lost coast

A name for California north coast, running from the northern part of Mendocino county, through Humboldt county, and up into Del Norte county. It's full of the legendary coastal redwoods and home to some of the neatest towns you'll never see. Also well known for blown glass and weed. The coast all along this section is very steep and rocky - think Bodega Bay, only more so. Highway 1 (the coastal highway in the rest of Cali) merges with 101 (which runs several miles inland) at the south end of the Lost Coast, because the highway builders couldn't even pave a road along this stretch of desolate crags, which is why it's called 'lost.' I don't recommend swimming out here, but if you're an artist, it is one of the most inspiring places in the world. Major cities are Crescent City, Arcata, Eureka, and Fort Bragg. If you feel like driving over a mountain or two on a winding, two-lane road to get down to the coast, Shelter Cove is a beautiful destination.