Fern Canyon — Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA
Fern Canyon was another one of my favorites from this trip, mainly because I had never seen a canyon/gorge like this before. Located at the end of a rough dirt road, this hike is one of the most popular stops in the Redwoods Parks system, and it was even the filming location of Jurassic Park due to the many different types of ferns that completely cover the 50 foot walls.
Be sure to bring water shoes you can hike in or a change of shoes/pants, and come in a car you don't mind getting a little dusty and bumpy in :)
2022 update - If visiting between May 1st and Sep 30th, you will need a permit to visit. You can make a reservation online here.
Hike Info
Elevation Change: 75 ft.
Trail Type: Out and back
Cost: $12 cash/check (CA State park pass works)
Date: 5/6/2017
Miles: 1 (roundtrip)
Trailhead: Google Maps
Reservations
Due to the popularity of this hike, starting in 2022 you’ll now need a parking permit to visit Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs between May 1st and September 30th. You can get a permit online here.
Getting There
To get here, you'll need to take the narrow and windy Davidson Road to the entrance station ($12 for day use, no credit cards). It's another 3 miles on a dirt road with tons of potholes and possible creek crossings. I was nervous how my sedan would handle the first crossing, which was the deepest and largest, but I was fine crossing towards outlet side of the pool, and there were plenty of other sedans at the lot.
You'll pass by Gold Bluffs Campground (which I made a mental note to come back for since it looked like a great place to camp) until the road ends at a large dirt parking area. There is a vault toilet here, and expect steady streams of hikers and groups coming and leaving, especially on busy weekends.
The Hike
The trail starts off along the grassy open areas with views of the beach in the distance. Keep an eye out for any elk that might be in the area.
A buck casually chilling on the hillside right at the start of the trail
It's a pleasant 0.24 miles from the parking lot among the trees until you get to the start of the canyon.
So much more lush visiting in the spring after the wet winter we had
Once you reach the creek, head upstream into the canyon. There are no signs marking the entrance, but just know not to continue heading up the James Irvine Trail, which actually is one of the best redwood hikes in the world.
The James Irvine Trail sign on the other side of the creek
The beginning of the canyon
There used to be seasonal footbridges, but it seemed like the canyon took a beating from the rough winter storms in 2016 as there was a lot of debris. In the summer/autumn you might be able to keep your feet dry in the canyon, but since it was spring we just hiked directly in the creek, and the water never was deeper than our knees anywhere.
The canyon walls start to narrow and deepen
One of eight species of ferns in this canyon
Lots of water cascading down the canyon walls in the spring time
The narrowest point of the canyon
The canyon is short with only a couple turns, but you will eventually reach the large log jam. Feel free to continue past this, but the canyon begins to open up and the ferns are not as dense up the canyon.
The large log jam
This spot definitely has a prehistoric, Jurassic-Park-feel to it
8 different species of fern - a fern lover's paradise
The setting sun creating rays through the surrounding trees
While driving back, keep an eye out for Roosevelt Elk - Prairie Creek has lots of opportunities and viewing areas to see these herds. I encountered a large herd right by the 101 freeway shortly after leaving the Prairie Creek park. They seem quite used to people, several passing cars stopped to get out within 5 feet of them to take some photos.
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