Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Go — Visiting the Mattole Valley

Roads: Many Valley roads are narrow, unpaved, and seasonal — some become impassable in wet weather. Check current conditions before you drive in, and fill up on gas before you leave HWY 101 — services are limited once you're in.

Is the land I'm on public?
Much of the Valley, including Lost Coast Trails, is private property, often unmarked. Respect posted boundaries, and remember many residents live remotely by choice — please be mindful of their privacy.

How do I help protect the Valley while I'm here?
There are no waste services out here — what you bring in, you bring out. Pack out all trash, protect water sources from contamination, and leave no trace.

  • Yes. Lost Coast Trails operates as a private, non-profit campground along the Mattole River. Every stay includes a complimentary one-year membership to our non-profit association, Sunshine Flow Collective, — so from your first night with us, you're part of the herd.

    What do I get as a member?

    Membership comes with a few things close to our heart:

    • 10% off future stays, because we hope you'll come back

    • 5% of your booking directed to the Lost Coast Trails Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, so your visit is already doing some good before you even arrive

    • A standing invitation back to the river, the herd, and the land that holds this place together

    Do I need to do anything to activate my membership?

    No — it's automatic with every booking. Your membership begins the day your stay is confirmed and runs for one year.

  • Our Kitchen and Bathhouse is connected to on the grid power. Dome sites have their own individual battery pack or solar battery that provide lights, kettle, electric blanket, and charging for portible devices.

    There is wonderful fresh Spring Water available through out our property for drinking and any and all other needs.

  • Don't count on it. Cell service is limited and unreliable throughout most of the Valley. Download offline maps before you arrive.

    Wifi (Starlink) is available here at our property.

  • We love and welcome all of our furry friends! As a sanctuary we do request that your pet either be kept on a leash or is well behaved enough to not chase the wild animals, cows, horses or other animals that call this land home. Please be respectful of other guests who also may have their pet with them, and please be sure that your pet leaves no trace.

  • We are not a car camping campground. Park for free in our designated shaded area at the front, then use one of our wagons to haul your gear to your site. Once you're set up, it's just you, the horses, and the river — no cars in camp.

  • Extra water, food, a full tank of gas, and a paper or offline map. Treat a Valley trip like a wilderness trip — weather and conditions can change fast.

  • Black Bears, mountain lions, bobcats, black tail deer, wild turkeys, wild pigs, and the occasional rattlesnake are present in our area.

    Store food properly in a bear container and keep food out of your tent and put away in the kitchen area.

    Give wildlife space. Do not feed or try to touch the wild animals we share our land with as this is their home too.

  • The nearest hospital is St. Josephs in Eureka, CA (almost 2 hours away) 911 response in the Valley can take significantly longer than visitors expect — come prepared to be self-sufficient.

Cancelations + Policies

Cancellations: Cancel any time up to 14 days before your arrival for a Full Refund; Cancellations made within 8-13 days before your stay receive a 50% refund, or a full-value credit toward a future stay at our Property, valid for 12 months; Cancelations made 7 days or less, and no-shows, are non-refundable;

NOTE: as the Mattole River corridor and the roads into Petrolia are remote and can be affected by conditions outside anyone's control — washouts, flooding, or wildfire evacuation orders — if official closures make it impossible to reach us, we will offer a full refund or a credit toward a future stay, your choice, regardless of how close to your arrival date this occurs;

Check-in / check-out: Check-in between 3:00-6:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM. Early arrivals and late departures by request, based on availability.

Waivers: All guests must sign a liability waiver before arrival, covering camping, campfires, river swimming, yoga, hot tub, and sauna use. A separate waiver applies to any guest activity with the horses. Minors require a parent or legal guardian's signature.

Quiet hours: 9 PM–8 AM

Fires: Campfires permitted only in designated fire rings, weather and fire-danger permitting. No fires during red flag warning days or during burn bans.

Alcohol: Permitted for 21 years old, enjoyed responsibly. Management reserves the right to restrict or end alcohol use at their discretion at any time.