Inn of the Lost Coast

Welcome to The Inn of the Lost Coast. We are delighted to welcome you as our guest, and wish you an enjoyable and memorable stay. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, our staff is prepared to serve you with the highest degree of professionalism and hospitality.

In this directory you will find detailed information about our hotel’s amenities and guest services. Should you require additional information or assistance, please call the Front Desk.

This directory also includes valuable information about nearby points of interest and exciting things to do, and the fine offerings of our local businesses. Please take time to thank the local area merchants you visit, whose support has brought you this guest directory.

Thank you for staying at The Inn of the Lost Coast. We hope you will find your stay so pleasant that you will choose us again the next time you visit Shelter Cove. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Sincerely yours,
The Management and Staff
The Inn of the Lost Coast

Inn of the Lost Coast
205 Wave Drive, Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-786-7521

Property Layout

click image for larger view

ADA Accommodations

Inn of the Lost Coast is committed to providing accessible facilities for guests with disabilities. If you encounter barriers during your stay, please contact the Manager. If in the future you require an accessible room, please request one when making a reservation. We can assist you better if you let us know your individual needs in advance.

ATMs & Banks

Shelter Cove General Store
7272 Shelter Cove Road
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-986-7733

Catering for Events

Catering services are available for business meetings, weddings and reunions in the hotel. Please dial 707-986-7521 to make arrangements.

Channel Lineup

Check In/Check Out

Check in time is 3pm. Check out time is 11am. In the event of a late check out, please make arrangements with the Front Desk in advance.

Complimentary Coffee

Complimentary coffee is available in guest rooms. Our coffee is made by SIGNATURE Organic Coffee, a company located here in Humboldt County.

Conference Room

A conference room accommodating up to 65 people is available for business meetings and other events. For information or to make reservations, please contact the Front Desk.

Copy Service

Black and white copies are available at no charge.

Credit Cards

For your convenience we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards.

Emergencies

In case of a police, fire or ambulance emergency, dial 911 from your cell phone. If your provider is Verizon or US Cellular you should have service. AT&T and other cell service providers do not work in this area. There are no phones located in guest rooms. If your cell phone has no service, come to the Front Desk to use the phone for any emergencies.

Equipment Rentals

Tsunami Surf & Sport
Delivers kayaks and other equipment to Shelter Cove. They also offer life jacket loans. Make arrangements in advance and check with Front Desk for available delivery times.
445 Conger Street Suite B
Garberville, CA 95542
707-923-1965

Fax Service

Fax service is available at the Front Desk. Please inquire there for incoming fax numbers and rates. Our fax number is 707-968-7524.

Fishing Charters

C’Mon Sport Fishing – Jared Morris
707-223-2362 • captjmorris707@gmail.com

Outcast Sport Fishing – Kevin Riley
707-223-0368 • outcastsportfishing@yahoo.com

Forget Something?

We have items such as pain relievers, shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and shaving cream available for purchase at the Front Desk.

Front Desk

You may contact the Front Desk from your room by dialing 707-986-7521. The Front Desk is open from 9am to 9pm. If you need to contact us after 9pm, please ring the bell located at the door of the Office or call our number.

Hospital

Jerold Phelps Community Hospital
733 Cedar Street
Garberville, CA 95542
707-923-3921

Hot Tub temporarily closed

DUE TO COVID-19 GUIDELINES, THE HOT TUB IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.

Housekeeping

Please dial 707-986-7521 to contact the Housekeeping Department for any housekeeping service needs, including extra towels, linens or blankets. If you would like your room serviced, please make sure you have your door tag hanging outside by 11am.

Ice Machine

An ice machine is conveniently located at the lower level center building.

In-Room Amenities

For your convenience guest rooms come equipped with microwaves and hair dryers. Iron and ironing boards are available upon request.

Internet Access

We are pleased to offer complimentary Wi-Fi in all our guest rooms. The Front Desk will provide you with instructions on how to access it.

Key

If you lose your key, please notify the Front Desk immediately. We will gladly provide you with a replacement upon presentation of photo identification. If your ID is locked in your room, hotel staff will assist you in retrieving it.

Lost & Found

Please contact the Front Desk regarding any items you may have lost or found. The Inn of the Lost Coast is not responsible for lost items.

Luggage Assistance

Our helpful staff will be happy to assist you with your luggage depending on availability. Please contact the Front Desk.

Mail, Postage Stamps

Mail may be dropped off or picked up at the Front Desk, and postage stamps may be purchased there at the current postal rate.

Messages

The Front Desk will notify you if any messages have been left for you.

Newspapers

Complimentary weekly copies of the Redwood Times and the Humboldt Independent are available at the Front Desk.

Pets

Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly rooms only, at the discretion of management. There is a pet fee of $15 per pet per night. Pets may not be left unattended in guest rooms at any time. Pets are not permitted on the back deck and lawn by the hot tub. A $150 deep cleaning fee will be assessed for having an undeclared pet in your room and/or having pets in undesignated areas.

Reservations

Please contact the Front Desk or call 707-786-7521 for future individual or group reservations, or to reserve conference rooms.

Restaurants

Airport Deli & Market
492 Machi Road
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-986-7474

Café Dulce
545 Shelter Cove Road
Whitethorn, CA 95589
707-986-7179

Delgada Pizza & Bakery (On site)
205 Wave Drive
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-986-7672

The Fish Tank (On site)
205 Wave Drive
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-986-7850

Gyppo Ale Mill
1661 Upper Pacific Drive
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-986-7700

Mi Mochima (Across the street)
210 Wave Drive
Shelter Cove, CA 95589
707-358-0460

Smoking Policy

All of our rooms are smoke-free. Guests who smoke in their room will incur a $150 deep cleaning fee.

Safety & Security

Traveler Safety

Do not admit anyone into your room without first verifying his or her identity. All doors are provided with peep holes. If you are unsure of someone claiming to be a hotel employee, don’t let them in and call the Front Desk for verification.
Always use all locking devices on the door. Before leaving your room, double check that windows and door are all securely locked.
Keep your room key with you at all times. Do not leave it unattended in your room, by the hot tub or elsewhere.
Report any suspicious activity that you observe to the management.

Fire Safety

If you hear an alarm or smell smoke, act immediately; don’t just investigate.
To report a fire, dial 911 from your cell phone. Be sure to give your room number.
Leave your room. Proceed quickly but calmly. Do not panic.

Earthquake Safety

If you feel any shaking:

Drop, cover and hold on: drop down to the floor as soon as you perceive an earthquake has started; drop down before the earthquake drops you down. Then seek shelter under a desk or table. Crouch down on your knees so that you can move with the table. Hold on to the table leg(s) so you can keep the table over you.
If there is no nearby desk or table, sit on the floor against an inside wall, away from windows, tall furniture or bookcases. Draw up your knees, bend your head toward your knees. Protect your head and neck with your arms.
Go outside once the shaking stops. Make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes before leaving the building. If possible take valuables and medications. Avoid touching downed power lines. If access to exit doors is blocked by earthquake damage, wait for a rescue team.

Tsunami Safety

If you are at the beach or near the ocean and you feel the ground shake or see rapidly rising or falling coastal water levels, move immediately to higher ground and stay there until local authorities say it is safe to return. DO NOT wait for a warning to be announced. If the tsunami is caused by a remote earthquake or volcanic eruption, you will be alerted by a siren, radio or television broadcasts, local first responders and/or an alarm at the hotel.

Often the first wave may not be the largest. The danger from a tsunami can last up to 12 hours after the arrival of the first wave. Tsunamis move faster than a person can run, and can be 30 feet high or higher; sometimes much higher. Never stay near shore to watch a tsunami come in.

BEACH Safety

The beaches of the Lost Coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, but they can be extremely treacherous. Following a few simple rules will help you enjoy them safely.

“Water Sport-Friendly” Beaches

The Cove, also known as Shelter Cove Beach, is a long, dark sand beach just south of the town of Shelter Cove. It is the only place in the area safe for water sports. As always, if you are visiting the beach, avoid alcohol, never leave a child unattended, and don’t turn your back on the ocean — sneaker waves can surprise you and wash you out to sea. Stay well back from the surf and avoid rocks and jetties. The waters off the Lost Coast are so cold that you’ll need a full body wetsuit to enter them.

With abalone diving on hold until the abalone population rebounds, just about the only hardy souls who venture into the water at the Cove are surfers. Less experienced surfers should opt for the area around Wash Rock, near the boat ramp and jetty. Conditions there are usually safe, but there are submerged rocks, and conditions can vary depending on tides and storm activity. More advanced surfers tend to prefer the waves just off Dead Man’s Gulch, a little further south. Be aware that there is a rock reef there. No matter where you intend to surf be sure to check the surf and weather reports, tide tables, and talk to locals. You can also call Tsunami Sport and Surf at 707-923-1965 for more information.

If you see someone in trouble in the water call 911 and stay on the beach to direct rescuers. Never enter the ocean to attempt a rescue; cold water paralysis can set in within minutes and make swimming impossible. Also, never try to rescue a dog. They swim better than people, and almost always get out on their own.

“No-Swim” Beaches

Black Sands Beach and its immediate neighbor to the south, Little Black Sands Beach, are popular destinations for visitors, but are particularly dangerous. Here, if a sneaker wave gets you, not only do you face cold water paralysis, but you are likely to get battered by the rocky coast and pulled under by a rip tide. Observe all the precautions mentioned above, but stay further back from the surf than you think is necessary. Sneaker waves often reach well into areas of dry sand. If you are tide pooling or even just walking on the beach, wearing a life jacket is a good idea. If you are swept into the ocean, a life vest will keep your head above water and significantly increase your chances of survival. One can be borrowed at no charge at a life jacket loan station, part of a program by the Water Safety Coalition of Northwestern California. In Shelter Cove you can borrow one by calling Tsunami Sport and Surf, the nearest life jacket loan station, at 707-923-1965 or going onto their website at TsunamiSportAndSurf.com and placing a request a day in advance.

The Lost Coast Trail

The Lost Coast is an isolated, pristine area where the King Range of mountains plunges directly into the ocean. A 25-mile long hiking trail runs primarily along the water’s edge from Black Sands Beach north to Mattole Beach (see map in “Trail Info” section). There is also a part of the trail that extends to the south, from Shelter Cove to the Sinkyone Wilderness, but it keeps to the clifftops mostly.

People come to hike the Lost Coast Trail from all over the world. It is not for everyone, however. It requires being in great shape, having backpacking experience, and calls for significant preparation. Reservations are not required, but you will need a walk-in permit for overnight stays. You will also need approved bear cannisters, at least one per person.

Generally the best time of year to hike the Lost Coast Trail is from May through early August, usually the dry season.

Although the trail is only 25 miles long, it will take three to four days to hike it. Footing is slow and uncertain, with rocks constantly moving under your feet. Expect to average about a mile and a half per hour hiking on the beaches. There are sections of firmer footing, though, such as the coastal meadows of Miller Flat and Spanish Flat. Still, most of the trail runs at the foot of towering cliffs and mountains. In many places it is very narrow, and twice a day entire sections disappear at high tide, to be replaced by surf crashing against cliff walls for hours. Two of those sections are about 4 miles long. If you get caught in one of them when the tide comes in, you could die. Tide tables are a must. Also, stay away from beach areas during small craft advisories; rough surf could wash up onto the trail and sweep you away.

Hazards include hiking through inter-tidal zones, sneaker waves, wind exposure, poison oak (lots of it), creek crossings (there are no bridges, and some creeks may be impassible after a storm), occasional rattlesnakes, and black bears.

Do not attempt this hike by yourself. Your party should let someone know that you’ve gone, and when you expect to be done. That way if you run into trouble, people will know to look for you.

You can find more information at WonderlandGuides.com. You should also have these phone numbers: BLM Arcata Field Office 707-825-2300, and King Range Field Office 707-986-5400.

Trail Info

Lost Coast Trail
See the previous section (above) for a detailed description and recommendations about the Lost Coast Trail.

Hidden Valley/Chinquapin Trail Loop
Difficulty: Rigorous
Elevation: +750 ft., -350 ft.
Round Trip Distance: 10 miles
Estimated Time: 8 Hours
Features: Views of the Sinkyone to the south, and coast.
Notes: Look for evidence of elk in Hidden Valley.
Directions: Shelter Cove Road to Chemise Mountain Road, park at Hidden Valley Trailhead.

Lightning Trail to King Peak
Difficulty: Rigorous
Elevation: +1,900 ft.
Round Trip Distance: 5 miles
Estimated Time: 4 Hours
Features: Incredible 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Yolla Bolly Wilderness, the Lassic Mountains to the east.
Notes: Look for evidence of the 2003 Honeydew fire.
Directions: King Peak Road to King Range Road, park at Lightning Trailhead.

Horse Mountain Creek Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: +300 ft., -1,700 ft.
Round Trip Distance: 8.4 miles
Estimated Time: 6 Hours
Features: Our most forgiving ridge to beach trail follows the north side of Horse Mountain Creek along an old logging road that was decommissioned by BLM in 1999.
Notes: Use for Horse Trailer parking or as an alternate to Black Sands Beach to access the Lost Coast Trail.
Directions: King Peak Road 4 miles north of the intersection with Shelter Cove Road, park at trailhead.

Punta Gorda Lighthouse
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: None
Round Trip Distance: 6.5 miles
Estimated Time: 5 Hours
Features: A remote decommissioned lighthouse with interpretive signs about its history.
Notes: Punta Gorda Point is impassable at high tide; plan to cross at low or outgoing tide.
Directions: Mattole Road to Lighthouse Road, park at Mattole Trailhead.

Bear Creek Nature Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: None
Round Trip Distance: 1/2 mile
Estimated Time: 1/2 Hour
Features: Follows Bear Creek, has interpretive panels about Native Americans.
Notes: Look for steelhead and salmon in the creek. No fishing.
Directions: Shelter Cove Road to Chemise Mountain Road, 2.5 miles. Park at Nadelos Campground.

Tidepools at Mal Coombs Park
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: None
Round Trip Distance: 1/4 mile
Estimated Time: 1 Hour
Features: Best tidepooling is at low tide.
Notes: Access is via the stairs located by the lighthouse.
Directions: Shelter Cove Road to Upper Pacific Road, turn left. Turn right on Machi Rd, park at the Lighthouse.

Black Sands Beach to Horse Mountain Creek
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: None
Round Trip Distance: 3 miles
Estimated Time: 2 Hours
Features: Views of the Lost Coast.
Directions: Beware of large waves washing up the beach; keep your eyes on the ocean.
Directions: Shelter Cove Road, right on Beach Road, park at Black Sands Beach Trailhead.

Trail information courtesy BLM. A large, detailed map/guide to the King Range can be purchased from the BLM and local businesses.

Detailed trail maps with charts are also available at the Front Desk.