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Web Based Trail App – Data Sheet

Peter Douglas Trail at Shady Dell

This wild and beautiful section of the California Coastal Trail (CCT) is dedicated to the memory of Peter

Douglas (1942-2012), who was the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission for more than 25

years. He was a fierce guardian of California's 1,100-mile-long coastline, and he battled to preserve its natural

beauty and public access to its beaches. He was the main author of California's landmark coastal protection

law, the Coastal Act. It only seems fitting that this trail at Shady Dell be named for him, as a way of honoring

his tireless dedication to conserving and protecting for future generations the beautiful California Coast.

Peter would be proud of the collaborative work that led to this trail being built in his name on this remote part

of the California Coast. It takes a village, and the California Coastal Conservancy, Coastal Commission, Save

the Redwoods League, Mendocino Land Trust, California Conservation Corps, NCCC Americorps, Redwood

Forest Foundation, Coastwalk, and many other organizations and individuals played a part in the creation of

this trail.

This 2.3-mile trail offers a wide variety of coastal “experiences,” including expansive views of Mendocino’s

remote and wild “Lost Coast,” deep redwood and Douglas fir forests, and old-growth trees sculpted into

bizarre shapes by salty winds. There is a magic and mystery present here. It is an all-day excursion to get to

this trail from Fort Bragg or Mendocino, and the Usal Road is only open during the dry season. It’s well worth

the trip, though it’s a rugged adventure and hike.

It’s not unusual to see Roosevelt Elk and other wildlife near Usal Beach. Also at the north end of the Peter

Douglas Trail is a “candelabra redwood forest,” featuring large old trees that the salt and wind have twisted

into strange shapes and designs. There are over 300 handmade steps climbing a steep hill in this part of the

CCT. Portions of the trail are on old logging roads, enabling friends and family to hike side-by-side if they wish.

There is also a bridge across Shady Dell Creek that was built by local craftsman John Koski, with stringers and

decking made from locally milled Fort Bragg redwood.

The Lost Coast Trail continues north of Usal for 53 miles, winding up and down through the Sinkyone

Wilderness State Park in Mendocino County and along the beach in the BLM Kings Range National

Conservation Area, ending at the Mattole River in Humboldt County.

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Photos of the Trail:

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Survey Data Collected: Winter 2015

Trail Name Location x y North mile mark

South mile mark

Cell service

Hours of Operation

Trail Length

Peter Douglas Trail S. Trailhead -123.839 39.814 90.91 90.6 None Dawn to dusk 2.3 miles

Wheelchair accessible

Beach access

Biking Blufftop Trail

Boat Ramp

Camping Campground website

Dogs on Leash

Drinking Water

Dunes

no yes no yes no Yes, at Sinyone Wilderness Park

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=429

yes no no

Equestrian Family friendly

Fee Fishing Fire pits Food Available

Nature Parking Parking spaces Path to Beach

no yes no no Yes, at campsite

no yes yes ample yes

Picnic Area

Pier Playground Points of Interest Restrooms Rocky Shore

Sandy Shore

yes no no Unique candelabra redwoods, ocean views, wildlife (Roosevelt Elk) and birds, benches, interpretive panels

yes no yes

SCUBA Snorkeling Stairs Stream Corridor

Surfing Tide pools Visitor Center

Wetland Restrictions

no no yes yes no no no yes Dogs on leash only, no bikes no motorized vehicles, no garbage receptacles: pack in pack out

Difficulty: Strenuous, due to uneven mountainous terrain with some steep hills and long sets of stairs