Exploring California's Secret Lost Coast - Usal Beach

[@scottymac5174]

USAL road stands for USA Lumber. It was made as a timber hauling road. I was last up there two years ago in late September. Early morning, driving in, hit a big deer with my truck.

[@petermccarthy3046]

I was there a month ago in my one legger 2wd E250. Had to make camp right where that westy was camped. Van did not like the sand. Gotta work on that! look forward to the rest of this trip.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

For the first part of the Lost Coast trail and Usal Beach 2wd is fine, going North on the trail is doable with 2wd but may be tricky.

[@OVERLAND_ADVENTURE]

That is my spot awesome place for sure 🫡

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

I've never been there on a weekend, but on the Thursday that I was there it was nice and quiet...I want to go back there for a fog-less day so I can really enjoy the ocean view.

[@harrisonbraun3202]

I was in the orange VW when you passed by….

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

Cool...I remember you.

[@elburropardo1661]

I’m watching the video again. And I saw the white van at the entrance Of the beach. Month later I went and still was there.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

You mean the VW van?...I actually saw both of them leaving the next morning... maybe they use that spot as the base-camp, exploring the area, and coming back to it.

[@campfirestories744]

Thank you

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

👍

[@CMPIERCE1]

Hot weather inland always creates costal haze. You’ll like Usal Rd to Shelter Cove

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

I did that the following day...didn't like it at all 🙂...it was very bumpy, and due to tall and dense vegetation I couldn't see any view (the video will be posted next Monday)

[@scottymac5174]

@@OverlandOutAndAbout From Shelter Cove north up to Honeydew and Matole Reiver beach.

[@scottymac5174]

@@OverlandOutAndAbout That section travels inland a little ways from the coast.

[@goteedvr.gtag2020]

HEYYYYY I JUST DROVE PAST UR CAR fyi I subbed

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

today?

[@goteedvr.gtag2020]

@@OverlandOutAndAbout yep!

[@goteedvr.gtag2020]

@@OverlandOutAndAbout that is how i got your yt

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

Nice!

[@CPT891]

You’re such a giver. lol. Thanks for the vid.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

Yap, I do this for you guys.

[@scottymac5174]

Being self contained. A lot of people just go up there to party. In big groups.

[@cmxvirunit9468]

What’s your suspension set up on your van?

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

Kings all 4 wheels, with coil springs in the front and Deaver leaf springs in the rear.

[@scottymac5174]

One thing you need to realize. USAL is possibly one of the only beaches left in California that you can still drive out and camp on.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

Pismo Beach as well

[@edenvasseur]

There’s a big sign when you pull up that says no driving on the beach. Everyone does, but yeah it’s not technically legal. Pismo is the only place I know of that you can legally drive on the beach.

[@scottymac5174]

@@OverlandOutAndAbout Pismo needs a permit/sticker.

[@scottymac5174]

@@edenvasseur Been there many times when USFS rangers have been there. If you are out on the beach and doing good. they leave you alone.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

I didn't know that

[@1999glock]

Want to make the trip next summer. I have a 2x2 high clearance (6 inch lift) ford van with 33 inch tires. Any one like to advise if this will do, or is 4x needed.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

You should be ok. I would recommend staying away from the deep sand on the beach, but you should be fine.

[@1999glock]

@@OverlandOutAndAbout Thanks much for the reply. Not too concerned with deep sand on the beach, but the road overall, say from Usal to Mattole. Planning on the Usal Road to Ferndale road trip. with a few "side options" along the way.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

I engaged 4wd a few times on that trail, but I'm pretty sure it's doable even with 2wd.

[@ricklichau9176]

The road in from 101 is 4x if it has rained, and marginal otherwise for 2x in many places. Very deep ruts, many filled with water. This video is misleading! about 9 miles of bad road!

[@1999glock]

@@ricklichau9176 Thanks Rick for the "intel". Hoping for no rain, gunna do next summer or late May. Assuming a dry road, I have a lot of clearance in my van. Can you offer any info on the road from Usal to Shelter Cove and Shelter Cove north on the Lost Coast. Very confusing as it seems there are many options. Not looking for "off roading", just a trip along the Lost Coast to Ferndale. Thanks

[@beefeekeefee]

Been to the lost coast twice on my motorcycle. Beautiful area. Be warned the paved roads getting back there are horrendous. Forty years of chip/ seal gone bad. Like a third world country. The gravel roads in your video are smoother than the "paved" ones. Still, it's worth the time and effort.

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

I didn't go on paved roads in that area so I don't know.

[@dennisdrewry5625]

Bigfoot!

[@OverlandOutAndAbout]

Megalodon!