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Fern Canyon

Davison Rd, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park · Orick, CA

Why you should go…

Inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon's moss- and fern-covered walls rise straight up from a shallow creek that hikers cross on foot or plank bridges. The half-mile loop trail feels almost prehistoric, and it stood in for a dinosaur-era jungle in a Jurassic Park sequel. The unpaved access road can close after heavy rain.

  • #hiking
  • #ferns
  • #canyon
  • #prairie-creek

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Fern Canyon, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Redwood Creek Buckarettes

    $50+

    Guided horseback rides into Redwood National Park's old-growth forest near Orick, California.

    5.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Lady Bird Johnson Grove

    Free

    An easy one-mile loop through old-growth redwoods dedicated to the former First Lady in 1969.

    5.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Redwood National and State Parks

    Free

    A jointly managed network of parks protecting the world's tallest trees along the far north California coast.

    5.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Yurok Country

    Free

    Yurok tribal homeland along the lower Klamath River, with redwood forests and river-based tourism.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Trees of Mystery

    Under $25

    A roadside classic with a giant Paul Bunyan statue, a gondola ride through the redwood canopy and a native art museum.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Sue-meg State Park

    Under $25

    A rugged headland park, formerly Patrick's Point, with tide pools, sea-lion overlooks and a re-created Yurok village.

    18 mi awayMore like this