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Backpacker's Dream on Northern CA Coast

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ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society

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Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.

Project Specifics:

Combine a pre-planned backpacking trip with trail cleanup!

The Lost Coast Trail (LCT) traverses 25 miles of jaw-dropping coastal wilderness featuring secluded beaches, lush coastal prairies, and the historic Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Every spring, rangers and volunteers hike out marine debris that washes ashore during large winter storms - and this year you can help with these efforts on a Volunteer Vacation!

Join this project to help keep this beach clean by participating in marine debris removal on a point-to-point backpacking trip along the coast. In Spring 2024 alone, more than 1,700 single-use water bottles were collected from this stretch of coastline!

Daily hiking distance will vary between 3-5 miles along the beach with minimal elevation gain. About 50% of the hike will be over loose sand, 25% will be through boulder fields requiring balance and stepping up and down repeatedly, and 25% will be on hard-packed, flat ground. The terrain along the Lost Coast Trail may pose some challenge to hikers with joint (ankle and knee) mobility issues due to the uneven terrain. Volunteers can expect a pace of one mile per hour, as the goal is to search high and low for hidden marine debris washed up among the driftwood.

Backpackers will get to experience a few different camping locations as we make our way up the coast along this point-to-point trail. Planning an adventure along the LCT typically requires a significant amount of research and planning to navigate around the tides and ocean conditions. Let experienced park rangers lead the way and help lend a hand in removing plastic trash from our coastline, waterways, and ocean.

Area and Attractions

The King Range National Conservation Area has over 85 miles of wilderness hiking trails and 25 miles of mountain bike trails. The closest town, Shelter Cove, is a quiet fishing village with hotels, a few quaint restaurants and bars, and fishing charters. There are multiple state parks within an hour's drive, including Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants. April is a fantastic time to visit this area! Rolling hills of wildflowers, hundreds of elephant seals, and thrilling creek crossings are notable highlights of a springtime visit.

Accommodations Description

On the day of arrival and the day of departure, volunteers will camp outside of the staff barracks at the King Range National Conservation Area. Here, the team will have direct access to bathrooms with flushing toilets and three showers, laundry facilities, and a full kitchen. During work days, volunteers will be backpacking along the coast and sleeping in tents in wilderness campsites along the coast. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear and a portion of the food/tools/cooking gear to camp each day. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Trip Cost: $425 per person

Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/king-range-national-conservation-area-ca-volunteer-vacations-2025/

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About American Hiking Society

Location:

8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US

Mission Statement

As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.

Description

Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.

Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it!

Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Trips involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.

Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.

Get Out. Give Back.

CAUSE AREAS

Environment
Environment

WHEN

Sun Apr 13, 2025 - Sat Apr 19, 2025

WHERE

768 Shelter Cove RoadWhitethorn, CA 95589

(40.05673,-123.97562)
 

SKILLS

  • Community Outreach
  • Outdoor Recreation

GOOD FOR

  • Teens
  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

N/A

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