Tucked away on California’s rugged northern coast lies one of the most magical places in the Redwoods…Fern Canyon. Towering walls blanketed in lush, prehistoric ferns create a scene so enchanting it feels like stepping into another world.
It’s no wonder Fern Canyon was featured in Jurassic Park. This gem inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a must for hikers, photographers, and anyone who wants to have an unreal time. The Fern Canyon hike is one of my absolute favorites things to do in the Redwoods.
Whether you’re wandering the short trail through its mossy canyon walls or balancing across tree limbs to avoid wet shoes, a visit to Fern Canyon is an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the wild beauty (and adventure) of Northern California.
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Redwoods Fern Canyon Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
- 🥾 Trail Distance: 1 mile and more depending on how far you hike down the canyon
- ⛰️ Elevation: 30-150 feet
- 💪 Difficulty: Easy (some creek crossings)
- 🌲 Highlights: 50 foot Canyon Walls covered in Ferns & the Home Creek. Jurassic Park Lost World filming location.
- ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: Permits Required May 15th – September 15th for access to Fern Canyon & Gold Bluffs Beach.
Keep scrolling for more details of the Redwoods Fern Canyon in California.
How to Get to Fern Canyon in the Redwoods
Getting to Fern Canyon is half the adventure, and it starts with Davison Road – an unpaved, narrow gravel road that winds about 8 miles from Highway 101. You’ll drive through towering old-growth redwood forests and along Gold Bluffs Beach before reaching the Fern Canyon trailhead.
The drive itself is incredibly scenic, but it can also be bumpy and slow-going. During summer, most standard vehicles can make the journey without issue, though you should expect potholes and dust.
In the winter and spring, heavy rains often create muddy patches and small stream crossings that may require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle. Because of its rough condition and limited width, RV’s and trailers are prohibited.
The road sets the tone for Fern Canyon – wild, rugged, and remote.
There is a day-use fee of $12 to access Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon, payable at the entrance kiosk. Or you can use California State Parks or America the Beautiful pass. Parking fills quickly in summer, so arrive early.
Golds Bluffs Beach at Fern Canyon
Before you even step into Fern Canyon, you’ll drive by Gold Bluffs Beach road, a windswept stretch of coastline that feels untouched and wild. Backed by coastal bluffs and lined with driftwood, this remote beach is named after the gold that was once mined from its sands in the 1800’s.
Today, it’s part of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and offers a peaceful place to walk, picnic, or spot wildlife. Roosevelt elk are often seen grazing nearby, and on clear days you’ll have stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The beach is also home to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, a small, rustic site just a short drive from the Fern Canyon trailhead. Camping here means you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves and be among the first to explore the canyon in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Golds Bluffs Beach perfectly complements the lush, fern-filled canyon just beyond.
Elk Sights at Gold Bluffs Beach
One of the highlights of driving past Gold Bluffs Beach is the chance to see a herd of Roosevelt elk. the largest subspecies of elk in North America. These majestic animals roam freely throughout Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
They’re frequently spotted grazing in the meadows just inland from the beach or even wandering right through the campground. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to catch a glimpse of them.
We saw Roosevelt elk on our way to Fern Canyon and it was around 10 am. While it’s an unforgettable experience to observe elk up close, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals.
Bulls, especially during the fall rutting season, can be aggressive and unpredictable. Always maintain a safe distance, never approach or feed them, and use a zoom lens if you want that perfect photo.
Watching elk against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and golden bluffs is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the Redwoods.
Fern Canyon Trail
The Fern Canyon Trail is a short but unforgettable hike the takes you into one of the most unique landscapes in Redwood National and State Parks. The Fern Canyon loop trail itself is only about 1 mile long, making it accessible for most visitors, but the scenery feels like stepping into a prehistoric world.
Towering 30 to 50 foot canyon walls are draped with seven different types of ferns, along with mosses and lichens, creating a living green tapestry. The trail begins at the Fern Canyon parking area near Gold Bluffs Beach and a short walk quickly leads you into the mouth of Fern Canyon.
You’ll cross a shallow creek several times – in summer, there may be seasonal wooden footbridges, but outside of peak season, you’ll need to hop rocks or get your feet wet.
The path winds along the stream bed, often requiring you to navigate slippery stones, fallen logs, and tree limbs. While the short trek is considered easy in terms of distance and elevation, it can feel more adventurous thanks to the water crossings, log jams, and uneven footing.
For those who want to extend the adventure, Redwoods Fern Canyon connects with other hiking trails in Prairie Creek, like the James Irvine Trail. Whether you’re here for a quick stroll or full day trek, the Fern Canyon Trail is one of the park’s highlights.
Tips for Hiking Fern Canyon
- Wear Waterproof Shoes or Sandals. The trail crosses a shallow creek multiple times – expect wet feet unless you bring waterproof boots, water shoes or have really good balance. You’ll need it for stream crossings.
- Bring Trekking Poles (optional): Helpful for balance on slippery rocks and creek crossings. We didn’t bring poles and made it all the way and back without getting our feet wet.
- 🎟️ Permits Required in the Summer. Secure it online ahead of time here.
- Arrive early, parking lot is limited, and the canyon gets crowded by late morning in summer. Early visitors also enjoy softer light for photography.
- Check Road Conditions. Davison Road can be rough, and after heavy rains, water levels rise and it may require a high clearance or 4WD vehicle.
- ♻️ Leave No Trace. Stay on designated paths, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing plants growing on the canyon walls.
- Layer Up: Even in summer, Fern Canyon can be damp, cool, and foggy. Bring a light jacket.
- 🫎 Stay aware of Wildlife. Roosevelt elk are common in the area – admire from a safe distance.
- 📵 Cell Service is Spotty. In fact, it’s limited in most of the Redwood National Park. Make sure to download Google Maps before you go.
Best Time to Visit Fern Canyon
☀️ Summer (June to September) is the most popular time to visit. The weather is mild, Davison Road is usually dry and passable for most vehicles, and the permit system helps the volume of visitors. Expect more visitors. Early summer is a great time of year to visit Fern Canyon.
🌷 Spring (March to May). Rain showers are common, making the canyon extra lush and green. The creeks are fuller, so waterproof shoes are essential. Road access can be trickier if storms have washed out Davison Road.
🍁 Fall (October to November). A beautiful time with fewer crowds and lingering autumn colors in the surrounding forest. The weather is cooler, but the canyon still feels alive with ferns and flowing water.
❄️ Winter (December to February). Quietest season with very few visitors. The canyon is still accessible but expect chilly, wet conditions and possible closures if storms make Davison Road impassable.
Other Awesome Hikes in the Redwoods National Park
If you’re visiting Fern Canyon, make time for a few other incredible hikes nearby – each one showcases a different side of the Redwoods.
- James Irvine Trail – This scenic route connects to Fern Canyon and winds through old-growth redwoods and lush forest – perfect if you want a longer hike.
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove – A short, peaceful 1.5 mile loop through misty redwoods and ferns.
- Trillium Falls Trail – A 2.8 mile loop leading to a small waterfall, often with elk grazing nearby.
- Cathedral Trees Loop – Easy, quiet, and photogenic – ideal for a mellow redwoods walk.
- Damnation Creek Trail – A steepish, stunning 4 mile hike that descends through dense redwoods to a rugged stretch of coastline.
- Tall Trees Grove – Permit required, but worth it for a secluded grove of some of the tallest redwoods on Earth.
👉 Read Next: 12 Epic Hikes in the Redwoods
Other Things to do in the Redwoods
Besides hiking through the towering groves, there’s plenty more to experience in the Redwoods National and State Parks.
- 🚗 Scenic Drives – Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway & Howland Hill Road.
- 🫎 Wildlife Viewing. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, especially in Elk Prairie or along Davison Road.
- 📸 Photography & Nature Walks.
- 🏕️ Camping – Camping amongst the Redwoods is a magical experience.
🌲 Read More: 12 Awesome Things to do in the Redwoods
Redwoods Travel Vlogs
Would you rather see what it’s like to explore the Redwoods Fern Canyon? Joe and I filmed a travel vlog during our time spent exploring the Redwoods and it was nothing short of magical.
Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe to our channel or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.
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Final Thoughts on the Fern Canyon Hike
Hiking the short trail of Fern Canyon was one of my favorite things to do in the Redwoods National and State Parks. At first, I was a little bummed that I didn’t bring any waterproof shoes or boots but as we balanced our way across fallen logs, limbs, and rocks, I realized that this made it that much more fun and memorable.
Exploring Fern Canyon is truly like stepping into another world – a lush, green paradise where towering walls of ferns transport you into a prehistoric landscape. I promise this adventure is one you won’t forget.
Fern Canyon is a must do stop on any Northern California road trip. Just remember to plan ahead for permits, bring waterproof shoes if you desire, and allow yourself time to soak in the beauty of this natural wonder.
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