van damme state park

Hike to the top. The petrified forest is a must see. This is our second time and worth every step of the climb.

We hiked 6 miles from the top of the park to the ocean. We travelled through forests laid down in terraces millions of years ago! The Pygmy Forest was well signed with information about the geologic history, flora and fauna. As we progressed down to the sea we passed through glorious redwoods and ferns and creeks and hundreds of mushrooms!

Went on Fern Canyon trail--went 5 miles round trip, level, lovely, stream nearby. The canyon was charming. You could see lots of interesting mushrooms and rings of redwood trees that have grown around the stumps of older trees that were logged.

The on line reviews and list of amenities made this campground a toss up with MacKerricher for our one night stop, but we chose this because it said it had a laundry. Maybe next time we'll try MacKerricher. All things considered, we had just finished a tiring drive down Hwy 1 from Leggett and we arrived after dark. Add to the fact it was off season, maybe we should cut more slack. However, most of the campground was closed (the nicest parts we have been led to believe) and they only accept cash, so without exact change or anyone to ask, we ended up paying $40 for the night (instead of $33). I should also explain we were coming home from Oregon, where the State Parks are much better maintained, they accept credit cards even for late night arrivals, provide full hook ups for RVs, offer wifi, and have excellent bath facilities including free hot showers--all for $23. We settled in, had a simple diner and went to sleep. The setting was no more appealing when we got up, though we did take a pleasant walk with our dogs before leaving. The park seems to be geared primarily for abalone divers and the host had some skull & cross bones thing going, so maybe we just aren't well suited to that environment.

The hiking is easy and gorgeous and in addition to the drive-in campsites, there are some beautiful walk-in sites about 1 1/2 miles down the trail. It's a nice way to see some beautiful coastal forest.

... and we barely did.On the next visit, we'll hike to the Pygmy Forest (or walk back, and drive to the forest). Round trip to the Pygmy Forest from the parking lot is 12 miles. The next day, we'd kayak.But on this visit, we "had to" limit our hike to 2 hours. We woke up in Mendocino, spent the late morning and early afternoon in town, and then headed south to Van Damme. We "had to" return to Sonoma by the evening.Even so, this was an enjoyable visit. I didn't know Trip Advisor accepted reviews on hiking trails, as I've done my share, including the northern redwoods in Humboldt State and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. On this visit, we chose the Fern Canyon Trail. About 5 minutes into the hike, I was thinking about "the other" Fern Canyon in Humboldt County, further north. There, Fern Canyon is reached after 15-20 minutes. Here, as I looked down, I couldn't help but notice the leafy plants growing everywhere. "Oh," I told myself. "This IS fern canyon."On this hike, it was the journey, not the destination. So I focused on the moment, breathing in the fresh scents of firs, licorice and dampness. Rains from the night before had filled Little River, and it flowed with happy sounds. Tiny flies with miniature white wings glided the air currents. We almost missed a newt on the trail, its brown body matched the dirt path, a hint of red underneath its webbed feet.It was a Saturday morning, but we didn't see many hikers. A mother and her young daughter, with friendly eyes. My princess sketched, while I sat on a log, recording thoughts in a journal.We will return one day.

The park was not crowded, so we really enjoyed the peace and quiet. Weather was a balmy 76 degrees so our hike to the south end of the park was most enjoyable. We hiked from Van Damm entrance to Pygmy Forest and back which was just a little over 10 miles, with creeks and fern forests in a perfect setting. We returned very, very hungry!

We drove through this park. The campsites here are much nicer than at Russian Gulch State Park, and it too has a Fern Trail. Outside of the park and across the road is beach access where you can snorkel, dive and rent kayaks.

Have been there on weekday and therefore had the trail almost to ourself. If you approach the little river (creek)carefully you can spot some small trouts

We enjoyed a long, easy walk beside a babbling brook, with trees towering up the canyon hillsides, and the sun dappling the fern leaves.

We didn't get a chance to go camping her, but would give it serious consideration. We loved the gentle hike through the redwoods along the creek. We really enjoyed the ferns covering the hillsides. The State Park is in a close to natural state; it is just beautiful. We had a few days with lots of people and truly enjoyed the quiet and sunlight streaming through the forest. Definitely a good way to spend a couple of hours - we look forward to doing it again -- this time we will go to the pygmy forest.

This is a nice place to camp - close to lots of attractions but still gives you a pleasant "back to nature" experience. Campsites 1 - 11 are spaced too close together but several on the upper loop offers lots of shade and privacy. The bathrooms are clean and the park staff seems to keep a close eye on things. Expect fog in July and August - nice if you want to get away from the heat in the central valley. All in all, one of the best places to camp in the area.

We enjoyed this hike very much; easy and beautiful! Redwoods, lots of ferns all along a stream making it very pretty.

Located in an out of the way area in the Van Damme State Park is the pygmy forest. The forest consists of a tract of forest that has been stunted due to its location, 80 year old trees being less than six feet! The explanation and sight of these trees is fascinating.As the land rose from the sea terraces of land were formed. Being close to the ocean, the soil was sandy and nutrient poor. This soil is bounded underneath by a nearly water proof layer of clay / rock that prevents a water table. On the top terrace there is no "up hill" from which nutrients can be carried to the trees. The result is a pygmy forest.To get there take the turn off to the Mendocino airport and pass it. There is a well marked sign to the pygmy forest on the left. There is plenty of parking, no fee, a trail guide, and an easy loop walk through the forest. There are also informative signs along the trail. My wife is 5' 3" tall and, on the board walk, still was taller than 80 year old trees.There is much to see if you know what to look for, including sphagnum moss. So if you are in the area and are interested in natural oddities, be sure to visit the pygmy forest.

This was a great place to camp as it was the half way point for our trip from north to south. So great to have the ocean/beach within in walking distance and to camp in the "woods". The town of Mendocino is only a mile away and a good place to get camp supplies if you don't already have them with you. "Harvest" has everything from gourmet food to propane. I know they weren't what most people would think of as "wildlife" but I did see three cute little cottontail bunnies while out walking one morning. :) There are many trails in Van Damme SP, I found it easiest to go to the Visitor's Center to get directions. We went to the Pygmy Forest which is easiest to get to by driving to the parks other entrance. After walking through the forest on the boardwalk we did a 3.5 mile loop using the Canyon Rd. trail and Fern Trail. Very pretty indeed and an easy hike. The showers require quarters and while we weren't there on the right days, the rangers did offer programs in the park.