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Map Satellite Several plant communities occur in this State Park; among the more unusual is the extensive pygmy forest. (See Pygmy Forests A-U in Mendocino County). In this park the forest is readily accessible, Mendocino cypress, Cupressus pygmaea, and stunted Bishop pine, Pinus muricata, occur in proximity to normal-sized individuals.
In Fern Canyon there is a lush growth of ferns dominated by the Western sword fern, Polystichum munitum, but with lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina var. californicum, licorice fern, Polypodium glycyrrhiza, wood fern, Dryopteris dilatata, and deer fern, Blechnum spicant, present. There is also a wet meadow area with an exceptional growth of skunk cabbage, Veratrum californicum.
Much of the tree cover is second-growth redwood - mixed evergreen forest.
Animals are abundant and typical of the region. There are numerous tidepools with a rich and diverse fauna.
The Little River cuts through the park.
Integrity: The area was logged in the 1800's, but the second growth is up to 100 years old. There are trails and campsites in the park; however, most of the area is relatively undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
December 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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