This hike traverses a wide variety of habitats, including spruce and redwood forests and coastal prairie. It begins in Fern Canyon, one of the region’s best-known and most-popular sites. It then gently ascends Friendship Ridge and descends West Ridge. The last couple of miles, on the Coastal Trail (a popular bicycling route), are flat; watch for short spur trails to waterfalls along this stretch. Summer wildflower diversity is excellent, as are the chances of observing elk.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: info@parks.ca.gov, 707-488-2171
The Coastal Trail is closed through June, 2018.