Van Damme State Park
🌿 Pygmy Forest & Sea Cave Kayaking on the Mendocino Coast — A coastal gem featuring a wheelchair-accessible pygmy forest boardwalk with stunted trees, the lush Fern Canyon Trail through redwood groves, sea cave kayaking from a protected cove, scuba diving, 65+ campsites in redwoods, and a visitor center — 3 miles south of Mendocino village, California
Three miles south of the charming village of Mendocino, Van Damme State Park packs an astonishing range of ecosystems into one park. From the pygmy forest — where mature trees grow only inches tall due to acidic, nutrient-poor soil — to the lush Fern Canyon Trail winding through redwood groves, to sea cave kayaking from a protected cove, this park is a Mendocino Coast essential.
Top Attractions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pygmy Forest | 0.25-mi wheelchair-accessible boardwalk |
| Fern Canyon Trail | Redwood groves, fern-lined canyon |
| Kayaking | Protected cove — sea caves, guided tours |
| Scuba Diving | Kelp forests, reefs, sea caves |
| Beach | Tide pooling, picnics, kayak launch |
Camping
| Type | Sites |
|---|---|
| Drive-In | 65+ in redwood forest (no hookups) |
| Environmental | 9 hike-in primitive sites |
| Reservations | ReserveCalifornia — up to 6 months ahead |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 8001 Hwy 1, Little River, CA (3 mi S of Mendocino) |
| Hours | 8 AM – sunset daily |
| Day Use | $10/vehicle |
| Dogs | Beach & campground only — NOT on trails |
What is the pygmy forest at Van Damme State Park?
The pygmy forest at Van Damme State Park features mature cypress and pine trees that grow only inches to 8 feet tall due to extremely acidic, nutrient-poor soil. You can explore it on a 0.25-mile wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. The park also offers sea cave kayaking, the Fern Canyon Trail through redwoods, 65+ campsites, and a scuba diving cove — all 3 miles south of Mendocino. Day use is $10/vehicle.
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