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Home » Hikes in Hiking Humboldt Volume 2 » Region A: Redwood National and State Parks » Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon, with its winding, fern-covered walls stretching far above, is among the most popular attractions in the Park. The primeval setting has been used in the filming of The Lost World: Jurassic Park, BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs and IMAX’s Dinosaurs Alive. It is an easy walk up through Home Creek with much to see; this has made it very popular for families.

Crossing the creek in Fern Canyon.
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Getting there: Proceed north on US 101 44.8 miles to the Davison Road exit. Turn left on Davison Road and proceed 6.9 miles to the parking area at the road’s end. Davison Road can be dusty in the summer and slow going year round. Cross Squashan Creek just after the turn to the Gold Bluffs Beach Campgound which can require some care during periods of high water. Allow 75 minutes to reach the parking lot.

The route: From the parking lot and picnic area, the trail proceeds north along the base of the bluff before descending to the floodplain of Home Creek (0.2). The trail turns east entering the mouth of the canyon following a well-trod path that crosses a series of plank bridges put in place as water flow permits. The canyon walls, blanketed by the delicate five-finger fern, become more dramatic. All too soon it is over (0.6) as the canyon broadens and the trail exits up the northern rim. At the intersection with the James Irvine Trail turn left (0.8 mile). Follow the trail through the spruce forest as it descends back down to a crossing of Home Creek (1.0) and returns to the trailhead (1.2).

Extras. The California Coastal Trail extends along the foot of the Gold Bluffs both north and (using the beach) south. This is an easy way to add to the walk. Even more ambitious options are covered in Volume 1 via Friendship Ridge or the James Irvine Trail. Gold Bluffs Beach is also open to equestrians.

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Look who’s popping up! Does this mean it’s off Look who’s popping up! Does this mean it’s officially #wildflowerseason in the redwood forest?

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9 Years Ago: Our family on the front page (below t 9 Years Ago: Our family on the front page (below the fold!) telling the story of our first book and the creation of @backcountrypress.

Lots of changes to our #familybiz since then!

• minus 1 dear pup
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The Smith River is the most undeveloped and protec The Smith River is the most undeveloped and protected river remaining in California, and the largest completely undammed river from source to sea in the state.

It drains the high elevation flanks of the western Siskiyou Mountains, who’s thin, rocky soils shed water from winter storms faster than any other watershed in the Klamath Mountains.

This River commonly rises insanely fast—from 5,000 to 80,000 cfs within 24 hours.

It’s an absolute joy to watch this wild river flowing swift and clear, full of welcome winter rains.

- - - - -

We were turned on to the concept of Slow TV by @b_funke.jpg and @gabriellegopinath. We love watching the rivers flow, the mountains catching morning light, the fog slowly settling between ridges. Apparently when you record this it’s called Slow TV! Would a YouTube channel featuring such *shows* from the Klamath Mountains interest you?

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HINT: Tie the @lindt chocolate to a stick with a blade of grass and dangle it in front of your tot as you hike along. Allow them to grab it only when the laughter subsides. This should buy you an extra mile or two.

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