Mattole River Beach in Petrolia, CA

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Mattole Beach in King Range National Conservation Area California.

About Mattole River Beach in Petrolia, California

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