Russian Gulch State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Popular destination, arrive early for parking
Best: Weekdays before 10am
Just north of Mendocino village, Russian Gulch features a spectacular collapsed sea cave forming a "Devil's Punchbowl" blowhole. The lush canyon shelters second-growth redwoods and Douglas firs, with Russian Gulch Creek flowing through fern-carpeted groves. A 36-foot waterfall cascades into the canyon, reached by a popular 3.6-mile loop trail. The headlands offer dramatic coastal views and tide pooling, while the protected cove provides beach access. This compact park packs tremendous diversity into 1,300 acres.
* State park fees vary by park, season, and residency. Confirm current rates on the official website.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Van Damme State Park
Unique Pygmy Forest with stunted trees, redwood canyon, and underwater marine park.
Why go: Similar coastal scenery, forest, hiking experience
Around 4 miles away
