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.