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Part of the King Range National Conservation Area, Black Sands Beach is a 3.4-mile long, fairly wide black sand and dark pebble beach at the end of the 20-mile long coastline between Shelter Cove and Mattole River Campground.
Its hard-packed sand is wonderful for long walks and beach combing. From the beach you can take the Lost Coast Trail north to many wilderness camps and remote hiking spots.
When backpacking across the beach, plan carefully as parts of the beach get inundated by the high tide. There is an offshore reef that protects the beach.
Swimming is possible as long as you take care. At low tide, you can walk all the way to Little Black Sand Beach.
Beach Rd and Humboldt Loop, Whitethorn, CA 95589
The drive takes around 4.5 hours from San Francisco:
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