VanderYacht Park is Ferndale’s most versatile park, and the kind of place that fills up on a warm weekend. It sits right on the Nooksack River and packs in a 9-hole disc golf course, an off-leash dog area, river access for fishing and swimming, a playground, BBQ grills and picnic tables, and riverside trails. That range, disc golf, dogs, river, kids’ play, all in one park, is what makes it a local favorite for families and groups. There are restrooms and parking on site, and the developed areas are accessible. A note worth keeping in mind: the off-leash dog area here is unfenced, so it’s best for dogs with reliable recall, and the river is a natural waterway with real current, so swim and supervise accordingly.

What you’ll find

The park’s 9-hole disc golf course (confirmed by the city’s parks list and disc golf course directories) winds through the riverside setting and is a steady draw for casual and serious players alike. There’s an off-leash dog area, note it’s unfenced, plus direct river access where people fish and swim in season. Add a playground, BBQ grills, picnic tables and walking trails, and you’ve got a full-service neighborhood park. Restrooms and parking are on site, and the main areas are wheelchair-accessible. Two honest cautions: the unfenced dog area suits dogs that come when called, and the Nooksack carries current and changes with the seasons, so keep a close eye on kids and weaker swimmers near the water.

Good for

Disc golfers, dog owners, families and groups who want options in one place. The course is great for a casual round, the off-leash area gives dogs a run (best with good recall, since it’s unfenced), and the BBQ and picnic setup makes it a solid choice for a cookout or a gathering. River access adds fishing and warm-weather wading or swimming. It’s less ideal for anyone wanting a fully enclosed dog park or a still-water swimming spot, the river is moving water, not a calm lake beach.

When to go

Late spring through early fall is prime, warm enough for the river, the BBQ sites and a relaxed round of disc golf. Summer weekends are the busiest, so come early for a picnic table or grill. Disc golf and dog walking work year-round on dry days, though the riverside areas can be muddy in the wet season. Always check river conditions before swimming.

Getting there

VanderYacht Park is in Ferndale along the Nooksack River, an easy drive from I-5 via a Ferndale exit and a short hop through town. There’s parking and restrooms on site. It pairs well with a broader Ferndale outing, downtown and Pioneer Park are nearby. If you’re bringing a dog, remember the off-leash area is unfenced, so plan for a dog that stays responsive off-leash.

A local broker’s take

VanderYacht is the kind of park that quietly sells a town. When I’m showing Ferndale to buyers, especially dog owners or families, a riverfront park with disc golf, an off-leash area and BBQ sites is an easy thing to point to: it’s where neighbors actually spend their weekends. I’ll add the same caution I give about any of the Nooksack-adjacent areas, riverfront is wonderful but flood zones and insurance deserve a careful look on nearby properties. For the park itself, no caveats, it’s one of Ferndale’s best, and proximity to it is a real plus when I’m comparing homes here.

Good to know

Does VanderYacht Park have disc golf?

Yes, a 9-hole disc golf course, confirmed by the City of Ferndale’s parks list and disc golf course directories. It winds through the riverside park and suits casual and regular players.

Is the dog area at VanderYacht Park fenced?

No. The off-leash dog area is unfenced, so it’s best for dogs with reliable recall. The park also has river access where dogs and people swim in the warmer months.

Can you swim or fish in the river here?

Yes, the park has Nooksack River access used for fishing and swimming in season. Keep in mind it’s a natural river with current that changes seasonally, so supervise kids and weaker swimmers and check conditions first.