The KINGS RANGE
CONSERVATION AREA, California starts at the coast with Kings
Peak (at 4087 feet it is the tallest mountain on the western coast) and at spots goes
inland 6 miles. It runs from the Mouth of the Mattole River 35 miles south wrapping around
the Shelter Cove Resort District, to Whale gulch  totaling some 53000 acres.
The area is comprised of a mixture of habitat ranging from prairie, pine woodlands, scrub
oak, and manzanita thicket. Fresh water streams abound through the valleys and gulches
running into the sea or into the Mattole watershed. This area teems with wildlife and one
should be mindful of the Mountain lions and bear living there. There are a four camp
grounds with a total of 48 campsites. These grounds are not all the same as some have year
round water and others don't. Hiking, fishing, bird and animal watching will entertain you
on the many trails and roads. The Lost Coast Trail wanders though this area and on down
through the Sinkyone State Wilderness Park to the
south. One can hike down the coast to Shelter Cove, but from Shelter Cove you have to go
up to the Lost Coast trail; as there isn't a passable beach south to Sinkyone. The terrain
is very steep and any long distant hikers should allow for this fact. If one is following
a schedule these steep inclines can all time to the trip. Also Black Sand Beach is
difficult to walk on and can add time to the hike and wear you out prematurely. From the
beach and promontories one can observe the migration
of whales both in the spring and fall seasons. The seasons are not neatly defined so
look for them at all times. Late summer there are few sightings and in late winter there
are none. Bald Eagle and Osprey also range in the area. A small flock of Osprey fishes
most all summer in the Cove at Shelter Cove, CA. |