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An iconic Redwoods trail that heads along Godwood Creek and ends at the famous Fern Canyon.


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Map Key

5.0

Miles

8.1

KM

88%

Runnable

514' 157 m

High

136' 41 m

Low

845' 257 m

Up

732' 223 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Runner Notes

Very flat trail with zero to no tripping hazards.

Description

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 run.

After this, the trail meanders on a short half-mile descent, taking runners down nearer to Godwood Creek, and a more mellow section of trail that carries you through the majestic Redwood forests. Runners 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, runners 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.

Flora & Fauna

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

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 8 votes

#2298

Overall
  4.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#246

in California

#2,298

Overall
4 Views Last Month
3,383 Since Dec 22, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
13%
88%
0%
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Photos

Redwood National and State Parks - Redwood Hiker
Apr 3, 2020 near Westhav…, CA
Monkeying around on a fallen big boy has never been more fun.
Dec 21, 2016 near Westhav…, CA
The famous banana slug of the redwoods made a few appearances.
Dec 21, 2016 near Westhav…, CA
Redwoods near Prairie Creek
Nov 17, 2021 near Westhav…, CA
We had this pristine trail and massive forest practically all to ourselves.
Dec 21, 2016 near Westhav…, CA
Hey boy, what are you doing in the base of that massive old tree?!
Dec 21, 2016 near Westhav…, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 87 days ago
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