Welcome
The Lost Coast Cottage is a beautifully remodeled home nestled in the Mattole Valley at the northern end of the Lost Coast. The house is just minutes from beaches and the Mattole River. It has natural wood throughout, with three bedrooms, two baths, a fully stocked kitchen and pantry, decks, new beds and linens, a propane grill and backyard. We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Our exceptional cleanliness, amenities, location, and hospitality are why guests make repeat visits. Very comfortable for families.
Stay in comfort while you explore nearby beaches, the Mattole River, and trails in the Kings Range National Conservation Area located in California's wild and remote Lost Coast region. The Lost Coast Cottage was remodeled using local redwood, Vermont hickory flooring, American oak, cherry, and other hardwoods throughout. The Cottage has vaulted cedar ceilings, two covered decks, and a third deck off the main bedroom, as well as an unfenced front and backyard. The Cottage can be heated using the central air furnace with vents in each room, or with the wood stove in the living room.
*Please send an inquiry if you wish to bring a dog. One dog may be permitted.
The House
The 2,000-square foot house has a large kitchen with a full-size gas range, and is supplied with a complete set of pots, pans, cookware, dishes, spices, and a well-stocked pantry with some supplies you may need, such as sugar, flour, cooking oil, canned goods, noodles and rice. In addition we have a slow cooker, toaster oven, microwave, electric mixer, baking dishes, and storage containers for your leftovers. We offer everything you need for morning coffee, including whole roasted coffee beans, a grinder, electric drip pour-over cone, or French press. The Bosch dishwasher helps make clean up easier.
The dining area is part of an open floor plan that includes the living room, television, and wood stove. The home is ideal for families. The large main bedroom has its own a sitting area, private bath with six-foot tub and shower, and a separate deck off its patio door. The king-size organic latex bed has all cotton linens and blankets. The smaller bedroom off the main hall has a premium queen-size tempurpedic mattress on a sleigh bed frame. A large third bedroom is located on a slightly lower level and also has a king-size organic latex bed, and its own covered porch. The home's second bathroom is centrally located near the laundry area and has a five-foot tub with shower.
Inside you also find board games, and an extensive selection of books and field guides I have collected on the area's natural environment and history. During the summer, you can use our beach towels, folding camp chairs, and inner tubes while visiting nearby river swimming holes. Some guests bring their bicycles. Our water is raw, tested and safe, coming from a pristine underground spring up a nearby hill. A Brita filtered water pitcher is always in the refrigerator. Guests are invited to walk through our nearby orchard and enjoy any fruit in season. Look for quail, wild turkeys, and song birds around the property. The Lost Coast region is remote, dark at night, and generally quiet during the day. We strongly suggest that all guests arrive during daylight hours. There is no cell phone service nearby, but a landline and Wi-Fi are provided. The house is on a quiet unpaved lane with other cabins nearby. The neighborhood is generally pretty quiet, but occasionally small equipment (like lawnmowers, or chainsaws) can be heard in the distance for a short while. If you enjoy remote areas, peace and quiet, bird watching, stargazing, swimming, walking, fishing, or photography -- then you'll enjoy the Lost Coast Cottage.
Guests have entire property including the house and partially-fenced yard.
Steelhead fishing season is January 1-March 31, depending on river flows.
Visit the Orchard
My husband and I live in Northern Humboldt, but have a rustic cabin and small orchard next door to the Cottage that we visit regularly. Guests are invited to walk and forage through our small orchard. Depending on the time of year, you might find a variety of apples, plums, mulberries, apricots, pears, persimmons, hazel nuts, or grapes ripening along the arbor. Directions for walking to the orchard are in the House Binder on the dining table. The gates are unlocked, but make sure to keep them closed behind you. I may not be at my cabin during your stay, but a local resident is on hand if needed, and I'm available by phone or text anytime.
About the Mattole Valley
Petrolia is situated at the northern end of the Lost Coast and is accessed by a winding, bumpy two-lane country road. We are adjacent to the King Range National Conservation Area, which stretches from Shelter Cove in the south to the Mattole Beach. Petrolia is about 90 minutes from Eureka, two hours from Garberville, 90 minutes from Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and about three hours from Redwood National Park to the north. Humboldt County is beautiful and has many hidden gems. Please ask if you would like suggestions for areas to see and things to do elsewhere in Humboldt County. The Mattole River Valley has lovely pastoral views, river banks to explore, and miles of beaches far from any major roads and crowds. It is completely common to find yourself alone on a long stretch of beach. Petrolia is a small community made up of all types of people who appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of the area, and who find great value in community. Public transportation is not available. However, if you are hiking the Lost Coast and plan to camp overnight, be sure to check with the Bureau of Land Management for a permit and bear canister.
Some Additional Information
Plan your meals and bring your groceries and favorite beverages with you.
However, the Petrolia Store is just two miles away and carries many basics, local produce during summer months, and soometimes frozen locally raised beef and lamb. Sandwiches are made to order on weekdays. Kids love its wide selection of frozen popsicles and ice cream bars. Gas, propane, and the Post Office are located at the store also. On Sunday mornings the nearby Mattole Valley Community Center hosts a farmer's market with organic veggies, fruits and herbs, hand-made foods and crafts, botanicals, local beef, home-made bread and jams, goat cheese, and other treats made by local residents. Sometimes a hot breakfast is offered. The Mattole Grange, close to Honeydew, has a pancake breakfast fundraiser once-a-month for its volunteer fire department. We've left a binder in the Cottage with these details, maps, and other tips for visitors. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, windbreaker, swim suit, and a flashlight. You may also want to bring a bicycle, fishing rod, river shoes, or a good book. Your vacation here is all about slowing down and enjoying what the area's natural environment has to offer.
