Fern Canyon
Orick, CA
A narrow canyon with 50-foot walls completely covered in ferns. Summer access needs a day-use permit.
Fern Canyon is in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, part of Redwood National and State Parks. Ferns cover the canyon walls, and scenes from "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" were filmed here, among other productions. The loop is only a little over 1.6 km (1 mile) long, but it runs through ankle- to knee-deep water; waterproof footwear makes sense, and rocks and logs are slippery. Dogs are not allowed in the canyon. The seasonal footbridge had been removed at last report (as of October 2026).
The unpaved Davison Road is about 13 km (8 miles) long and crosses two creeks that can be difficult after rain; the park service recommends high-clearance vehicles. RVs over 7.3 m (24 feet) and trailers are not allowed. From May 15 to September 15, each vehicle needs a free online reservation (as of October 2026), plus a day-use fee at Gold Bluffs Beach. On foot, you can come in via the James Irvine Trail, which is partly closed (as of October 2026). It is quietest early in the morning.
- Nearest town
- Orick, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.4010, -124.0650
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually April–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Pi.1415926535 · CC BY-SA 4.0Lady Bird Johnson Grove
© Linda Tanner · CC BY 2.0Klamath River Overlook
© Taken by Scott D. Sullivan This image has been released for use worldwide under the licensing specified below. If you… · CC BY 3.0Sue-meg State Park
© Ray Bouknight from Sacramento, CA, USA · CC BY 2.0Stout Memorial Grove
Campsites nearby
- Gold Bluffs Beach CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Fern CanyonTentsCaravans
- Cher'ere Campground & RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Fern CanyonTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Klamath Camper CorralCampsite9 mi from Fern CanyonTentsCaravans
- Kamp Klamath RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Fern CanyonMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Golden Bear RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Fern Canyon · 54 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Mystic Forest RV ParkCampsite12 mi from Fern Canyon · 30 pitchesTentsCaravans
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fern Canyon?
Fern Canyon is in Orick, CA, at GPS 41.4010, -124.0650. It is about 24 mi from Trinidad.
Can you camp near Fern Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fern Canyon?
Fern Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Redwood Coast.
What is there to see near Fern Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lady Bird Johnson Grove (7 mi), Klamath River Overlook (10 mi), Sue-meg State Park (19 mi) and Stout Memorial Grove (27 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fern Canyon?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually April–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)