Van Damme State Park
Van Damme State Park, situated on Mendocino Coast, showcases diverse coastal and inland landscapes. Regarding the redwood lumber industry history, Van Damme is one of the most significant park units along the Mendocino coast. Its history exemplifies the challenges faced by the eventual demise of a standalone lumber business.
The park is home to several unique ecosystems, including Pygmy Forest, part of the lush Fern Canyon trail network, where mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees grow to a height of barely six inches to eight feet, and the swamp, or Cabbage Patch, which is home to an abundance of skunk cabbage. The ten kilometers of the path in the park follow Little River through a fern-covered gorge.
History of Van Damme State Park
It is a tribute to Charles Van Damme, whose parents were pioneers in Van Damme State Park and is named after him. Charles’s 1881 birth took place at Little River. Charles bought a piece of land near the redwood coast after establishing himself as a successful ferry operator.
In 1934, the year after his death, the land became a state park. Little River, founded in 1864, gained prominence as a lumber port and shipyard due to the area’s booming lumber business. The depletion of available timber led to the mill’s closure in 1893.
Trail At Van Damme State Park
From the campground at Van Damme State Park, you can follow the picturesque Canyon Trail to Fern Canyon, a distance of 5 miles with an elevation gain of 200 feet. The Pygmy Forest is accessible via a 7-mile round-trip journey with features ascent of 400 feet. Fern Canyon is a verdant region teeming with ferns, redwoods, alder, maple, and fir trees, among other vegetation types. The path is a former logging skid track that makes nine crossings of Little River.
Van Damme State Park’s Pygmy Forest
Van Damme State Park is home to a little forest known as the Pygmy Forest. Trees that have lived for sixty years are only a few feet in height and have a diameter of about half an inch. The wanderer can reach the Pygmy Forest via two different paths. The first trail is a 3.5-mile loop around Fern Canyon; the second, the 1-mile Logging Road Trail, offers a more direct approach to the woods. Through the Pygmy Forest is an elevated wooden boardwalk that serves as a self-guided nature route.
Van Damme State Park Kayaking
Van Damme State Park visitors often rent kayaks to paddle among the park’s tidal pools and caves. It’s a novel way to see the ocean and an excellent opportunity to get up close to marine creatures. The park hosts guided kayak tours throughout the summer for those who want a more structured excursion. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just getting started, kayaking through Van Damme State Park is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Sightseeing At Van Damme State Park
One of California’s most well-known state parks is Van Damme State Park, which you should visit. You should visit this park if you find yourself in California. Wow, that park is stunning. Amazing beaches can be found within a short distance from the state park road. Beautiful and convenient parking is available at the beach. The parking area is less than 100 feet from the shore, a mix of rocks and sand. However, the restrooms are disgusting vaults.
Van Damme State Park Fishing
There are many places to fish in Van Damme State Park, including the Little River and the Pacific Ocean. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines for lingcod and rockfish. It’s a wonderful spot to go fishing and enjoy the park’s scenic surroundings simultaneously. Please note that anyone over the age of 16 will need a fishing license to fish in public waters. Van Damme State Park is a wonderful place to go fishing in a beautiful setting, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.
Address: 8001 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, United States
Opens-Closed: 8 am-9 pm
Phone: +1 707-937-5804
Area: 1,831 acres (7.41 km2)
