Biking to Fern Canyon?

Question

Hi! I’m looking for info about whether it is feasible to ride our bikes from Elk Prairie campground to Fern Canyon using Davison trail to either Davison Rd or Streelow Creek trail? We have a campervan with low clearance so I don’t want to drive it down. If we bike down do we still need a permit?

Answer

Biking from Elk Prairie Campground to Fern Canyon is technically possible, but there are several important factors to consider regarding trail conditions, regulations, and logistics.

Trail and Road Conditions

The most common route people consider is taking the Davison Trail toward either Davison Road or Streelow Creek Trail. Here’s what to know:

The Davison Trail is primarily a hiking trail and can be narrow, rooty, and uneven in sections. It is not officially maintained as a bike trail, so you may encounter obstacles like fallen logs, steep drop-offs, or muddy sections.
Davison Road is a rough forest road that is generally passable for mountain bikes but may have loose gravel, ruts, or puddles depending on recent weather.
Streelow Creek Trail also has challenging terrain with potential for wet, muddy, and narrow sections, and may require walking your bike in some areas.
Total biking distance from Elk Prairie to Fern Canyon is approximately 7–8 miles one way, depending on your exact route.

Permits

Fern Canyon is within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and while day use of the park does not typically require a permit, overnight camping does. For a day trip by bike, you do not need a special permit to access Fern Canyon, but you must follow park rules and stay on designated trails and roads.

Practical Considerations

Your campervan with low clearance will indeed have trouble on Davison Road, so biking can be a good alternative to driving.
Be prepared for a combination of biking and some walking sections, especially on narrower trails.
Start early to allow plenty of time for the round trip, as the ride is moderate in distance but can be slow on rough terrain.
Bring water, snacks, and rain gear, as weather can change quickly in this area.
Consider checking in at the visitor center for the latest trail conditions and any temporary restrictions.

Summary

Biking to Fern Canyon is feasible but may require walking your bike on rough trail sections.
No special permit is needed for a day trip, but overnight stays would require a camping permit.
Expect about 14–16 miles round trip on mixed terrain; allow several hours for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Overall, if you are comfortable with mountain biking on rough trails and are prepared for some hiking portions, biking from Elk Prairie to Fern Canyon can be a rewarding way to avoid driving your low-clearance campervan and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Biking to Fern Canyon?

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