Fern Canyon Scenic Trail

The Fern Canyon Trail system is the main hiking vein of Van Damme State Park. This particular hike is on a mostly flat, wide trail through dense, green forest of California Redwoods, Cypress, Pines, and giant ferns. The trail is paved but typically carpeted in soft pine needles. Come in the rainy season for an overwhelmingly green experience. Dogs are not allowed on trails or dirt roads or in hike-in sites. They should be on-leash elsewhere and in a tent or vehicle at night. 

After 2.5 miles on the trail you'll have the option of turning around for a 5 mile out and back hike. Or you can take the fork to the right, eventually reaching a wood planked path through Pygmy Forest. This is an area where old (and bad) soil has caused stunted tree growth. These trees look like saplings but are actually 100 years old, cone-bearing, and fully mature. It is hardly a visual spectacle - just scrawny trees - but a pretty interesting ecological phenomenon. Once you've gone right towards the Pygmy Forest, you'll loop through and reconnect with Fern Canyon after a couple miles.

Note: most of the elevation is gained in the final loop to Pygmy Forest. If you're not feeling like a challenge and uninterested in botany/ecology, head back after 2.5 miles and enjoy the serenity of Fern Canyon.

To find the trailhead, enter Van Damme State Park off of Hwy 1 and stay right on Park Road, following signs towards Fern Canyon. As mentioned, this is a very popular trail and will not be difficult to find once inside the park.

Places to Eat

Wild Fish and Little River Inn Restaurant are great, super close options for a nice meal with local seafood. For something more casual, but just as tasty, make the 5 minute drive back to town and hit up Mendo Burgers for fresh cut french fries and organic beef patties.