Nor Cal Lost coast looking for some feedback

[subiesailor]

I've done the first 6 miles in the old Legacy GT many years ago in early June - very wet winter fantastic drive into the first beach. Though I've heard it can be a muddy bog in some places farther up the road.

Looking like I might have the chance to do the full end to end trip in mid June this year. Very wet winter so far but looking like we might dry out in Mid April- May so looking for some comments from folks who have done this trip in the June time frame and have gone the length of it.

It would be awesome to take the new Outback far more comfortable and fuel efficient than the old Landcruiser but I'd be tempted to take the Landcruiser as long as its still passable and not a test of 4wd survival. Just want to see the lost coast and have a cool adventure without breaking stuff and tearing up a vehicle. LOL

Any of you guys make the full Usual Rd trip before?

[travelingtacks]

I've read where people have hiked this path, but never via 4x4. I got some googling to do.
I'm interested as well. I'm assuming your Navy? if so we got some things in common. I'm Navy as well, and proud owner of my 2011 Outback.

Happy Trails

Brian

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by travelingtacks

I've read where people have hiked this path, but never via 4x4. I got some googling to do.
I'm interested as well. I'm assuming your Navy? if so we got some things in common. I'm Navy as well, and proud owner of my 2011 Outback.

Happy Trails

Brian

Closest I ever got to Armed Forces was Travis AFB my dad was head of the Science dept at the HS for nearly 23yrs.

I picked up CA coastal Byways by Tony Huegel off Amazon got a three book deal and free shipping a week ago. Great resource by the way! His web site is Backcountry Byways four-wheel drive guidebooks by Tony Huegel

Check out his blog and click on the Go West trip. Something like 2500 miles by dirt road traveling the old wagon road, Pony Express road etc. Epic adventure I have it on my bucket list now. Plan on 3-4 hours reading the blog on the Adventure. They rode duel sports for that trip but most of his back road stuff is with Toyota SUV's

As for Usual Rd - its nearly impassible during a wet spring/ winter so pending how May Goes it may be a no go.

[subiesailor]

His blog check it out click the Go West banner it will take you to a forum where they post the full trip as they did the trip with some photos that will blow your socks off.
Backcountry Byways Journal: Idaho to Montana Across Bannack Pass

[travelingtacks]

3-4 hours of reading the blog. Wow! good think i just cracked a fresh beer. Thanks for the info

[DockingPilot]

I am personal freinds with Tony and have ridden many of his routes on my motorcycle. In fact some of his blog describes it. You absolutley could do them in the OB. What great adventures !
Frank
"DockingPilot"

[teleski]

Sorry can't be of any help. But... did an in/out backpack on the Lost cost many years ago, not quite the full route (first 4-5 beaches maybe?) all in the Sinkyone wilderness boundaries (just dug it up on Google maps.) I don't recall thinking that I would want to 4x4 that trip and we did not see a single vehicle past the usual trailhead. Would love to hear if you get out there, one of the more memorable sections of CA coast I have ever seen.

[SteveCA]

Many years ago (1979 maybe) we drove the length of the coast in a 1978 Saab. But we stuck to route 1 (and 101 where necessary). Always wanted to get back up there and see that part of the coast. Let us know how your trip goes.

[Bimmer]

Originally Posted by teleski

I don't recall thinking that I would want to 4x4 that trip and we did not see a single vehicle past the usual trailhead.

I haven't been there (yet), but I almost did this trip last year, backpacking (storm system moved in, canceled plans).

Having looked into it, my sense was that you cannot drive past the trailhead.

Even getting to the trailhead is famously difficult, but our plan was simply to take the Outback as far as we comfortably/confidently could, and then start hiking. I bought a couple tow straps for the occasion...

[subiesailor]

Here is the scoop. Usual RD is best run north to south and winter through end of June I've been told proper hard core 4X4 needed for the mud holes. July the road dries out and a subaru outback can make the trip with little issue. So this trip we will stick to some of our other favorite places and plan to hit Usual Rd for the real lost coast drive at another time. My Landcruiser would make the trip fine but would rather do it with a friend and his rig along for the trip given I'd have a 2yr old and the wife along for the ride and getting stuck with those two would not be good.