The Lost Coast Scenic Drive
100 Mile Loop Drive with Victorians, Beaches,
Vistas and Redwoods

When you come to stay at the Best Western Bayshore Inn of Eureka, California, plan on taking this Lost Coast Scenic Drive day trip to see some breathtaking beauty pristeen coastline. Ask at the desk where to get a the best picnic lunch to take along. Taking the Lost Coast Scenic Drive is a day trip you will remember for a long time.

How The Lost Coast Got Its Name

A one of a kind adventure waits for you in scenic Northern California. The Lost Coast Scenic Driver is a winding, picturesque road takes you from unique locations to extraordinary settings that can make a hike or drive last anywhere from a day to a week.
Endless travel and exploring opportunities include family outings and romantic getaways with an atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in California.

Once you leave the Best Western Bayshore inn, your adventure beings in the quaint Victorian Village of Ferndale. With history dating back to the mid-1800's, many historical points of interest are located in this city. Ranging from the historic Shaw House Bed & Breakfast to the more recent filming of movies such as "Outbreak" and "The Majestic", Ferndale has something for everyone in the family. One-of-a-kind shops and restaurants provide an ambience unlike any other on the Lost Coast Scenic Drive loop. Be sure to take time to explore the Victorian Village of Ferndale on your Lost Coast Loop adventure.

After relaxing and enjoying some of what Ferndale has to offer, get ready to continue your adventurous scenic drive. The 100-mile Lost Coast Scenic DriveLoop has really just began. The drive takes approximately 3 hours to complete when driving straight through, but to get maximum enjoyment on your scenic adventure, be sure to allot time to stop for photo opportunities and hiking adventures. You will encounter all sorts of natural beauty ranging from the majestic mountains to the coastal beaches, with rolling farmland and Giant Redwoods along the way. The climate is diverse, so be sure to be ready for any kind of weather by bringing everything from your bathing suit to your rain jacket.

As you head west down Main Street in Ferndale, you will come to a sign where Ocean Avenue turns off to the right. Follow the signs directing you to Petrolia, and your adventure begins where the Mattole Road veers off of Ocean Avenue. You can’t miss the large sign with yellow letters that says “Capetown Petrolia”.

As you climb the tree-lined hills towards the next part of your Lost Coast Scenic Drive adventure, be sure to take note of the breath-taking views of Ferndale. Be sure to note the distinctive trees and one of a kind natural beauty that can only be found on the Lost Coast Scenic Drive Loop.

As you venture out of the redwoods and forest oasis, you emerge to gently sloping hills with cattle grazing, while beginning to catch sites and smells of the Pacific Ocean. Occasionally the fog will choose to filter out some of the hills and valleys of the Lost Coast coastal mountains, but the breath taking views are always extraordinary. The Lost Cost Scenic Drive always provides an amazing canvas for the eyes. To view the striking terrain and magnificent views at their finest, the key seasons are spring and summer time.

The Sandy and Rugged Lost Coast Scenic Drive Beaches
and Coastal Redwood Forests

As the steep roads become downhill, you reach the picturesque Pacific Ocean as well as the western most point of the lower 48 states. Take this opportunity to further your relaxation and jump out of your car and into the Pacific Ocean, or at least onto the sandy beaches or tide pools. You never know what kind of sea life you can find on this peaceful redwood coast oasis!

As you leave the beach with a healthy glow from the sun and amazing coast atmosphere, your journey on the Lost Coast Scenic Drive will take you to sizable sand dune. If you are one of those individuals who is always up for a good adventure, you may want to stop and try your luck at tobogganing or boarding down the dune, and be sure to someone take some pictures insuring a distinctive memory to look back on. Be sure to take the proper precautions if you choose to try your hand at sliding down the dune, and then get the sand out of your hair and head back inland to continue your journey on the Lost Coast Scenic Drive.

As your journey on the Lost Coast Scenic Drive continues through the Mattole Valley, you will find yourself in the charming town of Petrolia. The town's history dating back to 1865 when it was the first place in California that oil was discovered, produced and commercially refined, consequently receiving the name Petrolia. Be sure to take a stop and discover the local people and qualities of this charismatic town.

The winding Lost Coast Scenic Drive will then take you to the charming town of Honeydew, and about 14 miles from Honeydew there is a sign directing travelers to Lighthouse Road that takes you to the notable Punta Gorda Lighthouse owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. This historic site is open to the public but accessible only by hiking 3.5 miles, partially through sand and across Four Mile Creek from Lighthouse Road; the end result will make the journey worth the hike, the view is incredible and the fresh ocean air cannot be experienced anywhere else in California. This hike is recommended to be taken at low tide so be sure to check the tide tables for safety, and give yourself at least 3 or 4 hours to really enjoy scenic adventure. The trail winds around the staggeringly beautiful cliffs, and if you get a little winded or tired, head for the base of the cliffs for a more soothing stroll as the trail is easier than the sandy beach. Either path you choose with highlight the bounty of tide pools and wildlife along the coastline. The scenic Lost Coast Scenic Drive continues to provide you with a bounty of soothing images for your eyes. The forests and river valleys are only a precursor to more wonders to come.

As the coastal weather becomes a little cooler, giant redwood trees spanning endless distances surround you. If you wish to get out and explore the splendor further, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to some of the largest redwoods in the world. If you choose to drive through the magnificent redwood forest, your eyes will still be treated to unsurpassed beauty. No matter how much time you spend in the forest, exceptional photo opportunities and adventures await you.

Nearing the end of the Mattole Road, you merge onto Redwood Highway/101 North, which takes you back up through Scotia and Fortuna, leading to Eureka. If you have time available, a more worthwhile experience is to discover the Avenue of the Giants. The charming towns and shops that are scattered roadside throughout the Avenue of the Giants provide the scenic redwood trees with even more discoveries and adventures. Whether you choose to spend a few hours or a day, you cannot be disappointed in the Avenue of the Giants.

At this point, the Lost Coast Scenic Drive loops back around to complete the full circle of experiences. With a form of natural beauty for everyone, the Lost Coast Scenic Drive provides adventure for all. Be sure that you start out early to ensure you don't miss any part of the scenic voyage.

If you wish to see more of California's North Coast, you can check out a detailed map of the North Coast here: http://discovertheredwoods.com/fset_maphum.php

The Lost Coast Scenic Drive
The Beaches, Petrolia, Punta Gorda Lighthose and Coastal Redwoods

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