Fern Canyon

When you enter Fern Canyon, you might feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Prehistoric Era.  Steep canyon walls lined with ferns surround your every step.  You can hear water trickle down the cliffs from hidden perennial waterfalls.  You can either climb over or stoop under giant fallen trees that have blocked some of the trail.  Sunlight filters through the top of the canyon rim.  Cool water flows through most of the canyon floor.  

How did this beautiful place come to be?  Well, millions of years ago the ocean retreated, leaving these coastal bluffs behind.  The water that drained away sculpted the rocky formations into the vertical gardens that they are today.  Some of the ferns that now grow on the cliffs are ancient species that date back to 325 million years ago.  The dense foliage is a habitat to different types of amphibians, such as the Pacific giant salamander and the Northern red-legged frog.  American dippers live here also.  

Pacific giant salamander

Northern red-legged frog

American Dipper

Here’s a fun fact: the movies Return of the Jedi and Jurassic Park 2 were both filmed in this location.

Getting here can be a little tricky, but it’s totally worth it!  Fern Canyon is in Northern California fairly close to the Oregon border.  Located inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, take Highway 101 in Orick and turn onto Davidson Road.  You will drive this long, rough gravel road to the very end- about 7 miles.  Parts of the road become very narrow, so keep a lookout for oncoming vehicles.  It’s a good idea to crack your window to hear for other cars, because sometimes you can’t see what’s around the bend.  

There is a day use fee of $8.  If you don’t see a ranger, there is a drop box where you can fill out your car info and leave the money; you will then tear off the stub to keep in the windshield of your car.  Don’t proceed without paying.  Rangers drive around patrolling the area.  

Before hitting the trail, there are public bathrooms that you can use.  Are they the cleanest bathrooms?  No, but it’s there if you need it.  Remember to bring your hand sanitizer.  

Dogs are not allowed on the trails.  Don’t bring your furry friend along with you on this trek.  

Plan on wearing either old shoes you don’t care about, or shoes that have been waterproofed.  Boards have been placed along a good portion of the beginning of the trail, but you are still going to have to wade through cold water depending on how far you want to go.  

If you do explore this amazing place, pack a lunch.  You’ll be in the middle of nowhere for a while.  Fern Canyon is easily my favorite place I have ever visited.  It was hard to pull myself away from this incredible place.  If you get the chance, come experience this enchanting spot.