Location: Mattole, CA
Strenuous. Daily hikes up to 4 miles each day
Front country. Tent camping in a designated campground
Help keep the resident elephant seal colony near the Punta Gorda Lighthouse safe by helping repair drainage issues along the Lost Coast Trail between Fourmile Creek and Willow Creek.
Service Project Details
Volunteers are needed to help repair drainage issues along the Lost Coast Trail between Fourmile Creek and Willow Creek. Seasonal springs near the trail can create muddy conditions, influencing hikers to leave the trail and follow the beach, oftentimes coming too close to our resident elephant seal colony near the Punta Gorda Lighthouse. To encourage hikers to stay on the trail and respect wildlife by giving them plenty of space, we will utilize a variety of techniques including rolling dips and armored drains throughout this section to shed water more effectively and provide a more desirable hiking experience. There are 4-6 areas in this section that we will focus on repairing. After a long day of moving rocks and gravel, digging, and getting dirty, volunteers will return to the Mattole Campground to refresh, restore, and enjoy nightly sunsets and stargazing on California’s Lost Coast.
Volunteers will need to hike up to 4 miles daily, carrying a load of up to 40 lbs over uneven terrain including
personal gear and tools. Some hiking will take place over sand and boulder fields, which can be rough on
ankles and knees. The drive to the Mattole Campground (basecamp) is winding, with some small sections of dirt, generally passable by any vehicle. Transportation from camp to the trailhead will require 4WD vehicles, provided by the agency.
Project Leaders: Carrie Henderson and Kui Kanthatham
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Sunday, June 22nd. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
Monday, June 23rd. Workday.
Tuesday, June 24th. Workday.
Wednesday, June 25th. Day off.
Thursday, June 26th. Workday.
Friday, June 27th. Workday.
Saturday, June 28th. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.
Nearest Cities
Petrolia, CA
Honeydew, CA
Nearest Airports
Redding Regional Airport (RDD) – ~191 miles
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – ~264 miles
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – ~268 miles
Reno International Airport (RNO) – ~292 miles
Free Time Details
Nearby opportunities include beachcombing near Mattole Beach and exploring the Mattole River/Estuary
(swimming, catch and release fishing, floating, kayaking). Humboldt Redwoods State Park/Avenue of the
Giants is a 1-hour drive & victorian town of Ferndale is 75 minutes from the Mattole Campground.
Accommodations
Front country. Tent camping in a designated campground.
Difficulty
Strenuous. Daily hikes up to 4 miles each day
Task Details
Slick conditions, boulder fields, Bending, cutting, hauling, swinging, digging, throwing, pushing, lifting, planting, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List