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Fern Canyon


Highlights:

Ocean approach to a steep canyon covered in ferns. Redwoods, ferns and rain.
Near:Crescent City, CA
Scenery:
Distance:2.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:317 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop



Summary: Fern Canyon is a very narrow, very steep canyon, covered in lush ferns. You approach the canyon (which looks not so spectacular when you first see it) from the beach, and begin by following the creek upstream.

After a few bends of the stream, the canyon gets extremely narrow (fallen trees bridge bridge the top of the canyon), and extremely green. The beauty of the canyon is listening to the birds and the water, while you stand in the middle of the canyon, between two cliff faces covered in ferns.

Trailhead: Heading North on US 101, turn left onto Davison Road, about 3 miles North of Orick.

Heading South on US 101, turn right onto Davison Road, about 2 miles South of Prarie Creek Visitor Center.

Drive on Davison Road, following the signs to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Campground. This is a very narrow dirt road, so no trailers are allowed. When the road reaches the beach, take it all the way to the end. There is a campground and a trailhead, pointing the way to Fern Cayon. (Lat:41.40346 Lon:-124.06418)

Trail Guides for Fern Canyon:
California Waterfalls
by Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Outdoors)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Redwood National and State Parks, 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by David Zwarg, who has posted  9 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by mrsb814 on 9/2/2009
There's a connection to Prairie Creek I aim to find that today-this is definitely one of the most scenic and photogenic hikes around....

Reviewed by Falancy on 7/28/2009
Please watch out for the Sasquatch... saw him and his lady friend twice. Tried to steal my corn nuts. Stay to the path -get off the path - you are in his woods.

Reviewed by RC on 3/15/2009
Question: I plan on visiting this location March 26-28. I heard that the road is closed to Fern Canyon and the NPS doesn't put up the "bridge" until late May/early June.

Reviewed by Michele on 3/11/2009
I just know there are Fairy's here somewhere!! :)

Reviewed by Kiz on 2/8/2009
Loved it

Reviewed by CB on 1/27/2009
this place was awesome ! breathtaking and I would reccomend to anyone!

Reviewed by Eric on 12/24/2008
a friend and I took this hike today, 12/24. at around 12 pm. we went up to trail marked "friend" something or other and ascended for about 45 minutes. as we were walking, we both heard a low guttural sound which seemed to be an owl, at first. as we neared, the sound continued but was clearly not an owl, especially because rather than emanating from the trees, it appeared to come from within the bushes. the low-guttural sound turned into more of a moaning sound, at which point we turned back thinking that perhaps it was a mountain lion warning us not to approach...

Reviewed by bill on 4/15/2008
It has been a few years since going and we didn't do the entire hike, but it certainly is one I would love to do. the beginning is spectacular, beginning at the oceans edge. We had small children at the time and all who went enjoyed the trip immensly.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Del Norte County Hiking, Del Norte County Trails, Del Norte County Hikes

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