Fern Falls

Overview

Fern Falls is the payoff on a moderate, roughly 5-mile round-trip hike along the Fern Lake Trail. You’ll follow the Big Thompson River through mixed forest to a 60-foot, multi-tiered waterfall that splashes right beside the trail—close enough to cool off in its mist. It’s a crowd-pleasing objective that feels substantial without being a sufferfest.

What You’ll See

The approach is charming: house-sized Arch Rocks, lively river views, and the turbulence of The Pool where Fern Creek meets the Big Thompson. From The Pool, the grade kicks up for a steady climb to the falls. Expect sections of sun and wide-open views through areas impacted by recent fires. The waterfall itself is photogenic and a great snack stop, with flowers often dotting the route in season.

Trail Snapshot

• Distance/gain: about 5.0–5.4 miles round trip with roughly 645–741 feet of gain
• Character: easy riverside strolling early, then a steeper, rockier final mile
• Time: plan on 2–3 hours, longer if you linger at the falls

Wildlife

Keep your eyes peeled—hikers report elk and moose sightings along this corridor. Dawn and dusk are your best bets for wildlife activity; give animals plenty of space.

Fire, History, and Context

This corridor tells a story. Portions near The Pool were affected by the 2012 Fern Lake Fire, and the upper sections show the power and recovery from the 2020 East Troublesome Fire. The Fern Lake Trail itself dates to the early 1900s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the area near The Pool once hosted the Forest Inn resort.

Make It Longer

If you’re feeling strong, continue past Fern Falls to Fern Lake (about 1.2 miles farther and ~650 feet higher) for bigger mountain views. Ambitious hikers sometimes link this corridor with the Cub Lake Trail for a satisfying loop.

Logistics

Parking at the Fern Lake Trailhead is limited. There are restrooms at the parking area, but no potable water—bring all you need. Cell service is unreliable, so download your map. In peak season, expect timed-entry requirements and crowds; using the free hiker shuttle from the Moraine Park Visitor Center is an option, but it adds about 0.8 miles of walking on a dirt road to reach the trailhead.

Seasonal Notes

Snow and ice can linger into early summer, and winter travel here requires proper gear (microspikes or snowshoes as conditions dictate) and backcountry savvy. Mosquitoes can be pesky in the warmer months—repellent helps.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings are best for photos and fewer people. Aim for weekdays in shoulder seasons if you want quieter trails. In summer, start early to beat both the sun on the burn-scarred sections and parking pressure.