James Irvine Trail

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The James Irvine Trail is one of the quintessential redwood trails in the area, and offers visitors an unforgettable journey through an old-growth Redwood forest.

This moderate trail can be accessed at its southern end near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. The trail has a gentle climb for the first 1.5 miles, passing a junction with the Miners Ridge Trail on the left. Stay right to continue your hike.

After this, the trail meanders on a short half-mile descent, taking hikers down nearer to Godwood Creek, and a more mellow section of trail that carries you through the majestic Redwood forests. Hikers will be dwarfed by the massive trees, as the singletrack trail winds through the lush undergrowth.

The trail ends at the world-famous Fern Canyon and Home Creek. After arriving at Fern Canyon, hikers have the option to continue on the Coastal Trail and link up with Miners Ridge Trail for a strenuous return trip or simply retrace your steps back the way you came.

Redwoods galore, banana slugs, and tiny mice. Surprisingly, the forest floor is a very silent and unpopulated with forest critters.