The Lost Coast is a beautiful area. The few times we've been down there we came in from the North out of Oregon. South out of Eureka, turn off onto 211 at Fernbridge and continue through Ferndale, nice old town. From there, continue along Mattole Road which takes you to Cape Medocino where a great road skirts the beach for 7 or so miles before heading inland again. A bit past Petrolia (check out the general store) watch for Mattole Road, which follows the river down to a nice primitive campground down on the beach near the mouth of the River. After leaving Mattole, continue south past Honeydew and pick up Horse Mtn Ridge road. There are 2 campgrounds located in the trees high on the ridge. (I've seen rattlsnakes up there) Continuing on, the road turns into Kings Peak Road. After many miles of winding down, it will eventually intersect with the road going down to Shelter Cove, a great, remote small town down on the water. When you've finished with Shelter Cove, climb back up Shelter Cove Road past Kings Peak road on your left and take a right on Chemise Mtn Road. Head south to a point near Four Corners where you can pick up a narrow dirt/grave road that will drop you down to the north end of Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Saw a large herd of elk lying next to the road last time we were there. The road dead ends at a ranger station on a grassy bluff several hundred feet above the Ocean. A spectacular setting. Unfortunately, they don't allow car camping in there. They do, however, allow dispersed tent camping. Also, there is a large wood camp shelter overlooking the ocean where they allow hikers to put there pads & bags down. We didn't do that, but one might be able to park the truck in the parking area and spend the night in the shelter. Check with the ranger regarding rules. Lots of good hiking to be had. The only way out is to back track back the way you came in to the road near Four Corners. You may want to check with the ranger to see if the road from the Four Corners area is open and clear south to Ursal. When we were down there it was closed for some reason. If open, it will take eventually take you down to Coastal Hwy 1. I recall that the only services once into the Lost Coast were at Shelter Cove. I don't think Petrolia had gas, but I may be wrong. Of course, that area is also close to the Redwoods, which is another good option in the vicinity. My wife and I have been through there 3 times, once in the summer and twice between Christmas and New Years. Both of the times in the winter, we had good weather.
Good Luck, safe driving and have great time,
TGK