A 4.2-mile trail from Prairie Creek Visitor Center through old-growth forest toward Fern Canyon. A full out-and-back is a substantial day hike; the park also describes longer loops with coastal trails.
Access details
- Parking
- The marked trail begins at Prairie Creek Visitor Center; use the signed visitor parking rather than the map's representative trail point.
- Viewpoint
- The route crosses old-growth forest and reaches the Fern Canyon area.
- Trail
- Plan for a long hike and check seasonal bridges, current closures, and any Fern Canyon access requirements.
- Public water access
- No swimming access is represented from this trail.
- Water conditions
- Creek crossings and coastal access are subject to current park conditions.
Plan from the official source
Redwood National and State Parks is the manager or primary source for this entry. Check its current page for changing hours, fees, reservations, road restrictions, and closures.
Open NPS James Irvine and Fern Canyon loop ↗