Things to Do in Van Damme State Park
Van Damme State Park is a state park located three miles south of Mendocino on Highway One. This area features a diverse landscape, including a protected coastal beach, the Little River, and dense forests with unique ecosystems like Fern Canyon and the Pygmy Forest. The varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, and more.
Things to Do in Van Damme State Park
Van Damme State Park offers a range of outdoor activities…
52
Routes
4.5
(23)
Average rating
489
People visited
5
hikers
1.77km
00:28
10m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.11km
00:34
0m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.76km
00:44
20m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
39
hikers
4.80km
01:17
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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46
riders
73.6km
03:18
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
41.1km
01:54
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
36.7km
02:40
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
30.4km
01:39
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
10
riders
25.2km
02:11
230m
230m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
13.0km
01:23
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
18
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
11
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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6
riders
88.3km
05:59
1,100m
1,100m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
7
riders
28.9km
01:52
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
39.3km
03:20
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
14.4km
01:21
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
riders
39.5km
02:56
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
30.2km
02:04
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
48.4km
03:56
880m
880m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
21.8km
01:53
290m
290m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
4.06km
00:30
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
runners
9.01km
01:13
280m
280m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What activities are available in Van Damme State Park?
Van Damme State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The park features diverse landscapes such as a coastal beach, the Little River, Fern Canyon, and the unique Pygmy Forest. Visitors can explore more than 10 routes, with an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 stars.
What are the main natural features of Van Damme State Park?
The park is known for its unique Pygmy Forest, where 80 to 100-year-old cypress and pine trees are stunted to heights of six inches to eight feet due to nutrient-poor soil. Other notable features include the lush Fern Canyon with its redwoods, a protected coastal beach, and the Little River. The coastal area is popular for diving, kayaking, and observing marine life.
Are there hiking trails in Van Damme State Park?
Yes, Van Damme State Park has more than 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails. A popular option is the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail, an 8-mile (12.9 km) round trip that follows the Little River through a fern-filled forest. An accessible boardwalk provides access to the Pygmy Forest. For more options, explore Hiking in Van Damme State Park.
Can I go mountain biking in Van Damme State Park?
Mountain biking is permitted on designated paved roads, dirt roads, and specific trails within the park. Trails like the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail and the Old Logging Road Trail are open to bicycles. Information on routes can be found in MTB Trails in Van Damme State Park.
Are there cycling routes for road bikes in Van Damme State Park?
Yes, a paved road within Van Damme State Park is suitable for road and touring cycling. Certain sections of the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail also allow bicycles. Cyclists can find relevant routes in Road Cycling Routes in Van Damme State Park.
Are there family-friendly activities in Van Damme State Park?
Van Damme State Park offers options suitable for families, including the accessible boardwalk through the Pygmy Forest. The coastal beach is also a protected area for exploration. For specific routes, refer to Family-friendly hikes in Van Damme State Park.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Van Damme State Park?
Information regarding dog-friendly trails is available for Van Damme State Park. Visitors should check specific regulations for each trail or area within the park. For dog-friendly hiking options, consult Dog-friendly hikes in Van Damme State Park.
What is the Pygmy Forest in Van Damme State Park?
The Pygmy Forest is a unique ecosystem within Van Damme State Park where 80 to 100-year-old cypress and pine trees grow to only six inches to eight feet tall. This phenomenon is caused by highly acidic, nutrient-poor soil and an impenetrable hardpan layer. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk with interpretive signs allows visitors to explore this area.
How popular is Van Damme State Park on komoot?
Van Damme State Park is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The park's 12 routes have an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the area.
Where can I find easy hiking trails in Van Damme State Park?
Van Damme State Park offers several easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. These trails provide opportunities to experience the park's diverse environments, including Fern Canyon and the Pygmy Forest. For specific easy routes, refer to Easy hikes in Van Damme State Park.
What is the official website and phone number for Van Damme State Park?
The official website for Van Damme State Park is www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=433. For direct inquiries, the park's phone number is (707) 937-5804.
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