Fern Canyon

Annelise G

Fern Canyon

10/16/20

I love green, so this hike was a dream! #imapoet You spend a lot of the hike splashing through the creek, so bring your tevas and chacos! The trail is pretty shaded so you may want to bring a jacket. Also, don't turn around until you've reached the giant fallen trees! They're great for climbing on and taking pictures.

5.0

Mondo Rey

Fern Canyon

09/29/18

It was a relaxing short hike. Pack your waterproof boots will need those.

5.0

Rayne Pulmano

Fern Canyon

08/22/18

would do it again.

5.0

Kelsey Zimmer

Fern Canyon

08/18/17

As a beginner in both hiking and photography I really liked this trail. Although it was a bit more wet than I thought it would be. I did have trouble taking an interesting picture just because there was so much to look at. Keep in mind that there is a fee of 8 dollars for day use since it's a state park and there are no dogs allowed on the trail. I may have brought my dog anyway and he loved it as much as I did.

4.0

Explorer

Jess Curren

Explorer

Fern Canyon

07/26/16

This place is pretty magical despite the long, dirt road to get in there! Kids loved jumping over the small streams.

4.0

Explorer

Brian Fulda

Explorer

Fern Canyon

03/29/16

This place is so fascinating if only for its distinct geological features. Standing in a canyon of ferns with walls over 40 feet high is surreal. One thing I would highly recommend bringing is knee-high rain boots. Depending on water levels, it is very difficult to proceed through the canyon without getting your feet wet. I wore my high ankle waterproof hiking boots and they weren't enough in most places. During the warmer months, they have footbridges in place, but during the colder months (winter/spring), you have to traverse it yourself. As others have said, wild elk frequent the area often and should not be fed/disturbed. While mostly docile, these animals are huge and can easily hurt you. Please keep your distance. Do be aware that the day use fee is $8.00 (cash only) which can be paid at the entrance gate. I was able to drive through the two small river crossings on the way to the trailhead with my Honda Insight, but it would have definitely helped to have an SUV. As always, be smart, and use your best judgment with the water levels.

5.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Fern Canyon

12/17/15

This is a beautiful canyon to explore but hard to get a great photograph. Waterproof boots or sandals are a definite must with frequent stream crossings.

3.0

Becky Eldredge

Fern Canyon

10/29/15

I live less than an hour away so Fern Canyon is our go-to spot when family or friends come to visit. Access is always fun- a 6 mile drive down a dirt road through the redwoods, then opening up on the beach, a few small creek crossings (suv/truck is preferred but most cars can get through at the correct spots). It is a very short trail into the canyon from the parking lot. Please note State Parks do not allow dogs on their trails- you will get a ticket if they find you & your pup. The canyon is gorgeous and it's usually best to go in the am, before the crowds arrive. Lighting can be tricky in the canyon too so if you want good photos do not go around mid-day (shadows are too harsh). The canyon is not accessible for everyone. If you have any hip/leg injuries you may want help or to take the trail through the canyon as far as you can. There are many fallen trees you have to climb over/under to get through the trail. Lots of fun, but not so much if you have an injury. Once you get through to the end of the canyon try taking the loop trail that goes on the bluff just above the canyon. Not nearly as scenic, but there are a few views looking down into the canyon, and lots of skunk cabbage, fungi, and banana slugs! This upper trail also connects to multiple other trails that go for miles- make sure to take a map! The bluff loop trail ends at the entrance to the canyon so you are right back where you started. Walk down the creek to the field by the beach and you may see the herd of Elk there too- they frequent that area. DO NOT get too close though, they are wild animals and dangerous! *I would bring something to eat & drink (it's a long drive to the store) as well as some river shoes/waterproof shoes and an extra jacket/sweater as the fog rolls in fast.

5.0

Sarah Rohm

Fern Canyon

08/16/15

One of the more unique easy to moderate hikes I've done! I would recommend going super early in the morning as this trail gets very crowded (I went at high tourist season and got to the trailhead around 6am. By around 11am when I got back to the parking lot it was completely full). I added on the James Irvine and miners ridge trails for a longer hike into the redwoods, and walked back to the parking lot on the beach. The hike was light on elevation gain and full of giants. It's also good to note that the road to this trailhead goes along a rough dirt road and crosses several streams - I saw a few smaller cars struggling on the terrain, so if you have access to an SUV I'd use it!

4.0