Coastal Trail (Fern Canyon/Ossagon Section)

Coastal Trail (Fern Canyon/Ossagon Section)

Coastal Trail (Fern Canyon/Ossagon Section)

Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, CA
Miles: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: easy – moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Users: Bikes permitted. Dogs and horses not permitted. No wheelchair access.

Features: Breathtaking coastal hike, possible Roosevelt elk sightings, Fern Canyon, dense forest, hidden waterfalls, beach

Note: There is a campsite 3 miles in. However, this parking area doesn’t allow overnight parking. To use the campsites, park on the east side of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. To reach the trail camp from the east side is a 7.5 mile one-way hike, or 15 miles there and back over 2 days.

Note 2: Trailers and RVs not permitted at the Fern Canyon Trailhead

Redwood Parks are obviously known for redwoods but 70 miles (142 km) of Coastal Trail is a new sight best for the adventurous person with a new experience. Explore the Pacific coastline and its sandy beaches.

In the coastal trail, you can do day hikes and longer backpack trips. You would be required permits and is available at the park visitor centers.

There are a number of access points and five backcountry camps are an easy day’s walk from one another. Ossagon, Coastal, and Fern Canyon Trails is a 14.8 km back trail that highlights an extraordinary scenery. Activities for these trails are hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking.

The Ossagon Trail is a route that is rarely used by hikers. It starts close to the upper end of the creek, past redwood trees to a ridge then downward through a secondary forest straight to the beach, where the Coast Trail continues.

The Fern Canyon Loop Trail can be accessed via James Irvine Trail, Coastal Trail, and Friendship Ridge Trail. This is a short walk into a mini-canyon full of ferns. This trail is well-known because of the cobbled stream located in the east of Gold Bluffs Beach.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Wear waterproof gear

Prepare to get wet. Wear waterproof shoes or waterproof hiking clothes and bring a dry sack to keep your things protected when taking these trails. Remember to always come prepared!

2) Bike your way around

Explore the trail by biking around the area, that way, you can finish the trail sooner.

3) Bring snacks

Don’t forget to bring your water and some snacks when you take these trails. Always stay hydrated and be sure to have energy!