California's Black Sands Beach: Photo

CALIFORNIA — Mike Jay took a dream trip with his wife earlier this month, and shared a photo from Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove.

Shelter Cove is considered the gateway to the rugged Lost Coast in far northern California.

Black Sands Beach is a 3.5 mile stretch of coastline that is easily accessible to drivers. While beautiful, the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau warns, "For beach goers, prudent respect for the unpredictability of the ocean, as well as an awareness of current tide and surf conditions, is strongly advised."

The Lost Coast Trail is "one of only a few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the U.S.," according to the visitor's bureau. "Hikers can view sea lions, tidepools and spectacular spring wildflowers." One recent hiker reported seeing bear prints.

The entire 24-mile stretch of rugged trail takes about three days as hikers contend with tides, streams without bridges, and other challenges including "several stretches of 1-2 ft. rounded boulders."

Mike tells Patch, "Just finished hiking the Lost Coast Trail with my wife. Most remote costal hike in Calif. very hard to get permits. They open 1 day a year to have 1st shot access."

If you would like to snag one of the permits, just 30 to 60 are issued per day, depending on the season. The permits are released online on Oct. 1.

If you have an awesome photo of nature, breath-taking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny, or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we'd love to feature it on Patch.

We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty and fun that is Northern California, and that show off your unique talents.

Email it to autumn.johnson@patch.com.

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• Sunset At The Wildlife Refuge: Photo Of The Day
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• Bobcat At Sabercat Trail: Photo Of The Day