Russian Gulch State Park is a California State Park in coastal Mendocino County, California, 2 mi north of Mendocino and 7 mi south of Fort Bragg.
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. Inland, a 36-foot waterfall plunges down into a bower of redwoods, mosses, and ferns. 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.
In the spring, the park’s foggy headlands bloom with acres of wildflowers. With nearly a mile and a half of ocean frontage, the park is often compared to Point Lobos on the Big Sur Coast. Visitors come to camp, hike, bike, fish, dive, kayak, ride their horses, or just marvel at the park’s beauty.
Russian Gulch State Park has 15 miles of trails, with a satisfying mix of shady forest and open coastal hikes. Currently a portion of the Russian Gulch Fern Canyon trail is closed, see alert information above. The park’s beaches, coves, and tide pools are great for a variety of water activities.
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. Picnic at nearby tables overlooking Panhorst Bridge.
If you have half a day, head up to the park’s sparkling waterfall on the Fern Canyon Trail.
If you have a full day, hike the Fern Canyon Loop in the morning and one or more of the headlands trails in the afternoon. Catch the last rays of sun on the beach at the mouth of Russian Gulch Creek.
ACCESSIBILITY
Several accessible facilities at Russian Gulch include a group recreation hall, 0.9 miles of the Fern Canyon Trail, and one campsite. Assistance may be needed with restroom, shower, and other facilities. A beach wheelchair is available for use by calling (707) 937-5721 to reserve it at least seven days in advance. Accessibility at the park is continually improving.
Camping
Campsite 21 is generally accessible. Assistance may be needed with water and facilities. Adjacent restroom is generally accessible and may permit front transfers. Shower offers lower shower heads, but may require assistance reaching controls from folding bench.
Trails
The Fern Canyon Trail is a popular paved hike and bike trail through the redwoods and ferns that is accessible for about 0.90 mile and passes a waterfall. Trailhead and paved parking lot are on east end of campground.
Beach/Shore Access
A beach wheelchair is available upon request for use at California State Park beaches in the Mendocino coast area. Call (707) 937-5721 at least 7 days in advance.
Other Information
A recreation hall with kitchen, fireplace and restrooms may be used by groups and is accessible. Interior space is wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are generally accessible.
An accessible restroom is located across from campsite 21; however it’s locked in the off season. There’s also a picnic table near the water tank at the beginning of the trail, and although it’s not technically accessible, it is on level ground and mostly usable.
Although the trail looks a little ominous at the beginning, if you can make it past the first patch of mud you’re good to go. This former logging road begins as a six-foot wide mostly asphalt trail, which later gives way to a narrower three-foot wide dirt trail. Redwood trees, ferns and other greenery line both sides of the trail, and the small waterfalls and churning rapids in the adjacent Russian Gulch River make this a very scenic hike. Add in the avian life in forest canopy and you have a real winner.
The trail runs for 1.6 miles along the river to a small picnic area. Most wheelchair-users and slow walkers will only be able to do a half-mile of it though, as after that the trail gets progressively steeper, the cross slope becomes uneven, and ruts and other obstructions make it impassable. Still it’s a very pleasant half-mile, so enjoy the scenery and turn around when it gets too difficult. It should also be noted that the trail gets very muddy after storms, and the downed trees are not removed in the off season. On the other hand, if you visit on a sunny summer day, it’s a very cool, shaded and pleasant place to explore.
