The One Park In Northern California With Waterfalls, Beaches, Camping, And Trails Truly Has It All
There sure are a lot of parks to discover here in Northern California. It can almost be overwhelming when it comes to deciding which one you’d like to visit next. We’ll make it easy for you by suggesting one of the best state parks that simply doesn’t get enough attention: Russian Gulch State Park. This breathtaking park has a little bit of everything for everyone, no matter what your adventure style is. Discover it for yourself and prepare to be blown away by all that this place has to offer!
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Hiding out just two miles north of Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park is an oasis of beautiful scenery, wildlife, and endless recreation. Every inch of it is begging to be explored, and it's simply a must for any Northern Californian.
The first thing you'll notice about this stunning state park is the variety of landscapes it contains. Boasting a leafy canyon surrounded by a rocky coastline, endless beaches, and windswept headlands, the natural beauty here is definitely abundant!
One of the park's most notable features, and one you'll definitely want to seek out, is the 36-foot waterfall tucked away in the forest. It's majestic cascade of water plunges into a lush landscape of redwoods, mosses, and ferns.
Another of the park's most iconic sights is the Panhorst Bridge (also known as the Russian Gulch Bridge.) Constructed in 1939, the bridge is considered one of the most beautiful in all of California and it's truly a photographer's dream.
Russian Gulch is a treasure trove of all types of adventure. Visitors travel from all over the state for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cycling, and so much more. Simply put, there's never a dull moment to be had in this breathtaking destination.
In fact, there's so much to this park that you'll definitely need several days to truly take it all in. Plan an overnight adventure at one of their 26 standard campsites or single group site. All sites are first-come, first-served from Labor Day through late March, but are reservation only the rest of the year.
When it comes to hiking, you'll find that there are a plethora of trails to be enjoyed across all skill levels. The Headlands Trail is considered an easy trail with minimal elevation change and takes you along the park's craggy shoreline before arriving at an overlook of a giant sinkhole called Devil's Punchbowl.
Any time spent in Russian Gulch State Park is time well-spent. Although it's just one of Northern California's many beautiful parks, it certainly stands out. See it for yourself and spend the day in one of the best state parks soon!
