FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Lost Coast Trails with Beach Access?

Hey all. We're doing some investigating of possible destinations along the North Coast between Eureka and Fort Bragg. Right now I'm basically skimming along the coastline using Google Maps, looking for roads that lead down to the beach.

I found this one (Beach Road, Petrolia) and wondered if it is reasonable to expect that if it shows up in maps view as an actual road that it's passable with a stock FJ. Obviously that's something that would require further research and investigation, but has anyone discovered some spots along this stretch that would provide a bit of 4 wheel fun along the way to campable coastline?

Also looking at Usal Beach and Mattole.

Thanks in advance.

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Permalink Reply by jaxun on July 18, 2011 at 1:17pm

For anyone else surveying the coast for accessible remote camping, there is also the California Coastal Records Project, which is basically a bajillion pictures of the coast you can page through as though you were taking a low altitude helicopter tour. I found a pic of where the Beach Road trail comes out and it appears that at least the beach part of the road is accessible.

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Permalink Reply by caddo on July 18, 2011 at 1:27pm

The road to Usal Beach is very easy for FJ, just have to watch for incoming cars on the south stretch because it is very narrow most of the time and it gets busy sometimes..

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Permalink Reply by Robert Frey on August 6, 2011 at 3:36pm

This is a fairly late post as I don't check the NorcalFJ site very often. Usal beach offers excellent camping and beach access. There are several trails north of Shelter Cove that lead to beach access.... however, be prepared for rather scary breakover angles and a cliff hike to the beach.

NorcalFJ members are always welcome to stop by my Caspar home for a shower or overnight camping.

Bob Frey