Last updated: April 1, 2024
Thing to Do
Walk the Fern Canyon Loop Trail
A Popular Destination That Comes With Challenges: Wild Elk and Stream Crossings
If you plan to drive to Fern Canyon from May 15th - Sept 15th, you will need to apply online for - and have been issued - a free Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon parking reservation. Read the official news release about how we are protecting this area with timed-entries. Summer visitors will now have a safer and much less crowded experience at Fern Canyon.
Note: Hikers can still access Fern Canyon by doing the 10-mile round-trip hike on the James Irvine Trail from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center without a reservation.
Prepare to get your feet wet when exploring this short hike into a stunning mini-canyon covered with ferns. This is a very popular walk up a cobbled creek, Home Creek, located east of Gold Bluffs Beach, walking through the creek and climbing over fallen trees is necessary to walk up the canyon. Many travel writers and bloggers are correct when they talk about the natural beauty of this area while you won't find huge redwoods right here it is surrounded by sitka spruce and other conifers.
The trail can be done as a 1-mile "lolly-pop" loop with an elevation gain of 150 feet, or hikers can stick to the bed of Home Creek and within quarter of a mile see the steep, leafy walls of Fern Canyon. This in-and-out option has a 30-foot elevation change. Either of these options mean climbing through log jams that have formed due to trees falling into the canyon.
Normally from June to September there are wooden footbridges installed in Fern Canyon to help walkers get partway up Home Creek without getting their feet too wet. Our advice is to wear waterproof footwear with good traction, and bring a pair of dry shoes to wear after the hike.
Be aware that the winding Davison Road (a gravel road) is not suitable for large recreational vehicles or anything towing a trailer. Also, people driving low-clearance vehicles often get stuck when trying to drive through the two streams on the way to the Fern Canyon parking area.
There is a California State Park entrance station on the way out Davison Road where you need to stop and pay the $12.00 entrance fee (per vehicle). Cash or check only for payment, credit cards are not accepted. California State Parks or the America the Beautiful (federal) passes are honored at this kiosk.
A herd of Roosevelt Elk are often spotted around the Fern Canyon area. It is important to keep your distance - don't approach them for any reason. Calving season is from late May to early June, which is when the female (cow) elk are very protective of their babies. Female elk might not have big antlers but they will kick and stomp anyone who gets too close. August through October is the rut season which means the male (bull) elk are especially irritable. Not only will the males use their antlers to protect their group of females, but they can also kick, stomp, and charge at anyone who gets too close (including vehicles). Year-round you should give the elk as much space as possible, at least a school bus length between you and the elk. Learn how to be safe around elk.
Before you set off to visit Fern Canyon, be sure to check current conditions and make sure that the roads are open - or to see if the seasonal footbridges have been installed.
Vault toilets and picnic tables are availble in the Fern Canyon parking area. There is also beach access from this parking area.
If you plan to drive to Fern Canyon from May 15th - Sept 15th, you will need to apply online for - and have been issued - a free Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon parking reservation. Read the official news release about how we are protecting this area with timed-entries. Summer visitors will now have a safer and much less crowded experience at Fern Canyon.
Note: Hikers can still access Fern Canyon by doing the 10-mile round-trip hike on the James Irvine Trail from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center without a reservation.
Prepare to get your feet wet when exploring this short hike into a stunning mini-canyon covered with ferns. This is a very popular walk up a cobbled creek, Home Creek, located east of Gold Bluffs Beach, walking through the creek and climbing over fallen trees is necessary to walk up the canyon. Many travel writers and bloggers are correct when they talk about the natural beauty of this area while you won't find huge redwoods right here it is surrounded by sitka spruce and other conifers.
The trail can be done as a 1-mile "lolly-pop" loop with an elevation gain of 150 feet, or hikers can stick to the bed of Home Creek and within quarter of a mile see the steep, leafy walls of Fern Canyon. This in-and-out option has a 30-foot elevation change. Either of these options mean climbing through log jams that have formed due to trees falling into the canyon.
Normally from June to September there are wooden footbridges installed in Fern Canyon to help walkers get partway up Home Creek without getting their feet too wet. Our advice is to wear waterproof footwear with good traction, and bring a pair of dry shoes to wear after the hike.
Be aware that the winding Davison Road (a gravel road) is not suitable for large recreational vehicles or anything towing a trailer. Also, people driving low-clearance vehicles often get stuck when trying to drive through the two streams on the way to the Fern Canyon parking area.
There is a California State Park entrance station on the way out Davison Road where you need to stop and pay the $12.00 entrance fee (per vehicle). Cash or check only for payment, credit cards are not accepted. California State Parks or the America the Beautiful (federal) passes are honored at this kiosk.
A herd of Roosevelt Elk are often spotted around the Fern Canyon area. It is important to keep your distance - don't approach them for any reason. Calving season is from late May to early June, which is when the female (cow) elk are very protective of their babies. Female elk might not have big antlers but they will kick and stomp anyone who gets too close. August through October is the rut season which means the male (bull) elk are especially irritable. Not only will the males use their antlers to protect their group of females, but they can also kick, stomp, and charge at anyone who gets too close (including vehicles). Year-round you should give the elk as much space as possible, at least a school bus length between you and the elk. Learn how to be safe around elk.
Before you set off to visit Fern Canyon, be sure to check current conditions and make sure that the roads are open - or to see if the seasonal footbridges have been installed.
Vault toilets and picnic tables are availble in the Fern Canyon parking area. There is also beach access from this parking area.
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
Yes
A California State Park entrance fee is required. $12 per vehicle. State passes accepted.
All Federal "America The Beautiful " passes will be accepted.
All Federal "America The Beautiful " passes will be accepted.
Location
Fern Canyon
Reservations
Yes
May 1st - Sept 30th a free online Fern Canyon parking permit must be applied for - and issued - before arriving at the Gold Bluffs Beach entrance station.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
Handicapped parking spaces.
This is not an ADA trail. Much of the trail is through a cobbled stream bed.
Seasonal footbridges are made of wood and about two feet wide.
Service pets are welcome.
This is not an ADA trail. Much of the trail is through a cobbled stream bed.
Seasonal footbridges are made of wood and about two feet wide.
Service pets are welcome.