each person must possess a minimum of one canister. Bags are not allowed. Visitors failing to use hard-sided canisters are subject to fines (43 CFR 8365.1-6). Bear can rental provided at the King Range Visitor Center. Drinking Water is usually available in year-round coastal creeks and springs. Always treat your water using an approved filtration method or by boiling it. Water sources may be scarce along upland trails, so bring plenty of water, especially in dry years. Other Hazards Ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes are common. Be able to identify and avoid them. Poison oak grows all over the KRNCA in many forms—vines on trees, bushes along coast bluffs, and even small waxy plants in the sand. Ticks are also present, especially in spring/early summer. Rattlesnakes hide under large driftwood and sometimes lay on the trail. Avoid all these hazards by remaining aware of your surroundings. Dogs are not recommended. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to start my hike on the Entry Date listed on my permit? Yes, the correct Entry Date is required, no exceptions. Do I need a permit for day use in the King Range Wilderness? No, permits are required for overnight use only. Can I transfer my permit to another person? No, permits are non-transferable. How do I cancel my permit if I decide to not go? Cancel on Recreation.gov account. Reservation fee is non-refundable. Wilderness Area fee is only refundable if at least 7 days prior to entry date. How many people can hike together in a group? All organized and commercial groups need a Special Recreation Permit, no exceptions. Max. SRP size=15. Why should I check the marine forecast in addition to the weather? Weather, wind, and ocean swells may affect the ability to traverse safely on the LCT. A large swell can shorten the amount of time to get through a tidal zone safely. Long period secondary swells can mean an increased likelihood of sneaker waves. This can mean life or death-hazardous ocean conditions have resulted in hikers being swept out to sea. Can I swim in the ocean? No. Never ever swim, wade, or use skim boards in the ocean anywhere on the Lost Coast due to rip currents, strong undertow, and sneaker waves. Who is responsible for making sure our group is safe on the LCT? It is your duty as a permit holder to ensure each person on your permit is aware of all rules & safety concerns. The BLM does NOT have a Search & Rescue team. Assume self-extrication. Carry In-Reach device for extreme emergencies. Who is checking permits? Rangers at the trailheads and on trail. Are hard-sided bear canisters are required? Yes, bear cans are required. Bear bags/hangs are NOT acceptable. Cans are available for rent in several King Range locations. Where do I use the bathroom on the LCT? Deposit solid human waste in a hole dug 6" deep in the intertidal zone. Never go near backcountry campsites. In uplands, 200 feet from fresh water, camp, and trails. Always pack out your toilet paper in your bear can. How deep are the creek crossings? Heavy rainfall will cause water levels in the creek to rise to unsafe levels. Do not cross if over knee high. Be prepared for changing weather and call visitor center for current conditions. Can I have a campfire? It depends on the time of year. You must have a CalFire Campfire permit in addition to a Wilderness Permit. Use existing campfire rings and always put fire out before bed or leaving site. Campfires are prohibited July through October. Can I bring my drone in the wilderness and Lost Coast Trail? DRONES are NOT allowed. Additional Information here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445864/additional-information King Range Visitor Center Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00am-4:30pm through Labor Day weekend. Closed federal holidays.

14 nights per trip