Fern Canyon: Vertical Fern Walls and Lush Redwood Ravine. Photo Credit; John Brighenti, Fern Canyon (51485337484).jpg
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Published February 26, 2026
Fern Canyon: Vertical Fern Walls and Lush Redwood Ravine
In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park near Orick, Fern Canyon is a narrow, dramatic ravine with vertical walls draped in lush ferns, mosses, and five-finger ferns; one of the most photographed spots in Redwood National and State Parks. This magical, otherworldly gorge offers a short, immersive hike through a prehistoric-like setting.
A Fern-Draped Ravine and Redwood Mosaic
Fern Canyon blends sheer canyon walls covered in dense ferns (maidenhair, five-finger, sword), mosses, and trickling streams within old-growth redwood forest. The moist microclimate supports amphibians, banana slugs, varied birds, and seasonal wildflowers; the canyon exemplifies riparian redwood habitat with cascading water and shaded biodiversity.
Adventure With a Conservation Conscience
1-mile out-and-back trail (easy, some creek crossings) through the canyon; wade or step on rocks. Permit required May to Sept (free, Recreation.gov) for vehicle access.
Access is intentional: drive Gold Bluffs Beach Road (rough, high-clearance recommended), sunrise to sunset, pack out waste, stay on trail/avoid trampling ferns. No pets; permit enforces low impact.
Fern Canyon delivers vertical fern walls hiking in lush redwood beauty. For explorers seeking prehistoric ravines and fern magic, the short trail repays permit planning; a verdant Humboldt jewel.