Explore Fern Canyon

Well worth the effort to come even though we had to trek in*. The canyon is largest about the first 1/2 or so and then winds around the stream and the canyon walls slowly come down around you. It is very lush and green throughout. You can make it without water shoes and use the wooden walkways trekking in. Not currently a loop as the staircase at the end was closed off, so just to the end and back. My favorite was finding some large slugs and the trickling waterfalls near the larger canyon walls 💚 *I was unable to get permits in advance or the 9am day prior permits (I tried for about 30 minutes, the site kept crashing at 9am). Without permits, there wasn't access for us to drive along the road towards the fern canyon parking area. So we had to use the James Irvine Trail starting near the Prarie Creek Visitor Center. *We parked at the Prarie Creek Visitor Center around 7:30am on the open spaces (not the 30 minute spaces) headed towards the campground. There is also space along the Scenic Byway at the entrance. The trail is roughly 10 miles total (plus more if you return along the beach). Really depends on your pace and how long you stay in the canyon. I spent about 1.5 hours in the canyon and returned about 1:30pm. Definitely doable but take into account your abilities and time 🙏 Also I suggest downloading the offline map through the free NPS App before entering the park. It has all the trails, viewpoints, etc that can still be accessed without cellular connection and can help with your location within the park.

Amazing! There was some road construction so we had to follow a pilot vehicle to and from the trailhead so it took extra time coming and going but 100% worth it. The stream crossings were a little bumpy but as long as you're not in a sports car, I think you'd be OK. You wouldn't want to take a low clearance vehicle on any part of the road there anyway. Also saw some elk on our way back down. Get a reservation online!

Magic! A must see place if u visit redwood NP, be sure make reservation 1 week ahead on NPS, also need $12 cash at the check point. Care for the road condition to here is not good so I recommend suv or all wheel drive cars.

An amazing place with ferns covering steep canyon walls. We accessed this via the James Irvine trail for the following reasons. You need pay for a hard to get permit to drive along a challenging road and cross a creek to access the shorter trail. This could potentially cause problems with low clearance vehicles or RVs with many underside components that could get damaged. I am glad we ended up taking the longer trail from the Prairie Creek Visitors Center which I detail in another review about the James Irvine trail (hint it was beautiful).

This is a must see destination when visiting the area. Fern canyon boasts a beautiful array of ferns and a natural creek through the canyon giving it a mystical feel. It is an easy hike from the Fern Canyon trailhead and does not take long to complete, just make sure to bring shoes that can get wet or plan to bring an extra pair! The trail head is by permit only which you can reserve online or the day before at the visitor center. If you aren't able to get a pass and would rather do a long hike, you are also able to access the trail via the James Irvine Trail. This entire loop would be 10 miles round trip from the visitors center. This trail is more rigorous so that is something to keep in mind. Either way, the fern canyon is worth visiting