Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop

Meander through coastal redwood groves, the famous Fern Canyon and explore Gold Bluffs Beach along the Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop. This exciting adventure, though demanding, offers some of the best scenery in the state. What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop
The Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop is an epic excursion through the primeval forests and along the coast. Exhibiting the diversity and beauty of the area, this route demands some stamina and navigational skills as it meanders through some technical terrain. As this route travels through diverse landscapes we encourage you to dress in layers as insurance against changing weather conditions. Additionally, we encourage you to wear waterproof footwear as sections of the hike are boggy.
Setting out from the parking lot, the Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop travels east along the Miner’s Ridge Trail. Intersecting with Squashan Creek, this path will guide you into the lush forestlands, gradually climbing parallel to the stream. Eventually, the path will divert you north, up a segment of steep, tightly wound switchbacks. After ascending the vertiginous terrain you will confront a junction, veer left onto the Clintonia Trail. This route will lead you through the forest before dipping down into a canyon. Here, turn left onto the James Irvin Trail, following this path to Fern Canyon.
Merging onto the Fern Canyon Trail, you will be granted impressive views of the famous Fern draped valley before hooking onto the Coastal Trail. The Coastal Trail will lead you south, along the shores of the Pacific to the Gold Bluff Beach Campground, where you will hop off and hike back to the parking lot.
Getting to the Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop Trailhead
The Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop departs from the parking lot off Davison Road at the Gold Bluffs Campground.
Route Information
Miner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherMiner’s Ridge and Clintonia Loop Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.