How to Get to Shelter Cove, California

Getting to Shelter Cove is part of the adventure. However, it also part of the beauty of the experience. The journey to Shelter Cove itself is of daunting length to some. If you take in the beauty and fun along the way, it’s all part of the experience.

This remote coastal village, nestled along California’s famously unpaved Lost Coast, offers breathtaking rewards for those willing to make the journey. The primary road in is paved and maintained, but windy. Here’s everything you need to know to arrive safely and enjoyably—whether by road, air, or a mix of both.

Imagine – you could drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe on 80 in this kind of traffic for four hours;

Drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

Or, your drive could look like this (going through Richardson Grove on 101/1 on the way to Shelter Cove).

Table of Contents (TOC)

By Car: What to Expect

Shelter Cove is accessible by road, but don’t expect a typical highway cruise. The final, short stretch involves steep grades, tight turns, and elevation changes—but also some of the most spectacular views in Northern California.

Key Driving Routes:

  • From San Francisco (4 hours): US-101 North → Exit at Redway → Briceland-Thorn Road → Shelter Cove Road (or, Exit at Garberville for more options for food and gas) then head to Redway…)
  • From Eugene via the Coast (for travelers coming from Eugene who prefer the scenic coastal route, here’s the recommended path:
    → Start west on OR-126 toward Florence, OR
    → Head south on US-101 along the Oregon coast
    → Pass through Reedsport, Coos Bay, Gold Beach, and Brookings
    → Enter California and continue on US-101 through Crescent City, Klamath, and Trinidad
    → Arrive in Eureka, then continue south to Redway
    → From Redway, turn west on Briceland–Thorn Road
    → Continue onto Shelter Cove Road to reach the coast
    This route is longer than inland highways but offers breathtaking ocean views, charming towns, and a more relaxed pace. Expect 6.5 to 8 hours depending on stops and traffic.
  • From Eureka (2 hours): US-101 South → Redway → Briceland-Thorn Road → Shelter Cove Road
  • From Redding (4–5 hours): CA-36 West to US-101, then follow above

What to Know:

The road is not for everyone. The precautions below are not intended to scare people away, but to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey. If you love nature in it’s beauty as rarely experienced, you’ll discover the trip there was definitely worth it.

  • The Road In: Shelter Cove Road from Redway is only about 22 miles long, but it takes ~45–60 minutes due to tight turns and elevation.
  • In the Winter: Chains are required to go over the peak hen snow or ice are present. The Community on Facebook usually has updates on road conditions – especially if someone has encountered black ice.
  • Drive Slowly: Blind corners, wildlife crossings, and steep cliffs demand caution. Wildlife may appear on the road around any corner – especially from dusk to dawn.
  • Brake Checks Matter: Make sure your brake pads and tires are in good shape before descending.
  • Use Low Gear: Especially important for RVs or heavy vehicles.
  • Do Not Rely Solely on GPS: Apps like Waze or Google Maps sometimes misroute—follow printed or saved directions.
  • Expensive Gas in Shelter Cove: There is gas at the General Store; however, you may want to fill up in Redway or Garberville.
  • No Cell Service on Most of the Way In: Download maps in advance.
  • See Someone in the Rear-View Mirror? Find a good pace to pull of to let them pass. The locals know these roads and turns better and often won’t be happy stuck behind you for the long drive. This is common courtesy in the area.
  • Pull Off Safely: If you want to stop to let someone pass or for views, use safe or designated turnouts—blind curves and soft shoulders can be tricky or even dangerous.

“The visitor is totally oblivious to the fact that this road is the original wagon road… countless horses and wagons struggled over these same turns.” — Mario Machi, Gem of the Lost Coast

By Air: Land Right on the Coast

Shelter Cove has its own general aviation airstrip—Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5)—located steps from the ocean and within walking distance of lodging.

Pilot Highlights:

  • Runway: 3520 ft. (asphalt)
  • Elevation: 69 ft.
  • Nearby amenities: Walking distance to the Inn of the Lost Coast, beach and tide-pool access, 9-hole golf course, Gyppo Ale Mill, Surf Point Coffee House and restaurants

“One of California’s most scenic—and challenging—coastal airstrips.” — Flying Magazine

For seasoned pilots, this makes Shelter Cove one of the most memorable destinations on the West Coast.

EV Charging & Gas Stops

There are no gas stations or public EV chargers currently operating in Shelter Cove itself.

Closest Options:

  • Gas: Redway (Chevron, Shell) or Garberville
  • EV: Garberville Supercharger (Tesla), Level 2 charging in Redway

Be sure to top off before descending into Shelter Cove—there’s no fuel safety net once you commit to the final stretch.

What to Bring & Prepare

Due to Shelter Cove’s remoteness and limited infrastructure, a little preparation goes a long way.

  • Download offline maps or GPS tracks (Gaia, AllTrails, Google Maps)
  • Bring snacks, water, and a full tank of gas
  • Bring layers—weather can shift quickly
  • Flashlight or headlamp (especially if arriving near dusk)
  • Bug spray or mosquito repellent
  • Binoculars for whale or bird watching
  • Check tide charts if hiking the Lost Coast Trail
  • Bring cash—some local businesses may not take cards

“Waiting for the tide to ebb was the only problem that concerned the natives.” — Gem of the Lost Coast

Travel Tips & Seasonal Warnings

  • Avoid driving in after dark if you’re unfamiliar with the road. There is plenty of wildlife that will wander onto the road at night and surprise you as you come around a corner. Good visibility in the daylight is also helpful when driving this road.
  • Storms can make roads slick or hazardous in winter. The Shelter Cove Community Facebook page often has posts about where black ice might be on any given, cold day in the winter. They’ll also post if there might be any other issues with the road.
  • Tide awareness is critical if hiking the coast—you can be cut off in one of the “impassible zone” That might seem trivial to an experienced hike but it’s not. It can be quite treacherous given the steep drop off and rip-tides. Printed Tide Tables are a must of you hike the Lost Coast Trail.
  • Bring backup communication (satellite messenger or CB radio) if heading into back-country. Note, iPhones 13+ may be able to connect to satellites when you don’t have service. In an emergency where you can reach 911 by phone, remember that you can also text them. If you text them, be sure to include your location as well as issue – you may have trouble having an extended exchange with bad signal.

Scenic and Fun Pit Stops Along the Way

Make the journey part of the destination. If you’re driving up from San Francisco to Shelter Cove, there’s no need to rush. The route winds through Wine Country, redwood forests, quirky small towns, and local gems worth a stop. Here’s a curated list of places where you can stretch your legs, grab a meal, or discover something unexpected. Please add any suggested stops you discovered in the “Leave a comment” section at the bottom of this page so I can add to the list of optional pit stops.

Wine Country & Sonoma Area

Grata Italian Eatery (Windsor)
Modern Italian with house-made pasta and elegant design.

The Moss Wall (Healdsburg)
An unexpected green installation tucked into Healdsburg’s charming downtown.

Sculpture Garden (Geyserville)
An eclectic outdoor display of metal sculptures and oddities.

Wineries with overnight options on the route

Testa Vineyards farmhouse

The Testa Ranch Guest House was built in 1927. Three beautiful bedrooms. Bathroom with a tile shower & original claw-foot bathtub and addition shower bath short walk from house. It also features a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, sleeping porch, dining room, wireless internet, and cable television.

Jaxon Keys estate guest house (confirm availability) + tastings right on 101.

“Nestled amidst picturesque vineyards and rolling landscapes, each Artisan Lodge property offers a tranquil escape for wine lovers and travelers seeking a taste of luxury. Our collection of charming small boutique inns and winery guest houses nestled in the heart of picturesque wine country are a carefully curated blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, promising a memorable stay for every guest.” Note: confirming possibility to stay directly at Jaxon Keys.

Campovida Winery (Just East or Hopland)

Note: “Our on-site winery estate rooms are open exclusively to Campovida the members of our Steward’s Association, corporate retreat guests and special wedding celebrations. Become a Campovida Steward and stay with us at the farm. If you are interested in hosting a corporate retreat please connect with us. Non-Stewards are welcome to stay at Campovida if accompanied by a Steward of Campovida

Hopland & Mendocino Inland

Golden Pig (Hopland)
A farm-to-table gem with seasonal, local ingredients.

Solar Living Center (Hopland)
Sustainable living demos, quirky garden paths, and an eco-gift shop.

JimTown Store (Alexander Valley)
Historic general store turned art spot—check for hours or seasonal events.

Laytonville to Leggett

Pour Girls Coffee (Laytonville)
Local go-to for coffee, breakfast burritos, and friendly service.

Area 101 (Near Laytonville)
A strange and compelling collection of sculptures, altars, and visionary art installations—part Burning Man, part UFO cult lore. Fascinating whether you’re into metaphysics or just good road trip weirdness.

The Peg House (Leggett)
Famous roadside café with burgers, snacks, live music, and a “never don’t stop” vibe.

Drive-Thru Tree Park (Leggett)
Yes, you can still drive through a redwood. It’s kitschy and memorable.

Redwoods & Lost Coast Approach

One Log House (Garberville)
A giant redwood log hollowed out into a livable “house,” plus a gift shop overflowing with quirky trinkets, local art, wind chimes, and—of course—Bigfoot statues. A short, nostalgic stop that blends weird Americana with redwood heritage.

Richardson Grove State Park (Humboldt County)
One of the first majestic groves of old-growth redwoods you’ll encounter heading north on 101. Features short hikes, river access, picnic areas, and towering trees that make you slow down—literally and metaphorically. Camping, hiking, swimming, and just relaxing are popular ctivities throughout much of the year. Fishing for salmon and steelhead is during the winter. 

Benbow Historic Inn (Garberville)
A grand 1920s lodge with riverside dining and quiet gardens. A great place to dine or overnight on the way to Shelter Cove.

Legend of Bigfoot (Garberville)
Chainsaw art, redwood carvings, Bigfoot statues, and all the photo ops.

Shrine Drive-Thru Tree (Myers Flat)
A fun bonus redwood tunnel in the Avenue of the Giants region.

Confusion Hill (Piercy, CA)
A gravity house, mystery vortex, and old-school roadside Americana all rolled into one. Explore optical illusions, crooked buildings, and the world’s largest freestanding redwood chainsaw carving. Great stop for kids, photographers, or anyone who enjoys a little weirdness with their redwoods.

Avenue of the Giants
Instead of turning off to Shelter Cove, you can continue to the South Entrance at Phillipsville.You can choose how far you go as it parallels 101/1 and you can easily loop back. People from all around the world to see these giant redwood trees.

A 31-mile scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California, renowned for its towering redwood trees. It runs parallel to Highway 101 and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the ancient forest. The route is dotted with hiking trails, memorial groves, and opportunities for recreation like fishing and swimming in the Eel River

John B. DeWitt Redwoods SNR (Near Piercy/Benbow)
A quieter, less-visited stretch of redwoods just off the 101. No crowds, no commercialism—just solitude, ferns, and giants. Ideal for a quick reflective walk or forest bathing experience.

Flavors Café (Garberville)
A beloved local café known for scratch-made pastries, hearty breakfast fare, and strong coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a warm, sit-down spot, Flavors delivers with small-town hospitality and comfort food classics.

Summary: Worth Every Turn

Getting to Shelter Cove isn’t quick—but it’s unforgettable. Whether you fly in or take the winding road through redwood forests and across high coastal ridges, every mile brings you closer to one of California’s last untouched places. Like I like to say “The road from hell is also often the road to paradise.”

Pit Stops on the Drive from Redding to Shelter Cove

If you’re approaching Shelter Cove from Redding, your route will likely take you west along CA-36 to the 101 corridor. This winding, scenic path cuts through remote forests, small towns, and Northern California culture you’d miss on the freeway. Below is a growing list of quirky stops, good food, and natural beauty worth pausing for. Please add any suggested stops you discovered in the “Leave a comment” section at the bottom of this page so I can add to the list of optional pit stops.

Trinity & Shasta Forest Stretch

Wildwood Gas & Deli (Wildwood)
A last-chance fuel and snack stop before you head into the deeper forest. Friendly staff, basic groceries, and road-trip essentials.

Wildwood Falls (Wildwood)
A quick detour to a serene forest waterfall—especially beautiful after rains. Good for photos or a short leg stretch.

Mad River & Van Duzen River Corridor

Mad River Burger Bar (Mad River)
A humble roadside shack with shockingly good burgers, fries, and milkshakes. A true hidden gem with picnic benches.

Van Duzen County Park (near Bridgeville)
A peaceful redwood grove with river access, perfect for skipping stones or a forest walk.

101 Junction Area (Scotia to Redway)

Humboldt Redwood Company Visitor Center (Scotia)
Learn about redwood logging history and conservation; restrooms and educational exhibits.

Avenue Café (Miranda)
Comfort food, homemade pies, and great coffee right on the Avenue of the Giants. Family-run and full of charm.

Shop Smart (Redway)
The last reliable grocery stop before heading up the hill to Shelter Cove. Sandwich bar and supplies.

More stops to be added as this route gets explored further. If you have favorite gems between Redding and Shelter Cove, feel free to suggest them!

Pit Stops from Eugene via the Coastal Route

If you’re approaching Shelter Cove from the north, there are a few suggestions below depending on where you start. For us, this is the least explored route so far. So, please add any suggested stops you discovered in the “Leave a comment” section at the bottom of this page so I can add to the list of optional pit stops.

Oregon Coast Section

Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (Florence, OR)
A famous Oregon coast staple for clam chowder, seafood, and coastal views.

Shore Acres State Park (Coos Bay, OR)
Clifftop gardens, crashing surf, and dramatic ocean overlooks. A photographer’s dream.

Prehistoric Gardens (Port Orford, OR)
A roadside dinosaur park in a rainforest setting—great for kids or a quirky photo op.

Northern California Coast

Battery Point Lighthouse (Crescent City, CA)
Visit at low tide to walk across and tour a working lighthouse with historic charm.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Orick, CA)
Walk among towering redwoods and try the scenic drive through Newton B. Drury Parkway.

Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery (Trinidad, CA)
A cozy cafe with ocean views, excellent breakfast, and rotating local art.

More additions coming as this route is explored further. If you’ve driven this way and have a favorite stop, we’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to the edge of the map.

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