Mattole River Beach

Mattole Beach is at the sandy mouth of the Mattole River at the north end of King Range National Conservation Area. This remote area is reached via a long winding drive down the Mattole Road from either Weott (east) or Ferndale (north). The beach is down Lighthouse Road which begins near the tiny town of Petrolia on the Mattole Road.

Mattole Campground is at the beach and offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking opportunities. The Lost Coast Trail begins here and takes hikers and backpackers south to Punta Gorda Lighthouse (a day hike) and other remote beaches on the route to Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove 25 miles away.

Beachcombing is good either direction on the beach from the campground, however, the river mouth isn’t far away to the north and it’s too large to cross. Driftwood is abundant at the beach.

If you are camping, watch the forecast as the weather can be wild in these parts.

Restrooms and potable water are provided near the campground entrance (water is shut off in November through winter typically).

Address

3750 Lighthouse Rd
Petrolia, CA 95558

Park Name

Mattole River Recreation Site, King Range National Conservation Area

Other Names

Mattole Beach

Owner

BLM

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Free day-use parking, fees for camping

Activities

Hiking, Backpacking, Beachcombing, Camping

Amenities

Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Trails, Campground, Driftwood, River

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart