
FERN CANYON & GOLD BLUFFS BEACH
Fern Canyon, a narrow gorge in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, was used for scenes in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) where characters encountered herds of Stegosauruses and smaller raptors. The canyon's vertical walls, completely covered in ferns and moss, gave it a prehistoric and ancient atmosphere, making it a perfect, natural backdrop for the movie.
The road to Fern Canyon Trailhead, Davison Road, is a winding dirt road with two stream crossings you will have to drive through. These are located about 1.5 miles before the trailhead. Please be aware if driving a low-clearance vehicle as there is a risk of getting stuck when trying to cross the two streams. RVs must be less than 24 feet in length to drive Davison Road and NO trailers.
After parking at the trailhead, you will leave the parking lot and follow the short narrow trail to the start of the canyon. Fern Canyon itself isn’t really a trail. You will walk along and through a creek to experience the canyon. Even with the seasonal footbridges you will often get your feet wet.
Pets are not allowed in Fern Canyon but service animals are welcome. Pets can be walked on a 6 foot leash on Gold Bluffs Beach. You can get more info about where to take your pets at https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/pets.htm
A visit to Fern Canyon does REQUIRE A PERMIT! You can acquire your permit by visiting https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/ferncanyonpermits.htm
While we did not take the hike to Gold Bluffs Beach, we did visit Fern Canyon towards the end of May 2025. It was still nice and cool. I’d recommend taking a light rain jacket in your backpack along with a bottle of water and a snack, also water proof shoes or boots, not water resistant, as your feet will get wet. The trail is very easy with very few areas of having to climb over some trees. There are steps that will take you back to the top and where you started. There is just so much beauty in the canyon. And if you are a fern lover like I am, you will take your time. It is just beautiful. Yes you will get Jurassic Park vibes for sure!
*See Redwood Forest USA to add to this trip!



















