Hi Stefen -
This is my first post and I've only been metal detecting a couple of times. I rode my recumbent bike from Ferndale to Salt Point back in May and I went thru the Lost Coast. It is a remote area as mentioned. I think many of the locations will be in State Lands and on private property. If you are camping you will need a bear resistant food container and a fire permit. I recommend stopping at the CA Dept Forestry office in Fortuna and tell them what you want to do. When I was there, the receptionist was very helpful and informative. That's where I got my fire permit in May.
Spend a little time in Ferndale and talk to the locals. Some of the old timers hang out in front of the small main street restaurants and also at the Pizza Parlor. When I was there ( 2 times this year ) I found the locals to be really friendly. I also heard a story of a local land owners giving tours to a painter friend of mine when I was up there in early July. A tour of the graveyard will give you an idea of the rich and long history of the area.
If I were you, I would plan on spending a day or two at Usal (extreme southern portion of the Lost Coast). This place has a really interesting history. Unfortunately, it is a campsite/park, but if you do some searching or PM me, you can get the phone # to check into getting permission to work it. Also, if you PM me I can give you a phone number of a really nice couple who rents their mother-in-law unit and her family goes pretty far back in Ferndale. We stayed there both times during our recent visits.
Frankly, you should spend most of your time around Ferndale, get to know a few people and see where that takes you. I think that would be more productive for the time spent unless you want to sight-see on the Lost Coast and are really intrigued by Usal.
Last but not least - there are some unsavory characters that can be encountered on the Lost Coast. Meth-heads etc. I had one encounter myself. If you are alone or even with a partner, be careful. Keep an eye on your vehicle. A tow truck out there will cost a fortune. I didn't even see a bear, but I wasn't right on the coast much and that is where most are reported.
I think you will have a great trip. It is a beautiful area. Denny