Fern Canyon Trail is a popular one-mile path that takes hikers on a journey into a breath-taking canyon covered from top to bottom in verdant green ferns and moss. The trail crosses streams running down the canyon several times and weaves through fallen trees and boulders. Seasonal footbridges are placed over the streams in the summer months but the trail remains accessible in other seasons as well. The chance to see towering fern walls glowing green in the afternoon sun makes this hike well worth the dusty drive to the trailhead and the parking fee.

What is there to see at Fern Canyon?

The trail leads to this amazing canyon where the canyon walls are completely covered in ferns. It is beautiful! A stream runs through the middle of the canyon and river stones cover the ground. Fallen trees crisscross the canyon, and hikers must be ready to carefully step through fallen trees and fit through some tight spaces. The canyon stays green year-round and is particularly beautiful in the summer months. Elk frequent the meadow just before the canyon and sometimes the parking lot as well. There is significantly more water in the canyon during the winter months and, with no footbridges in the winter either, hikers can plan on getting their feet wet. I would rank this trail a must-see stop in Redwood National Park, along with Trillium Falls Trial and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.

Will my car make it to the Fern Canyon trailhead?

Depending on what type of car you drive, this trail can be tough to get to. Regulations are that you cannot be towing a vehicle, and your vehicle itself can not be more than 24 feet long. If your car has poor ground clearance you may get stuck in certain parts of the drive if you aren’t careful. We saw sedans driving to and from the trailhead, but the road was in better shape than usual. Drivers with external cargo carriers or bikes can expect to have their belongings thoroughly coated in the dust by the end of the drive.

How difficult is Fern Canyon Trail?

While there are wooden “footbridges” over the stream so you don’t have to completely submerge your feet, you will likely still get wet. These “bridges” can feel a little unsteady and are removed during the winter months when the water level in the canyon rises. There also may be downed trees and other obstacles that hikers will need to duck or crawl under. 

Where can I park? 

This trail has a dirt lot next to the trailhead with limited parking. Parking is shared with the beach access, so on busy days the lot gets full early and stays full all day. Many people were parked alongside the road as far down the road as cars were able to stay and not get stuck. I would recommend trying to go earlier rather than later.

Are there bathrooms available? 

Pit toilets! I did not use these so I am unsure of the quality of the pit.

What should I wear?

Waterproof shoes or sandals are definitely recommended for this hike. I wore my trusty Chacos on this hike and thought it was very convenient. Due to walking in/ over a stream during summer, it was nice to not worry about my socks being wet and let my feet air dry. I would recommend bringing a light jacket depending on what time you go (morning or early evening). 

Guided tour available?

No guided tour is available for this hike.

Anything else I should know?

There is an $8 fee to get out to the trailhead, but if you have a State or Federal pass you can get in for free!