King Range National Conservation Area (Shelter Cove)

Are you and your pup the adventurous type and needing an outlet for all that energy?  The King Range National Conservation Area at Shelter Cove is a puptastic place to visit and has much to offer you both in Whitethorn, California, just a few hours drive from San Francisco!

King Range boasts the longest undeveloped coastline in the U.S., as well as being dedicated as California's Lost Coast wilderness area. This means you and Fido are in for an adventure! Pick up the trailheads for the Shelter Cove hikes off Hwy 101 on Shelter Cove Road.

There are many trails to choose from in the conservation area, with over 80 miles of hiking trails and 24 miles of bicycling trails. Within Shelter Cove, you can hike 2 different trails including the 24 mile King Range National Conservation Area Waterfalls Trail and the 8 mile Black Sand Beach Trail. You will be treated to ancient redwood forests, fast-running streams, a waterfall, rock outcroppings, and coastal bluffs. You can be hiking along the California coastline and mountains in the same day if you choose, or just take a short stroll to get out into nature - the choice is yours. The entire length is rated as moderate.

With so much to do, many people will come to this area to make use of all the amenities the Shelter Cove area has to offer, including fishing, surfing, swimming, backpacking, camping and beachcombing. 

For any of these adventures, it is important to bring a compass or GPS device, plenty of water, extra clothing for rapidly-changing weather, and food. Please remember that you should always pack out what you pack in. Fido can run, swim and hike off leash, but be respectful to others who might not share your enthusiasm when encountering your pup. Always have a leash at hand, just in case.

Head out to King Range National Conservation Area at Shelter Cove for a furrific day with your pup!