Usal Rd. Lost Coat in Nov?

[dmede808]

Mid November I’m heading up to the Lost Coast for a long weekend exploring and camping. Planning on driving Usal Rd. from S to N. Camp one night Usal beach, drive the Rd., spend the rest of the weekend at Needelos or Wailaki, hang out in town eating fresh fish and drive some of the nearby trails.
I’ve been to Shelter Cove before but not on Usal Rd. I have a mostly stock 2003 DC Tacoma with 33’ BFGs, high lift with lift mate, shovel and axe. No winch or suspension lift. How tough is Usal, is that an ok outfit for this road? Is it passable in November?

I called the Co. a talked to an engineer I think. He said that there are no actual gates on the road but that it's considered impassable right now, he was trying hard to persuade me not to try it. From the web I seem to be reading that as long as it hasn't just rained it's ok for most stock 4x4.

Any local insight would greatly appreciated, thanks.

David

 

[Russ in California]

Haven't been but it has been raining. Might be slick.

 

[rockclmbr]

It will be an impassable road with ridiculously off-camber sections and mud bogs. You and everyone else should turn back.

That said, Nov. is a good time to head out there (no people and the weather is fairly dry albeit cold). The worst that you will encounter is a fallen tree, so bring a chainsaw, axe, and strap to pull it out of the way.

Jan-March is the worst time of year since the rains hit hard and the road becomes a giant mud bog.

Have fun! I was just there the first week in Oct.