Explore the Radiance of Russian Gulch Waterfall

Gorgeous greenery, breathtaking views, and a fairytale waterfall!

Last updated: Jan 2024

  • $8 State Park Fee

Description

Grab your hiking shoes and prepare to explore the gorgeous Russian Gulch Waterfall Loop Trail in NorCal. This 3.8 mile loop trail is the perfect addition to any day. Be greeted by the beautiful fern walls and redwood forests that await you in this oasis of greenery. The wide open space heeds true to the peaceful surroundings that this trail has to offer. Wild mushrooms, beautiful flowers, and towering trees are just the beginning of what makes up these incredible views. Climb over the wooden bridge that leads to the breathtaking and magical waterfall; a true visual representation of earth and water colliding. 

Perfect for

For solo
For two
For groups
For parents and grownups
Outdoorsy

Good to know

FREE
Trail
Open to public
Half a day
Onsite parking

TikTok videos

Itinerary

  1. Get your hiking shoes ready for an adventure
  2. Pull out your map and head along the trail
  3. Admire the beautiful redwoods around you
  4. Listen to the peaceful sounds of nature
  5.  Be entranced by the magical waterfall amongst the trees and greenery
  6. Take pictures to documents nature's gift
  7. Congratulations on a hike well done! 

Location

State Rt 1 Mendocino, CA 95460

Show directions

Packing List

  • map
  • backpack
  • hiking shoes
  • water
  • snacks
  • sunscreen
  • first aid kit

 4.8  ● Google reviews

  • Phantastic Travel

    4 months ago

    Beautiful park. Very spacious and lots of places to explore. We did the fern canyon trail and took us about 2.5 hours. Good amount of animals to see and quite peaceful. The trail was fairly challenging on some parts of the trail where you have to climb steep stairs or gravel paths. Path fairly maintained and roomy. We got lost because the sign post in the middle of the trail showed to go left while the trail supposed to go straight. One other person had the same issue and shared with us but we couldn’t understand until we learned that the path was not right and looped back. Lots of banana slugs and millipedes. Some blue jays and other birds as well. Lots of flowers and interesting plants when we were there late May. There is a nice campground there too. There is a flushed restroom in the campground area. We didn’t explore the devil’s blow hole so maybe next time. Overall a fun trip to Russian gulch.

  • kat

    3 months ago

    11/10 super pretty even when it was foggy. Great weather still in early June. The camp sites are really great, clean. I think most if not each little camp site has a little stream running through and that really completes the vibe. The shower is nice the bathroom has plumbing and it’s clean. Would definitely come back again.

  • Ryan Khakberdyev

    a month ago

    Excellent spot for a picnic with an amazing view! The staff at the entrance were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in the area.

  • Karen Zachary

    7 months ago

    Did the waterfall hike. Most of the path was extremely walkable, like paved or packed earth. The area was mossy and lush. There are several spots arms the waterfall where people can hang out. This is one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. :)

  • Jan Robison

    5 months ago

    We walked the Headlands trail and had a picnic too. Such a beautiful trail!! We even encountered a family of deer. ❤️If you're in the area, don't miss it!
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