King Range Wilderness Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

The King Range Wilderness is a stunning and rugged nature preserve located in the remote and beautiful Humboldt County, California. This area is known for its breathtaking coastal views, diverse wildlife, and challenging hiking trails. The King Range is often referred to as the "Lost Coast" due to its relatively untouched and undeveloped landscape, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Visitors to the King Range Wilderness can explore over 42,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including old-growth forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and secluded beaches. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as black bears, Roosevelt elk, and a wide array of bird species, making it a popular destination for wildlife watching and birding.

One of the most iconic features of the King Range Wilderness is the Lost Coast Trail, a challenging 25-mile backpacking route that winds along the rugged coastline and offers stunning ocean views. Hikers can also explore shorter day hikes, such as the King Crest Trail, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

In addition to hiking, the King Range Wilderness also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and beachcombing. Visitors can pitch a tent at one of the designated campgrounds or find a secluded spot along the coast to enjoy a night under the stars. The area's pristine beaches are perfect for beachcombing and tidepooling, providing a unique opportunity to explore the rich marine life of the Pacific Ocean.

Established: 2006 (18 years ago)Elevation: 2480 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°9'55"N, 124°10'8"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

King Range Wilderness Top Attractions

King Range Wilderness Attractions - What to See and Explore

King Range Wilderness offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Punta Gorda Light, King Range, King Peak. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Punta Gorda Light
Punta Gorda Lighthouse is a lighthouse in the United States, 12 miles south of Cape Mendocino, California, within Humboldt County. Access is via a short hike from the end of a 4WD road. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
King Range
The King Range is a mountain range of the Outer Northern California Coast Ranges System, located entirely within Humboldt County on the North Coast of California.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
King Peak
King Peak is a summit in Humboldt County, California, in the United States. It is the tallest mountain of the Lost Coast. King Peak was named for a captain of the United States Army. Going back to 1886 maps, this mountain was referred to as "King's Peak".

Day trips

King Range Wilderness – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of King Range Wilderness, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Old Town Eureka (Eureka), HSU First Street Gallery (Eureka), Sequoia Park Zoo (Eureka).

44 milesN
Square
Old Town Eureka, Eureka
Old Town Eureka in Eureka, California, is a historic district listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is an 350-acre area containing 154 buildings mostly from the Victorian era.
44 milesN
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
HSU First Street Gallery, Eureka
HSU First Street Gallery was a contemporary, fine arts gallery located in the E. Janssen Building at 422 1st Street in the historic Old Town district of Eureka, California.
42 milesN
Iconic animal and educational attraction
Sequoia Park Zoo, Eureka
The Sequoia Park Zoo is a zoo located in Eureka, California, operated by the City of Eureka. The zoo is part of a larger park complex including 60-acre of mature second-growth coast redwood forest, Eureka's largest public playground, and a duck pond, in addition to formal and natural gardens.
49 milesN
Monuments and statues
Statue of William McKinley, Arcata
The McKinley statue for the purposes of this article refers to one of various statues of President of the United States William McKinley, specifically the 8.5-foot bronze statue by Haig Patigian that stood in the center of the town plaza in Arcata, California, from July 4, 1906, until February 28, 2019.
42 milesN
Museum, State park, Park
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, Eureka
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park is a California state park, located in Eureka, California, United States. Displays interpret the former U.S.

Show all

Best Time To Visit King Range Wilderness

Learn when is the best time to travel to King Range Wilderness weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in King Range Wilderness?

The top attractions to visit in King Range Wilderness are: