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Van Duzen County Park

Redwood Groves and Fun on the River.

Take some time to see majestic, untouched groves of redwoods on a day trip to the Van Duzen County Park.. There you can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming in the Van Duzen River, and picnicking.

The Van Duzen River is a great place to explore and really get into nature. Van Duzen County Park has two great swimming holes on the river to cool your toes in. The more well known spot is swimmers delight, and is located in the main park area. Drive straight ahead after going through the entry point, veer right at the fork in the road continuing to the Day Use area right next to the water. The location has two areas for swimming, but depending on the water level there may only be one. Get there early because the area will be closed if there are too many swimmers.

Pamplin Grove is the lesser known of the two swimming holes, located two miles before you get to the park proper. You can reserve camping areas for large groups. As a bonus, when you reserve an area it is closed to day users. So you can enjoy nature with a group of friends without feeling encroached upon.

Fees: camping $12/night/car, $3 day-use per car or $2 walk-in.

Directions: Take Hwy. 101 to Hwy. 36 (just south of Fortuna), then 12 miles east.