At nearly 4,100 feet, King Peak is the highest point west of Highway 101 and north of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Monterey County. The hike to the summit, while somewhat strenuous, is short and mostly shaded. It starts with a steady climb through lightly-burned forest. Near the top it breaks out into chaparral regenerating from a major fire. The unobstructed 360º view of the ocean, the entire King Range, and the Mattole and Eel valleys from the peak is stupendous; there’s even a deck.
King Range National Conservation Area: 707-986-5400
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