[1] It is located 17 miles (27 km) south of Scotia[2] at an elevation of 322 feet (98 m), on the Lost Coast of the Pacific Ocean, near the King Range mountains.

The steepness and related geotechnical challenges of the coastal mountains made this stretch of coastline too costly for state highway or county road builders to establish routes through the area, leaving it the most undeveloped portion of the California coast.

All three routes traverse twisting mountain roads, which can be treacherous during inclement weather, especially during coastal fog conditions.

It is wise for travelers in the area to prepare for quickly changing weather in all seasons as there is limited cellular coverage, available primarily nearest the Honeydew General Store and the river valley flats nearby, should emergency assistance be required.

The Honeydew Volunteer Fire Company organizes "Roll on the Mattole" every summer to raise their operating funds.