Petrolia - Hike to Punta Gorda Lighthouse
King Range National Convervation AreaPetrolia, California 95558
Southwest Humboldt
Website
The Punta Gorda Light Station was known as the "Alcatraz of Lighthouses" because of its inaccessibility and because lighthouse service employees were supposedly exiled there due to misconduct. It began operating on January 15, 1912 but due to the remoteness and the difficulties in keeping it maintained, it was decommisioned in 1951. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Hiking to the old lighthouse is absolutely incredible and gives hikers a good idea of why this area is referred to as the Lost Coast.
Hikers are treated to 3 miles (each way) of beautiful beach, wildlife, wildflowers, great views, a sense of adventure and the sounds of crashing waves with each and every step.
How to get there:
From Honeydew, take Mattole Road west until you reach Lighthouse Road (you'll reach it before you cross Mill Creek into Petrolia) and take a left. Lighthouse Road will take you to the Mattole Campground which is the trailhead. Follow the signs for a breathtaking 3-mile hike to the lighthouse.
From Petrolia, take Mattole Road through town. After you cross Mill Creek, take Lighthouse Road to the right. Lighthouse Road will take you to the Mattole Campground which is the trailhead. Follow the signs for a breathtaking 3-mile hike to the lighthouse.
More info:
Bring water and snacks as well as comfortable shoes/boots.
Other fun things to do in the area:
If you love the outdoors, the King Range National Conservation Area, which the lighthouse is located within, is a dream come true. Check out its Website for more info and start planning your next road trip adventure today!
For more detailed informaton about the Humboldt area, visit our Humboldt Website which has a complete list of beaches and parks, art galleries and museums, a restaurant guide, information about the world-famous Avenue of the Giants and much more.
*Click on the photos below to enlarge them
