Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon is a narrow gorge in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park where a stream runs through steep rock walls covered with multiple fern species and thick moss. The walls rise about 50 feet (15 m) high and create an enclosed, cave-like environment where sunlight barely reaches the canyon floor.

The canyon formed through erosion over many centuries and became part of a protected area in the mid-20th century after timber company donations to the state. This protection saved the land from logging and preserved the fern ecosystem within its walls.

The site served as a filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park and BBC's Walking with Dinosaurs, drawing worldwide attention to the canyon. Visitors can recognize the spots where dramatic scenes were shot as they walk through.

This location is very busy during summer months and requires advance planning for a day visit. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring a rain jacket, as the trail can be wet and slippery and the air stays cool and damp inside the canyon.

The canyon is home to seven different fern species, some belonging to plant families that are over 325 million years old. These living fossils show visitors what vegetation looked like long before dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 41.40262,-124.06841

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01