Fern Canyon Loop is a short but visually striking walk in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County along California's far north coast. The canyon features near-vertical walls draped entirely in five-fingered ferns, creating a lush corridor carved by Home Creek. The trail is less than 1 mile in total but its visual impact rivals hikes many times longer. The canyon also gained international recognition as a filming location for Steven Spielberg's The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), with its fern-covered walls providing a prehistoric visual backdrop.
The trailhead at Fern Canyon is reached via Davison Road from US-101 near Orick — a seven-mile unpaved road suitable for most vehicles. In summer (late May through early September), a vehicle reservation and day-use fee are required to access the parking area, managed through Reserve California. In the off-season, the gate may close Davison Road, requiring a 3.5-mile walk or bike ride from the highway to the trailhead.
From the parking area, the trail enters the canyon immediately and follows Home Creek upstream between walls rising 50 feet on each side. Home Creek must be crossed multiple times; log footbridges are installed in summer but removed in winter, making waterproof footwear essential year-round. The loop branches at the upper end of the canyon, climbing briefly above the fern walls before returning through old-growth coast redwood forest to the trailhead.
Trail surface in the canyon is flat, damp, and often muddy, transitioning to well-maintained dirt path through the redwood loop. Shade is total throughout — the dense redwood canopy and fern walls receive virtually no direct sunlight. Wildlife commonly encountered includes Pacific giant salamanders in the creek, Steller's jays overhead, and Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadow adjacent to the parking area.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Humboldt County, CA
- Best season
- June-September
Location
Davison Rd, Orick, CA 95555
41.3972, -124.0649 View on map
Highlights
- Towering 50-foot walls covered entirely in five-fingered ferns — a natural prehistoric gallery
- Home Creek crossings on log footbridges within the fern-draped canyon
- Old-growth coast redwood forest on the upper return loop
- Roosevelt elk frequently grazing in the Gold Bluffs Beach meadow near the trailhead
- A filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Tips for visiting
- Book a vehicle reservation in advance through Reserve California for summer access (late May to early September) — the parking area fills rapidly
- Wear waterproof footwear — creek crossings and the muddy canyon floor require it year-round
- Visit in morning for the best photography — the high canyon walls create even, diffused light without harsh shadows
- Combine with a walk along Gold Bluffs Beach immediately north of the trailhead for a fuller coastal experience
- Bring a rain layer even in summer — the Humboldt coast is frequently foggy and damp
When to visit
June through August offers reliable vehicle access with reservations, manageable crowds, and summer bridges in place. Fall (September to October) brings quieter conditions and atmospheric fog. Spring and winter visits require wading the creek crossings.
Accessibility
The Fern Canyon creek-side section involves multiple log bridge crossings over damp, uneven terrain and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The upper redwood forest loop is more level but remains an unpaved natural surface trail.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors access Fern Canyon?
Fern Canyon is reached via Davison Road from US-101 near Orick — a 7-mile unpaved road. In summer, a vehicle reservation is required through Reserve California. Off-season access may require walking 3.5 miles from the highway gate.
Are the log bridges in the canyon always in place?
Log footbridges over Home Creek are installed in summer (approximately late May to early September). In winter and spring they are removed, and the creek must be waded — waterproof boots are essential outside summer.
Is Fern Canyon a loop trail?
Yes. The primary route is a loop of under 1 mile, entering the canyon via the creek-side path and returning through old-growth redwood forest above the canyon walls.
Was Fern Canyon used in any films?
Fern Canyon served as a filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and other productions, with its fern-covered walls providing a striking natural backdrop that closely resembles prehistoric environments.
Are dogs allowed in Fern Canyon?
Dogs are permitted in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park on leash in some areas. Check current California State Parks regulations before visiting, as restrictions may apply to specific trail sections.