4/5/2016
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.
4/5/2016
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