Fern Canyon Trail
Five-finger ferns, moss, fallen logs, water, and sediment turn a short canyon into a close study of coastal moisture.
Artwork inspired by William Wendt
Five-finger ferns, moss, fallen logs, water, and sediment turn a short canyon into a close study of coastal moisture. Seasonal footbridges change the route from wet wading to easier passage. Fern Canyon Trail becomes easier to read when length (About 1 mile loop), reservation (Seasonal), and park (Prairie Creek Redwoods) are held together rather than treated as disconnected labels.
Walk slowly enough to distinguish fern species and wall seeps, then continue to the beach only if surf and daylight allow. A seasonal reservation is required, Davison Road is rough with stream crossings, feet may get wet, and fallen wood shifts after storms.
- Length
- About 1 mile loop
- Reservation
- Seasonal
- Park
- Prairie Creek Redwoods
Quick guide
- Anchor the visit
- Walk slowly enough to distinguish fern species and wall seeps, then continue to the beach only if surf and daylight allow.
- Test that view
- Compare fern walls with Home Creek, then use Gold Bluffs access to test what the site is trying to communicate.
Know before you go
- Anchor the visit
- Walk slowly enough to distinguish fern species and wall seeps, then continue to the beach only if surf and daylight allow.
- Test that view
- Compare fern walls with Home Creek, then test that reading against Gold Bluffs access.
- Place in context
- Length: About 1 mile loop; Reservation: Seasonal; Park: Prairie Creek Redwoods
- Plan the arrival
- For Fern Canyon Trail, navigate to Fern Canyon, Davison Rd, Orick, CA 95555, the reviewed public trailhead. Before hiking Fern Canyon Trail, recheck permits, parking capacity, road access.
Good to know
A seasonal reservation is required, Davison Road is rough with stream crossings, feet may get wet, and fallen wood shifts after storms.
Notice these
- fern walls
- Home Creek
- Gold Bluffs access