Maps, Directions & Local Weather

Heart of the Lost Coast

Mattole River Camp and Retreat is just outside the small town of Petrolia, California on the pristine Mattole River. To get there means a drive on Mattole Road, known to locals as “The Wildcat” for its untamed curves and dramatic changes in elevation.

Map & Directions

Notice: There is LITTLE OR NO PHONE SERVICE COVERAGE on most of the Mattole Road.
You will not be able to access this map on route.

From South 101 - State Park Route
Avenue of the Giants, Garberville, San Fransisco

  • Heading North on 101, about 40 miles north of Garberville, take exit 663 toward South Fork/Honeydew/CA-254.

  • Turn Left onto Bull Creek Flats Rd. Continue on Bull Creek Flats/Mattole Road through Honeydew.

  • The first part of the drive goes through a California State Park with ancient sequoias and redwoods. You will then climb over a series of ridges with switchback curves.

  • From the town of Honeydew, follow Mattole road 7.9 miles until you cross over a single lane concrete bridge.

  • Our driveway is to the right immediately after the bridge. The sign and gate are visible from the road. If you see A.W. Way County Park, you have gone too far.

From North 101 - Coastal Route
Eureka, ACV Humboldt County Airport, Oregon Coast

  • Heading South on 101, 14 miles south of Eureka, take exit 692 Fernbridge/Ferndale.

  • Turn right on Hwy 211 over Fernbridge, and continue all the way to Ferndale. 211 Turns into Main Street Ferndale. Go all the way to the last intersection on Main Street.

  • Turn right onto Ocean/Centerville, then the first left onto Petrolia/Mattole road, aka the Wildcat. You will travel up, down, and around over rough roads, switchbacks, and steep grades. Eventually the road will take you down to sea level, and follow the beach for a few miles.

  • Once you head up hill off the beach, you are about 30 minutes outside Petrolia. Stay on Mattole Road as it winds through Petrolia, following the center line of the road, and ignoring any forks or turns. After you pass through Petrolia, go 7 more miles south staying on Mattole Road.

  • You will pass A.W. Way County Park on your right. The Mattole Camp is less than 0.2 miles further on the left. The sign and gate are visible from the road. If you cross the one lane bridge, you've gone too far.

Seasons Near the Coast

The Mattole River Valley has a mild climate year round, rarely falling below freezing or rising above 85F. There are tan oak, bay laurel, evergreen, and madrone trees all through and around the grounds.

In the summer, days are warm but not hot, it rarely rains, the grass in the valley is amber gold, and the river is low and cool with emerald pools dotted along the banks.

In the fall and winter the rains bring everything alive with vibrant, lush greenery, and the river begins to swell.

The river is at its highest point in the early spring, rushing through the wind swept valley and on to the roaring pacific a few miles downstream.