This knee-jarring hike drops slightly and then climbs 400 feet to the shoulder of Saddle Mountain before plunging 3,200 feet to the ocean. It goes through forest and chaparral, some burned, with great views of the ocean and Shelter Cove along the way. The Buck Creek Trail gets little use or maintenance and you may have to push your way through encroaching brush in places.
King Range National Conservation Area: 707-986-5400
