Black Sands Beach, Lost Coast, Shelter Cove, CA

The Lost Coast is a spectacular wilderness area (completely wild, not a state park or recreation area) where it was deemed too expensive to extend the Pacific Coast Highway.  A 3-4 day hike from north to south is popular and on our bucket list, but this is just a daytime jaunt from the southern trailhead in Shelter Cove, CA on Black Sands Beach.

• Beach is rocky, booties are recommended for dogs
• Road to Shelter Cove may be impassable during poor conditions which aren't infrequent during rainy season
• The beach is impassable at high tide starting about 4 miles north from southern trailhead.  Do not hike past this point on a day hike, and carefully plan your passage using tide charts during a through hike.

Chamberlain Creek Falls, Mendocino County

Another off the beaten path waterfall, this time in Jackson Demonstration State Forest near Fort Bragg.  Starting on Route 1 in Fort Bragg, head east on Route 20 about 17 miles and turn left to head north on Road 200 just after crossing over Chamberlain Creek Bridge on Route 20.  Keep left to stay on Road 200 as you drive north, and the trailhead is 4.2 miles from Route 20, you'll see a stairway on the west side of the road which takes you down to the canyon trail and about one mile to the falls.

http://www.mendocinofun.com/chamberlain/

Point Cabrillo Light Station & Frolic Cove Beach, Mendocino County

There's lots to explore around Point Cabrillo, and it's fun to check out one of the north coast lighthouses while you're there!