Explore Fern Canyon

Make sure you get a permit 24 hrs ahead of going!! The park rangers were very helpful and thorough in explaining the need for permits. Apparently a man died last year from a broken femur, they were unable to get an ambulance in to him due to overcrowding. I'm sure if it were you in that situation, you would be grateful to be able to get the help you needed. There is no wifi at the park entrance because the location is very remote, making same day registration impossible. We were very pleased with the ease of the permit application online. Fern Canyon itself was a place of wonder. It was an experience of awe for the whole family. Our teenagers, who are normally uninterested, absolutely loved it. The beauty was just breathtaking. I was so excited, we forgot to change our shoes. Make sure you bring your water shoes! 10/10 would go again if we ever get the chance.

There’s no words that match the beauty, tranquility, and serenity of this place. Whether you hike the James Irvine Trail to get there, or drive Davidson Road, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what to expect if you drive: a narrow, winding, unpaved, and pothole filled 8 mile drive with creek crossing. Halfway through you’ll come across the fee area where it is $12/day CASH only to “access” fern canyon & gold bluffs beach. There is no one at the ticket booth(at least not in the slow season, which is basically all seasons except summer) so you just drop the cash in a cash box, unless you’re camping in the campgrounds nearby or have an America the beautiful pass. In summer months, you are required a permit to access this area and it has to be purchased at least 24hours in advance. I recommend going in late spring, as it’s a lot less of a hassle to access and MUCH less busy. The parking lot is 0.1miles from fern canyon. I believe the canyon itself is about 0.5miles but it may be a bit more than that. No dogs are allowed in the canyon. Bears, elk, and deers are often seen in this area. We saw a deer and at least 10 elk. Enjoy this amazingly beautiful area that is truly otherworldly.

We were super nervous about crossing the creeks to get to Fern Canyon in my Tesla but we made it okay! It was beautiful with only a few people there. Drizzling rain off and on. We did not walk in too far due to one of us not having his rain boots but it was still nice to explore. $12 gate fee unless you have a national parks pass then some sort of discount but I didn’t catch how much.

Awesome park very beautiful, wish the visitor center was as good as some other national parks, was disappointed I couldn’t find a redwoods national park sticker for my collection , and the road to fern canyon has lots of pot holes. But over all it’s in our top 10 national parks.

You will get wet but it's worth the hike. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles. The first half of the hike is treading through the steam and the second half is walking along the hillside above the stream. Parking is limited so be sure to arrive before 9am or after 3pm. Note the area is not open overnight - the gate is closed 30 minutes after sunset. You can also access the beach from the Fern Canyon parking lot. There are vault toilets and picnic tables at the trailhead.