Most People Don’t Know Northern California Has A Fairy Trail… And It’s Positively Magical
By Joanne Kraft|Published August 12, 2016
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Joanne Kraft
Author
Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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