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All 20 Mendocino Attractions »

Russian Gulch State Park

Hwy 1, Mendocino, CA 95430
707-937-5804
Ranked #5 of 14 attractions in Mendocino
4.5 of 5 stars 18 Reviews
Type: State Parks, Beaches
Description: This park's view of the Mendocino headlands is enhanced by a spectacular array of wildflowers.
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18 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    12
    5
    1
    0
    0
Date Rating
San Francisco, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

High recommend: has a placid creek with frogs and turtles; a short block to the picturesque pocket beach spanned by a graceful old bridge and graced by a few abalone divers and sea kayakers. Protected from the coastal winds in a steep valley; less than ten minutes from the town of Mendocino. Only drawback is that a few beachgoers drive... More

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San Diego, California, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

We hiked to the waterfalls and then went to see the "Devil's Punchbowl". The hike was one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done and was not difficult. Normally I prefer a challenging hike, but with everything to look at on the way to the waterfall, I was glad it was an easy hike, as it was easier... More

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Arden Arcade, CA
2 reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

This would have been a great hike if the trail had been maintained. This park is one that is marked for closure in July so I guess they aren't fixing things. Such a shame as it's a stunning park. Surely we can figure out how to keep this & other state parks open

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Mendocino, California
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

It's such a lovely park! It has waterfalls, a beautiful bridge framing the cove, easy access if you're a scuba diver, fun camping, and some fantastic overlooks.

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See 5 more reviews by Mondra R for Mendocino
Sacramento CA
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We were the only ones there on a winter Saturday. Our dog got across the creek that runs btwn the parking lot and the beach more easily than we did. It was beautiful, a gorgeous cove.

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See 3 more reviews by RiverReader for Mendocino
Los Gatos
Top Contributor
129 reviews 129 reviews
Reviews in 79 cities Reviews in 79 cities
164 helpful votes 164 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2012

Went to the Park as an after thought and glad we did. Nice hiking trails, beach and ocean views. A lot to see for such a little state park. Make sure to drive out to the picnic area and view point on the bluffs.

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See 3 more reviews by dhen for Mendocino
Napa, CA
Top Contributor
100 reviews 100 reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Incredible views of ocean and cliffs. Hiking paths around the area

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See 2 more reviews by csteen for Mendocino
Mendocino, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Six years ago, my husband proposed to me here. We come back often. We love the tide pools and love the blow hole.

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See 2 more reviews by Barbara R for Mendocino
Belmont, CA
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Whether you are looking for a short bluff top walk to a unique ocean blow hole, a sheltered camp sight, rocky beach, or the exquisite fern canyon waterfall trail, Russian Gulch is one of the jewels of our endangered state park system, along with Hendy Woods, Van Damme, the Mendocino Headlands, Jughandle, Point Cabrillo and MacKericker. Visit them often and... More

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See 12 more reviews by Northcoast_Flyer for Mendocino
Fremont, California
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 October 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We visited Mendocino in late October and the weather was just perfect; in the 70s during the day. Got to Russian gulch around 10:00 am, paid the $8 entrance fee (at the self service kiosk as you drive in-so remember to bring change), and parked in front of the ranger’s station. There was only one other car there, so we’re... More

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