This waterfall cascades down during the winter and spring months, and is still active during the drier summer and fall. Bike, fish, kayak – … Horses are allowed on designated roads and trails only. ... Russian Gulch State Park. HORSE CAMPING AND RIDING Russian Gulch’s horse camp is on the northeast edge of the park, off Casper–Little Lake Road. Dogs not allowed on Fern Canyon Trail or trails east of Highway 1. My husband and I both agreed, this is our favorite hike so far, the beauty is breathtaking! This trail is less than a mile round trip, and it is an excellent spot for sunset. The Waterfall Trail Loop is ~6 miles round trip. Not too hard, some inclines and we went with a baby in the pack. Bluff- and ocean-related deaths are common. I'm a beginner hiker and have only hiked at high elevations before this trail. Beautiful waterfall towards the middle, Nice trail, hardly anyone on a weekday. Russian Gulch State Park is one of the Mendocino Coast’s most popular hiking destinations – in large part due to the majestic 36 foot waterfall midway on its main loop trail. Frankly, Russian Gulch can’t compete with that resume. This is an enchanting spot that is only a 20 minute walk off of County Road 409, between Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Camp among the redwoods, ferns and wildflowers in a park that includes a mile and a half long pristine beach. Reservations can be made from May through Labor Day. Along the coast, waves crash into a collapsed sea cave called Devil’s Punchbowl, and the photogenic Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge rises gracefully 100 feet from the bottom of the gulch. The Mendocino coast hides many gems, but the crown jewel of family adventure for many is the ride-and-hike route to Russian Gulch Falls. Caspar - Enjoy this moderate 2.5 mile hike through a majestic redwood forest which culminates with a stop at the gorgeous waterfall in Russian Gulch State Park. CAMPINGRussian Gulch has 26 standard campsites, four equestrian campsites with corrals, and one group site. They are allowed at the picnic area, beach, in the campground, and on paved park roads and the Headlands Trail. Weather The climate in the park is temperate year-round. The water is very cold, swift, and unforgiving. Large rogue waves can sweep you out to sea during ALL seasons and ocean conditions. Dead and downed wood may not be gathered or removed. Please be cautious around the ocean and remember: DIVERS: Check local conditions—currents, wind and weather. The most straight-forward hike begins down a hill just north of the village of Mendocino, where there is ample parking (although there is a day-use fee). The forests surrounding (almost engulfing) the trail are stunning. I am not sure if it’s the lushness of the surroundings that make you feel like you are getting a warm hug or just that feeling of all stress leaving you that makes it feel like all is good in the world. Very Quiet and Beautiful. BIKING Bikes are allowed on designated roads and trails only, including 2 miles of the Fern Canyon Trail and 2.8 miles of the North Boundary Trail. Steady rain all the way. We had the trail absolutely to ourselves. I found it to be easy due to low elevation. Much of the loop is along a stream. Picture: Mick Haupt. The closure is from the Russian Gulch Fern Canyon trailhead in Russian Gulch State Park to the junction of the Falls Loop Trail. I recommend following the direction of this loop on the map to have the waterfall at the end as a nice capstone. The first is the hike in Russian Gulch to one of the Mendocino Coast’s most iconic spots – the Russian Gulch waterfall. We were both very concerned looking for possible Mama bear, but luckily we did not see or hear anything else. From there it’s an enchanting 2-mile stroll along Russian Gulch Creek to a fork in the trail. The Sonoma Creek Falls can be reached in as little as a third of a mile via the lower Canyon Trail. Visitors come to camp, hike, bike, fish, dive, kayak, ride their horses, or just marvel at the park’s beauty. If you continue on the left fork, you’ll arrive at a 36-foot waterfall worthy of a tropical paradise in only 0.7 miles. Reservations are strongly recommended in the summer. This 100-foot by 60-foot basin was created when a tunnel penetrating inland from the ocean collapsed. Some high public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers. Then we quickly made our way back to our car from the north boundary trail. Fern Canyon and Waterfall Trail Loop, Russian Gulch State Park. Very easy hike. Driving off of designated roads is not permitted. Enjoy! Park near the horse camp gate- you won’t have to officially enter the park or pay a fee this way. Length 6.2 miElevation gain 567 ftRoute type Loop The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. See www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing for full regulations. Accessibility at the park is continually improving. It’s … Then, we encountered another gate just past a fork in the road, which marked the official entry into Russian Gulch State Park. If you come in the off-season, you and your kids can download and work your way through the state parks Adventure Guide together. It’s an easy hike if you return the same way; more strenuous if you continue on past the waterfall on a longer loop. Save the Redwoods League has helped permanently protect more than 150,000 acres in 37 of California State Parks redwood parks. view from the bench Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), Camping is now available at Russian Gulch State Park. Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Stay close to the craggy shoreline as you round the corner at the southern end of the trail. Gorgeous views - nice path and fun elevation changes. With a valid license, species you can catch and keep include abalone, crabs, finfish, lobster, mussels, and oysters. Beautiful! However, be aware that the ocean here is treacherous. Moderate Hike. MODERATE HIKE Fern Canyon to Falls Loop Trails 5.4 – 6.3 miles3 out and back (depending on route), 250–350 foot change in elevation From the recreation hall, drive east to the parking lot at the end of the campground. Find out more at SaveTheRedwoods.org. Canoes and kayaks can carry you into the ocean when the cove entry point is calm. Anyways, we headed back on the east trail and close to the end of it, we heard some rustling from downhill below the trail to the left. State law requires that all bicycle riders under the age of 18 wear bicycle helmets. then after the loop, join back up with East and then north trail again to head back. Two miles north of Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park protects craggy ocean bluffs, a gracefully arching bridge over Russian Gulch Creek, and a glistening waterfall tucked into a fern-filled grotto. The hike to the falls is amazingly breathtaking. Will definitely be back! Is your dive buddy attentive? Not too cold. Russian Gulch State Park: Great, great hike to waterfall - See 289 traveller reviews, 188 candid photos, and great deals for Mendocino, CA, at Tripadvisor. The North Boundary trail begins in front of a gate with a sign that reads Horse Camp. A SMALL BLACK BEAR was making its way up the hill. No lifeguards are continually present at this beach. For updates on accessibility in any California state park, click the Accessible Features link at the top of this page. Please Remember. With nearly a mile and a half of ocean frontage, the park is often compared to Point Lobos on the Big Sur Coast. At the intersection with the Falls Loop Trail, veer to the right. For more information, please visit. Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino, CA. Wet despite parkas, we’d prefer an occasional spot of sun! Call the sector office for updates at (707) 937-5804. Location: Russian Gulch State Park Length: 6.2 miles (10km) Difficulty: Moderate. We took the north boundary trail to the east trail and followed it all the way to the waterfall. Is your equipment in good shape? Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Assistance may be needed with restroom, shower, and other facilities. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Are you sober? The waterfall trail was moderate only due to length but worth the hike. Bring layers that honor and off easily! Great hike with gradual inclines. Pay Showers for registered campers available. North part of the Falls Loop Trail. My husband and I came upon the trail from driving up Road 409 from Highway 1. In addition to the Russian Gulch Falls, this beautiful park has a wonderful sandy beach, a picturesque concrete arch bridge, and a “punchbowl” which is one of the most unique features on the California Coast. Currently a portion of the Russian Gulch Fern Canyon trail is closed, see alert information above. Head north for a couple of minutes, then veer 200 feet inland to the sinkhole overlook, Devil’s Punchbowl. It has coastal bluffs, a sinkhole, and a great hike to a waterfall. Group campsites will remain closed. A wet sheen to everything. For a moderate to difficult hike, take the Fern Canyon to Falls Loop Trail (6.3 miles and some major changes in elevation), featuring a 36 foot waterfall and wildflowers galore in spring … Russian Gulch State Park ⇐ ⇐ ⇒ ⇒ This is a pleasant wooded walk out to a 36-foot waterfall on an excellent trail. If you have an hour, check out the Headlands Trail, where you can gaze at the Pacific Ocean from various vantage points and investigate the park’s notorious sinkhole, Devil’s Punchbowl. UPDATE (June 23, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Before heading to the park, explore the Redwoods Learning Center set up by Save the Redwoods League. Peaceful is the best way to describe it. This is … Russian Gulch State Park is beloved by both locals and visitors. Take the aptly named Fern Canyon Trail from the parking lot for 2 miles. Trailer: 24 Feet Are you in shape? Think about camping at Russian Gulch State Park if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Mendocino County. Here’s how to find this “secret” trail: Take Road 409 off HWY-1. JUST FOR KIDSSummer interpretive activities at Russian Gulch State Park include hikes for all ages and Junior Ranger® programs for visitors age 7 to 12. This park offers the best of the Mendocino Coast - a beach with a towering bridge overhead, a blowhole/sinkhole in grassy headlands, pygmy and redwood forests, creeks and a waterfall, 15 miles of trails, an historic recreation hall, camping, and an electric vehicle charging station. Just two miles north of Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park combines a three-mile leafy canyon with windswept headlands and pristine beaches along the park’s rocky coastline. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. At night, pets must be in a tent or vehicle. Except for service animals, dogs are not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you take the right fork, the Falls Loop Trail, you’ll go up and over a ridge and arrive at the same destination in 1.6 miles. Catch the last rays of sun on the beach at the mouth of Russian Gulch Creek. Picnic at nearby tables overlooking Panhorst Bridge. Times and locations are posted in the park. WATER ACTIVITIES Russian Gulch State Park offers swimming from a beach at the mouth of Russian Gulch Creek, tide pool exploring, SCUBA diving, free diving, and fishing. Mendocino, California 95460 Visit Website. Do some hiking in beautiful Russian Gulch State Park, a few miles south of town. Reservations for campsites are available up to six months in advance by calling 1-800-444-7275 or by clicking the reservations link at the top of this page. Hiking Fern Canyon and the Waterfall Loop, Russian Gulch State Park - littlegrunts.com If Big Sur is a popular cheerleader, Mendocino is her older, cooler, more aloof older sister. Prepare for changeable weather. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. Anglers age 16 and over must carry a valid fishing license. Best hike in a long time. Russian Gulch Waterfall Loop Trail is a 3.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mendocino, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Stay on the Falls Loop Trail for 1.6 miles. Well maintained trail, and an excellent way to escape the wind on the coast. Main trail to the falls is closed so we had to take the north trail which adds a few more miles. Mendocino Coast, California USA. This 36-foot waterfall is a short hike away from the beach at Russian Gulch State Park. Whether you’re a camper, bicyclist, hiker, photographer, or beachcomber, you’ll find much to explore in this 1,000-acre state park. We got the opportunity to hike there a few weeks back, and it was a fun experience with shaded trails and fantastic views. Russian Gulch Fern Canyon and Waterfall Trail Loop is a 6.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mendocino, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Only trouble to doing it in November is it’s pretty cold in the gullies and warm at the top. The other thing is that 3.8 miles is from the start of the trail head, so parking on the street adds another full mile to the hike— we ended up with 4.8 miles. The trail was well maintained and even in October, the waterfall was serene and beautiful. The easy hike to the modest waterfall in Russian Gulch was wonderful Starts with about a mile of mostly paved track that is also open to bicycles. Russian Gulch State Park and the Fern Canyon and Waterfall Loop are some trails that should not be missed. YesDogs allowed in campground, beach, and trails west of Highway 1. ACCESSIBILITYSeveral accessible facilities at Russian Gulch include a group recreation hall, 0.9 miles of the Fern Canyon Trail, and one campsite. FISHINGFishing is not permitted in the creek, but ocean fishing is allowed for children and licensed adults 16 and older. Redwoods bingo, anyone? For more information about camping, visit, Many campgrounds across the state remain closed until further notice. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules. There was sufficient amount of water for the waterfall to look amazing, but I definitely think early spring would be best to see it. A number of wildflowers were in full bloom. Make reservations by calling 707-937-5804 (District Office). Jun 15, 2020 - Falls Loop Trail, in Russian Gulch State Park, is one of our favorite day hikes on California's Mendocino Coast. THINGS TO DO Russian Gulch State Park has 15 miles of trails, with a satisfying mix of shady forest and open coastal hikes. Hike to a waterfall through fern grottoes. you get the see the waterfall twice. At high tide, it’s a roiling cauldron of water. Check yourself out—honestly assess your capabilities in light of weather and water conditions. Always check the weather forecast and ocean conditions before diving.