Published Nov 8, 2024

The Remote Destination in California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

Tucked away in California’s Central Valley, Carrizo Plain National Monument is a remote destination where the drive is absolutely worth the final view.

Published Nov 8, 2024

Written by

Megan McDonald

Nature|National & State Parks

Published Nov 6, 2024

The Completely Free Attraction Hiding in a California State Park Is a Must-Visit

Nestled in Northern California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into another world.

Published Nov 6, 2024

Written by

Megan McDonald

Nestled in Northern California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into another world. This lush, green canyon, draped with ferns and mosses from top to bottom, creates a surreal, Jurassic-like atmosphere that makes you feel as though you’ve entered a prehistoric wonderland. In fact, its unique beauty was even featured as a filming location for Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World, adding to its legendary appeal.

One of the best parts? Visiting Fern Canyon is completely free if you hike in from nearby trailheads within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, making this stunning destination accessible for everyone. If you choose to drive directly to the canyon, there’s a seasonal $8.00 parking fee at the Gold Bluffs Beach entrance, but the experience is well worth it and your pass is valid for the entire day throughout the park.

alt — photo by Kris Wong. www.kriswong.com / Moment Collection / Getty Images

To reach Fern Canyon, you can take a short but scenic hike from the Gold Bluffs Beach Trailhead. This loop trail is only about a mile and is relatively easy, though be prepared to cross small creeks and navigate some wet areas, especially during winter and spring. Waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended to keep comfortable along the path. As you wander through the canyon, you’ll be surrounded by towering walls covered in vibrant green ferns that create a cool, shaded oasis — a perfect escape from the warmer summer months.

alt — andipantz / E+ Collection / Getty Images

Once inside the canyon, the real magic begins. The sound of trickling water and the sight of delicate plants cascading down the canyon walls make this a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to explore every twist and turn, as each bend offers new, breathtaking views. Small footbridges are often in place during peak season to help with creek crossings, making the journey easier for visitors of all ages. Wildlife sightings are also common here. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, frogs, and the occasional river otter near the creek.

Fern Canyon is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during late spring and summer when the weather is mild and the ferns are most vibrant. Winter and early spring can bring higher water levels, which adds a unique, wild beauty to the scene but may make the trail a bit more challenging. Early mornings are best for those who love quieter adventures, offering a serene experience before most visitors arrive.

alt — Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA

As always in the great outdoors, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all trash, sticking to marked trails, and respecting wildlife to preserve the beauty of Fern Canyon for future visitors. With its jaw-dropping scenery and easy access, Fern Canyon is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Northern California. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this enchanting canyon promises an unforgettable experience.

Looking for more great places to explore in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park? We love their annual candlelit walk. And if you need new hiking boots for exploring, I love the options at REI.

Nature|Hiking

Published Oct 18, 2024

Hike One of the Most Iconic Trails in California for an Unforgettable Adventure

We all love an off-the-beaten-track trail, but many of California's hikes are popular for a reason. Yosemite's Half Dome is iconic and totally worth the crowds.

Published Oct 18, 2024

Written by

Andrea Verschuyl

Having been raised in the Pacific Northwest, I'm the first to admit that I'm a hiking snob, the type who has — straight-faced — referred to breathtaking places like Mount Rainier's Paradise area as "nature Disneylands." My point is this: I head outdoors when I want to get away from people, a goal that's sometimes incompatible with our beloved park system, which aims to make our nation's most beautiful natural areas more accessible. Of course, the downside for curmudgeons like me is increased crowds, a sure sign that the National Park Service is working, but also an obstacle to getting some peace and quiet outdoors. Yet, despite the foot traffic, some hikes are worth doing regardless of their pesky popularity. Not only is Half Dome Yosemite's most iconic trail, it's a right-of-passage for any adventurer worth their salt.

alt — The famous rock in Yosemite National Park

Half Dome has always been a subject of fascination for local peoples, inspiring stories and risky capers. Located within Ahwahneechee and Mono Lake Paiute territories, the granite slab was first called "Tissayack," derived from the Paiute word "crying girl." The name references a story about a young woman who was turned to stone by the Creator, her tears immortalized in the cliff face as moss and basalt streaks. European settlers considered the 5,000-foot structure inaccessible until it was scaled by the Scottish mountaineer George G. Anderson in 1875.

Since then, it's estimated that over a million thrill-seekers have made the perilous ascent. Over the years, rangers have implemented a series of protective measures to keep hikers safe. To prevent traffic jams on the infamous cables, for example, the park service maintains a lottery system. Still, 5,305 feet of elevation gain in 16 and a half grueling miles means Half Dome isn't for the faint of heart or scrawny-legged. As generously as this epic trek hands out bragging rights and breathtaking views, it can also hand out injuries. Bring good gear and be safe.

Though 50,000 hikers commit to Half Dome each year, the sheer scale of the surrounding scenery makes this popularity insignificant. If anything, there's something special about sharing such a remarkable experience with others. As you pass hikers on switchbacks (and later watch them pass you) a camaraderie builds, with strangers offering one another their wisdom, commiseration, and much-needed encouragement.

Is it worth describing the view from the summit? Perhaps the best I can do is convey the tremendous relief and accomplishment. Looking across the verdant valley, the slabs of mountain, and the thread-thin roads, it's difficult to imagine that there could be anywhere more spectacular on Earth. Along with the usual sunscreen and water, bring a hefty snack for this moment. You won't enjoy a sandwich with a better view in your life.

alt — Yosemite National Park, August 18, 2023. As the sun dipped below the western horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the Yosemite Valley, the iconic Half Dome stood as a majestic silhouette against the colorful canvas of the evening sky. Its sheer granite face, hewn by the relentless forces of nature over millennia, appeared even more formidable in the dwindling light. Visitors from around the world gathered at Glacier Point, or perhaps hiked to a secluded spot along the Mist Trail, to witness this breathtaking spectacle. The last rays of sunlight painted Half Dome’s curved surface with a fiery intensity, creating a visual symphony of reds, oranges, and purples that gradually faded into the tranquil blues of twilight. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, and the world around fell into serene darkness, Half Dome at sunset became not just a sight to behold but a moment to cherish. It was a reminder of the enduring beauty of the natural world and the profound sense of wonder it can inspire in all who are fortunate enough to witness it.

I might love quiet, off-the-beaten-path trails, but that doesn't mean the popular ones haven't earned their fame. Half Dome is one of California's most iconic hikes, but it's also an unforgettable adventure with a place on every nature lover's bucket list.

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