Taking the Ferndell Nature Walk

Once I knocked out two legs of the Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge (Deukmejian Wilderness Park and Little Tokyo) I had the finish line in sight and was determined to complete it as quickly as I could. Luckily, I happened to be near Griffith Park one afternoon and decided to my final leg would be the Ferndell Nature Walk.

Tucked in a corner of Griffith Park Ferndell is a green oasis home to over 50 species of ferns.

A 1/2 mile path winds through the shaded area and features quaint bridges and a small creek.

It’s an idyllic place to take a stroll and on the hot day I visited offered a welcome respite from the sun.

It’s a very popular spot and I was joined by folks of every shape and size. There were families taking their kids for a stroll and more seasoned walkers using the grove as a portion of their trek through the park. Everyone was cheerful and clearly enjoying the atmosphere.

At the end of the trail is the Trails Cafe and I stopped to grab an iced tea.

There was a bit of a line but I figured it shouldn’t take too long to place my order at the window. Well…the service was extremely slow. Everything is made in house and the employees had the attitude that I find too often at artisan food spots – we’re making quality food items and you should be happy to wait for our product (and pay a higher price). Um, that’s ok. I think I’ll go somewhere else that values my patronage. Plus, the tea wasn’t very good.

Aside from the cafe I had a lovely time discovering this corner of Griffith Park AND I completed the Adventure Challenge. Hooray!