Do you believe in fairies? I do. And, I know where they live. Northern California is home to the most incredible fairy trail in the world. It takes a little effort to find, but once you get here you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the trip sooner. For those of us who are in desperate need of getting away from the daily grind, you’ll appreciate what this magical trail can do for the soul. If you’re a fan of the big screen you’ll LOVE to discover which movie Steven Spielberg filmed here. But, to be honest, you had me at magical fairy trail.
Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, Humboldt County 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick
flickr/jason jenkins So, how do you find this magical place? According to one source, “Access to Fern Canyon is via Davison Road off Highway 101. Distance from 101 to trail head parking lot is just under 7 miles but might be a bit farther if you drive around all the pot holes The road is dirt and gravel.”
Note - There are a lot of potholes. Most of the road is rough and the going is slow. You will drive through several creeks. The last couple of miles aren’t too bad, and you’ll enjoy lovely ocean views.
Hiking & happy.
flickr/joshua Bloom See these two people here? They found the place where magic still exists and even enjoyed the hike, too. Stepping out into nature isn’t always what we think to do when we have a little time on our hands. Force yourself to do it anyway! Turn off the TV. You can Tivo your shows–but you can’t Tivo this!
The beauty of ferns.
flickr/ben stanfield If you’re an “old earth” believer than you’ll appreciate that some scientists believe the 7 species of ferns found here have been around for 325 million years. If you’re a “new earth” believer you’ll appreciate that these ferns grow incredibly giant here and don’t have a wax to keep in moisture. These ferns are refuge to salamanders that can grow up to a foot in length. Ewwwwww!
Bring along the kids!
Wikipedia FernGully was one of those movies about the rainforest that our kids loved. We caught the “subtle” hints about the environment. I recommend dusting off your old copy and watching it with the kids before taking them on this hike. It would make your trip here a sweet one. How fun to look along the trail for fairies!
Why we LOVE this place.
flickr/miguel vierra If you’re seeking refuge from some scorching summer days, this is the hike you want to take. Cool and moist, you’ll love the trail along the hidden waterfalls and even ocean views here. Not to mention, REDWOOD TREES, people!
Recognize him?
wikipedia/georges biard So, apparently, Mr. Spielberg who lives in Southern California (cough, cough) that “other” part of our state…even he knows this place is from another world. He chose Fern Canyon to film Jurassic Park II - The Lost World. We can’t let a southerner enjoy our northern trails more than we do!
You need to bring this when you come…
flickr/kirt edblom If it’s your first time here, you need to make sure to bring some waterproof shoes or boots. It can be a wet, soggy trail at times so don’t be “that hiker” and wear your adorable white sneakers. Just don’t.
A social media haven!
flickr/leiris 202 If you’re a millennial or just one of those older folks who get the tech world, you’re going to LOVE it here. Every twist and turn of the trail brings you face to face with yet another snapshot-worthy moment. Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter…pick your poison and then remind your followers that you’re having a much better time than they are when you’re here.
Tiny people or two tiny fairies?
flickr/kirt edblom See those two tiny, itty bitties down there? We’re not sure, but they just might be fairies running for shelter. People or fairies? You decide.
Wondering what to do with the kids this weekend? Turn off the TV, take away their iPhones, load up the car and take a drive here. These are the things that kids remember. Stop making excuses. You have today. Use it to do something magical.
flickr/jason jenkins
So, how do you find this magical place? According to one source, “Access to Fern Canyon is via Davison Road off Highway 101. Distance from 101 to trail head parking lot is just under 7 miles but might be a bit farther if you drive around all the pot holes The road is dirt and gravel.”
Note - There are a lot of potholes. Most of the road is rough and the going is slow. You will drive through several creeks. The last couple of miles aren’t too bad, and you’ll enjoy lovely ocean views.
flickr/joshua Bloom
See these two people here? They found the place where magic still exists and even enjoyed the hike, too. Stepping out into nature isn’t always what we think to do when we have a little time on our hands. Force yourself to do it anyway! Turn off the TV. You can Tivo your shows–but you can’t Tivo this!
flickr/ben stanfield
If you’re an “old earth” believer than you’ll appreciate that some scientists believe the 7 species of ferns found here have been around for 325 million years. If you’re a “new earth” believer you’ll appreciate that these ferns grow incredibly giant here and don’t have a wax to keep in moisture. These ferns are refuge to salamanders that can grow up to a foot in length. Ewwwwww!
Wikipedia
FernGully was one of those movies about the rainforest that our kids loved. We caught the “subtle” hints about the environment. I recommend dusting off your old copy and watching it with the kids before taking them on this hike. It would make your trip here a sweet one. How fun to look along the trail for fairies!
flickr/miguel vierra
If you’re seeking refuge from some scorching summer days, this is the hike you want to take. Cool and moist, you’ll love the trail along the hidden waterfalls and even ocean views here. Not to mention, REDWOOD TREES, people!
wikipedia/georges biard
So, apparently, Mr. Spielberg who lives in Southern California (cough, cough) that “other” part of our state…even he knows this place is from another world. He chose Fern Canyon to film Jurassic Park II - The Lost World. We can’t let a southerner enjoy our northern trails more than we do!
flickr/kirt edblom
If it’s your first time here, you need to make sure to bring some waterproof shoes or boots. It can be a wet, soggy trail at times so don’t be “that hiker” and wear your adorable white sneakers. Just don’t.
flickr/leiris 202
If you’re a millennial or just one of those older folks who get the tech world, you’re going to LOVE it here. Every twist and turn of the trail brings you face to face with yet another snapshot-worthy moment. Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter…pick your poison and then remind your followers that you’re having a much better time than they are when you’re here.
See those two tiny, itty bitties down there? We’re not sure, but they just might be fairies running for shelter. People or fairies? You decide.
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