WaterfallNear Me

Fern Falls

Monterey County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Monterey County, California
Access status
Published long route from Dempierre Park; strenuous
The walk
About 7.8 to 9 miles return (sources differ)
Ground & access
Strenuous: about 1,400 feet of climb and descent each way. Many trail junctions; carry a park map.
onX Backcountry: Fern Falls Hike

Start at the secondary park entrance near Dempierre Little League Park, 55 Paso Hondo, Carmel Valley. Cross the river on the footbridge. Follow the Laureles Trail to the Vasquez Trail, climb to the Cougar Ridge Trail, then descend the marked path to the 20-foot falls. Return the same way. A shorter approach through Kahn Ranch is limited by permit.

Plan your visit

Dempierre Park entrance of Garland Ranch Regional Park to Fern Falls via Laureles, Vasquez and Cougar Ridge trails

onX route statistics give 7.8 miles out and back with about 2,740 ft gain. The onX description says about 4.5 miles each way from Garland Ranch. Both are source figures.

Strenuous: about 1,400 feet of climb and descent each way. Many trail junctions; carry a park map.

Where to start

Parking areas at Dempierre Park, 55 Paso Hondo; the source says to park at the far end of either lot.

Timing & water

Best in the wet season and spring for flow. Hot and exposed on the ridge in summer.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned for the Dempierre entrance. The shorter Kahn Ranch approach requires a district access permit and is limited to 10 vehicles per day.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Monterey County, California.

Open location map