Fern Canyon - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

California is home to nearly 300 incredible state parks, and this week we’re heading to a beautiful spot in Northern California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Join me as we explore Fern Canyon.

Situated less than 50 miles north of Eureka, CA, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is managed cooperatively by the California Department of Parks and the National Park Service. Sandy beaches, open meadows, and grazing elk can all be found inside this state park, along with an otherworldly canyon flanked with half a dozen species of ferns cloaking the impressive 50 ft canyon walls.

While the unpaved drive to Fern Canyon can be a bit bumpy with a few creek crossings (in fact it’s important to check the park website for current road conditions before your visit), the canyon loop hike is fairly easy at just over one mile with 150 feet in elevation change. The hike can be even easier if you just head out & back…without the loop you have less than 30 feet in elevation change. Dense coastal fog keeps this shaded area lush and green, and you can expect to see fish and frogs as you cross the streams along the path.

Not only is this park a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Prairie Creek and the three other parks in the Redwood National and State Parks protect over 40 percent of California's remaining old-growth redwoods. If this moody canyon looks familiar, perhaps you’ve seen it in one of its many big screen appearances, including scenes from Jurassic Park 2: Lost Worlds and the BBC series Walking with Dinosaurs.

Know Before You Go

• There is an $8 fee to access this park.

• Always check park conditions here before your visit.

• The winding Davison Road (a dirt road) leading to the canyon isn’t suitable for large recreational vehicles or anything towing a trailer. Also people driving low clearance vehicles can get stuck trying to cross the two streams on the way to the Fern Canyon parking area.

• Remember the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this wild place beautiful.

• From June to September wooden footbridges are installed to help get partway up Home Creek without getting too wet, but make sure to wear waterproof shoes (or bring a change of shoes as stream crossings along the trail can be wide & at least ankle deep).

Top 10 Redwood Attractions

Tall Trees Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Fern Canyon
Stout Grove
Big Tree Wayside
Trillium Falls
Crescent Beach Overlook
Elk Meadow
Redwood Creek Overlook
Boy Scout Tree Trail

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me this week at Fern Canyon. For a virtual visit to this spot, make sure to enjoy my Behind the Blog video below. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement where are go.

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