Explore the Radiance of Russian Gulch Waterfall

Gorgeous greenery, breathtaking views, and a fairytale waterfall!

Last updated: Jan 2024

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$8 State Park Fee
More than 500 Miles from you
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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

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Itinerary

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

Location

State Rt 1 Mendocino, CA 95460

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Packing List

map
backpack
hiking shoes
water
snacks
sunscreen
first aid kit

4.8 ● Google reviews

Absolutely magical! I think this was the most beautiful trail I've ever hiked. 6.2 mile fern trail loop took us about 4 hours at a leisurely pace stopping for a picnic lunch at the waterfalls. The towering redwoods, lush plant life, and beautiful river made it so worth it. There were some muddy portions of the trail, so wear good boots, but otherwise easy to navigate. I can't wait to return!

Very nice State Park. You can go to the beach side to see the historic bridge and the ocean, or do the hike to the waterfall, which is long, but worth it, and a chance to hike through old growth redwood forests. The hike is over 8 miles round trip so it's a pretty long one, but not terribly difficult, and it does make a loop so it's not an out-and-back trail. There are plenty of services here, water and restrooms, and a campground. Classic California State Park, one of the best in this part of the North Coast.

We love this small state park right on the Pacific Ocean. It’s cold here, so bring a jacket. Not a huge campground, some camp sites are pretty exposed. You can take a kayak out in the protected cove, or explore the caves during low tide. There are forest trails and shore trails. Lots of poison oak, so know that it might look different on the shore than in the forest. Flush toilets, coin or token operated showers. Very close to Mendocino, which has good shopping, nice galleries and some great restaurants.

Russian Gulch is one of our families favorite group camping spots. The spacious group camping area is semi private after sunset and has a quick path to the beach. This year we were 17 adults, kids and a dog. The weather was forecasted to be in the low 60s but to our surprise we had more sunny days than the expected cold overcast. Our dog stays in her crate while we sleep in tents. There are also individual sites. The group area has private parking and drives out to Mendocino or Fort Bragg are no problem. You can buy firewood for $12/bag.

An amazing and beautiful park. Well maintained and very popular among tourists. They have camping grounds for $45 and to enter its $10/vehicle. There are several hikes and places to see. Plan ahead.

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