The Lost Coast of Northern California
The Lost Coast — a remote area of critical biological importance, rich with:
Coastal Redwood Trees
Earth's tallest tree! They date back to the Jurassic period. However, since logging began in the 1850s, less than 5% of these magnificent groves remain.
Old Growth Douglas Fir
abound in pure stands as well as in mixed hardwood forests with great diversity of dependent species. Individuals can live for 1200 years, providing important habitat for such sensitive species as the Northern Spotted Owl, Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern Goshwak, Pileated Woodpecker, Sonoma Tree Vole, Pacific Fisher, Humboldt Marten and the threatened Chinook and coho salmon. In the Mattole less than 5% of these trees are still standing.
Wildlife
Rare and endangered species are found throughout the Lost Coast region because of the isolation and long-standing community ethic that honors the land for all its bountiful natural gifts.
The Rainbow Ridge area of the Mattole with its unentered mature Douglas fir forest is prime habitat for the Agarikon
The Mattole River & The Salmon
The Mattole is one of the few rivers in California and the Northwest with wild (undiluted by hatcheries) resident Chinook and coho salmon, along with anadromous Steelhead Trout
Maps & More.
See Maps of the Lost Coast and Rainbow Ridge. Explore in detail & learn more about this amazing region.
The Forests Of Rainbow Ridge Project.
Learn more about the native forests of Rainbow Ridge, and why it is essential to protect them.
Photos of Rainbow Ridge.
See beautiful photos of the Mattole River watershed and explore the majesty of Rainbow Ridge.
Ancient Canyon Live Oak on Rainbow Ridge
Looking up through the hardwood canopy
In these times of uncertainty and potential climate disaster, it is the responsibility of every human community to protect, restore and provide stewardship for their own part of the planet.
Studies have revealed that the forests of the Pacific Northwest are capable of storing carbon more efficiently than the “Lungs of the Planet” in the Amazon Rainforests. The Rainbow Project has as a primary purpose the protection of the remaining old and ancient trees on these ridges, and limiting the extraction of younger trees for the sole purpose of facilitating ecological recovery.
Protecting these coastal Douglas-fir trees will also provide a vital climate buffer for the neighboring giant redwoods in the Eel River valley, also powerful carbon fixers.
As well as a source of planetary regeneration, we aspire to preserve the forests where residents, tribal members, and scientists can learn, and where artists can find inspiration to bring peace and well-being to the world.
