Fern Canyon Trail – blue lotus adventures

DETAILS

Directions:

From the Prairie Creek visitor center, take Prairie Creek Rd to Newton B. Drury Scenic Hwy then turn right. Merge onto route 101 south. Turn right on Davidson Road and follow to the end and Gold Bluff Beach.

Equipment:

Sturdy hiking shoes
water
camera
food/snacks

Hike Info:

Easy to follow trail with no markers. Fun as an out and back. Definitely one of the more popular hikes. Usually has water flowing but easily crossed.

This is a short easy walk from the end on Davison Road and the Fern Canyon parking area. There is an $8.00 parking fee which is payable at a kiosk on Davison road as you approach Gold Bluffs Beach. The walk to the canyon entrance is only .3 miles and is very easy. There is a small stream in the canyon which is easily crossed on wood blanks placed by the park service. You can walk about .5 miles up the canyon and enjoy all the Fern that are growing on the vertical sides of the canyon walls. I’ve never seen anything like it. This is one attraction that should not be missed. There is a log/tree jam about three quarters of the way up the canyon which can be passed with a little effort. You can hike out of the canyon onto the James Irvine Trail or return the way you came. I recommend going here very early in the morning to avoid the crowds.