22 min
Overview
The Fern Canyon Loop Trail is not to be missed if you are in the area. This short loop trail takes hikers through Fern Canyon, a stunning canyon whose 30-ft walls are lined with ferns. These ferns, which cover the canyon walls, are an ancient species with an ancestry that dates back to nearly 325 million years ago. <br><br>To access the Fern Canyon Loop Trail, park at the nearby Fern Canyon parking area off of Davison Road and head north on the Coastal Trail for a short ways before taking the right-hand turn onto the Fern Canyon Loop Trail. The trail starts with a short, easy uphill trek before leveling off in the canyon as you hike along the streambed of Home Creek. There may be some trees along the way that you'll have to climb over or under.<br><br>This section of the trail is absolutely stunning, as you hike through an area straight out of prehistoric times. This large canyon is completely covered with ferns - dark, green sword ferns, velvety five-fingered ferns, and delicate lady ferns. Small sections of the trail are on a boardwalk, and dirt paths meander through this giant canyon.<br><br>The trail then climbs out of the canyon to a junction with the James Irvine Trail; stay left to continue on the loop. The trail meanders through equally lush forests to rejoin its start not far from the Coastal Trail.
Trail Stats
1.1 km
62 m
89 m
27 m
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Photos
Summer stream crossings in Fern Canyon.
Summer stream crossings in Fern Canyon.
Massive deadfall commonly washes down Fern Canyon.
Massive deadfall commonly washes down Fern Canyon.
Entrance to Fern Canyon. I arrived around 1pm, which gave me half an hour of excellent light.
Entrance to Fern Canyon. I arrived around 1pm, which gave me half an hour of excellent light.
The last portion of trail on the way to Fern Canyon in Redwoods State Park.
The last portion of trail on the way to Fern Canyon in Redwoods State Park.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon Trail
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon Trail
Seasonal bridge at Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
Seasonal bridge at Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
Fern Gully? Nope, Fern Canyon.
Fern Gully? Nope, Fern Canyon.
Steep walls lined with lush ferns grace the Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
Steep walls lined with lush ferns grace the Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
Dancing down the wonderful Fern Canyon Loop Trail makes for a great way to enjoy the moment.
Dancing down the wonderful Fern Canyon Loop Trail makes for a great way to enjoy the moment.
The end/entrance to Fern Canyon is spectacular and pretty unique.
The end/entrance to Fern Canyon is spectacular and pretty unique.
Fern Canyon has a trickle of a stream rolling through it.
Fern Canyon has a trickle of a stream rolling through it.