Fern Canyon

Worth the Detour | June 2024

The Trail at a Glance

Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

Distance: 1.49 miles (our recorded loop)

Elevation gain: 159 feet on our route

Difficulty: Easy for us, with creek crossings

Route: Loop

Trail map: AllTrails

Hiking Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon was an easy hike for us, but probably the coolest trail I've ever done!

It's exactly what it sounds like: a narrow canyon with ferns growing along the vertical walls, which rise about 50 feet above the creek. Water trickles down the sides, keeping everything damp and green.

You walk right through the creek bed, with fern-covered walls on both sides. It's such a beautiful place!

The summer footbridges were in place when we visited, which helped with some of the creek crossings. I'd still recommend water shoes with good traction and being prepared to get your feet wet.

Fern Canyon was also used as a filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and the BBC series Walking with Dinosaurs. With those fern-covered walls, it's easy to see why they chose it.

A Few Things to Know

Expect wet feet and uneven footing. Walking through the creek and getting around fallen trees can add a few obstacles. The seasonal footbridges only help with part of the route. Check the National Park Service trail page for current conditions and closures.

Plan ahead if you're driving in. A day-use reservation is required from May 15 through September 15 for vehicle access to Fern Canyon or Gold Bluffs Beach. This is a vehicle-access reservation rather than a hiking permit. Book online in advance or the day before; same-day reservations aren't available. An entrance fee also applies, unless covered by an accepted pass or qualifying campground reservation.

Camping nearby? Visitors with a current Gold Bluffs Beach or Elk Prairie Campground reservation don't need a separate day-use reservation. Bring your current campsite tag. Check the National Park Service reservation page for the latest requirements before your trip.