Russian Gulch State Park

Mendocino, California, a hidden gem amongst lush, towering forests and the Pacific Ocean, is located approximately two hours north of San Francisco, and is popular amongst visitors and locals alike for its temperate coastal climate, breathtaking views, rich history, beautiful architecture, historical buildings, and natural attractions and is quickly gaining more popularity for its budding wineries and elegant tasting rooms. Mendocino also has a growing artist community, is thriving with creativity, and is sprinkled with novelty shops, museums, state parks, glistening beaches, dozens of attractions and nature preserves. During your stay, be sure to visit Russian Gulch State Park. 

Visit Russian Gulch State Park

Russian Gulch State Park offers visitors the best of all worlds; ten miles of forest hiking trails, five miles of coastal trails, five miles of biking trails, and five miles of horse trails, tide pools, coves, a waterfall, camping, fishing, and a variety of diving and boating. No matter how much time you’ve set aside for exploration, there is something for everyone to see. 

For guests planning to adventure out for only a few hours, set foot on the Headlands Trail. This trail provides minimal elevation changes and is a ¾ mile long. Stop by a variety of vantage points for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and catch a glimpse of the infamous 100ft by 60ft collapsed sea cave, the Devil’s Punchbowl. Take a lunch break at picnic tables that overlook the photogenic Panhorst Bridge - elegantly risen one hundred feet above the gulch below.  
Devote half a day by hiking the Fern Canyon Trails. These trails offer up to 350-foot change in elevation and are 6.3 miles long. Head inland to unveil an enchanting thirty-six-foot waterfall that plunges down into the redwoods. Two miles of the Fern Canyon Trail is bicycle friendly, for anyone with a helmet wanting to take a leisurely ride through the forest. 
And for guests wanting an all-day excursion, take the Fern Canyon Loop trails and one of the headlands trails which leads you to the edge of Russian Gulch Creek. Guests daring to attempt all trails will be rewarded with a glorious sunset over the shimmering beach. 

Russian Gulch State Park also offers an abundance of water activities including beach swimming, tide pool exploration, kayaking, SCUBA diving, free diving and fishing for a variety of creatures including abalone, lobster, mussels, oysters, crabs, and finfish (with a valid fishing/diving license). Enjoy the serenity and breathtaking beauty of underwater life, and spend a day adventuring and enjoy the vast beauty of nature at Russian Gulch State Park. 

Stay at Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites

Pamper yourself. You deserve it. Established in 1878, and nestled in the heart of the downtown village, Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites is a historic Victorian landmark hotel offering full-service luxury for its guests. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mendocino Highlands, every room is guaranteed to offer a breathtaking view. This extraordinary hotel offers guests unparalleled 24-hour friendly service including, but not limited to complimentary WiFi, self-parking, newspaper service, concierge service, room service, a business center and meeting rooms, safe deposit boxes, gourmet restaurants with breathtaking ocean and/or garden views, a full-service bar, and in-room massage and spa treatments. Custom party and wedding services are also available. For the lowest rates book directly at www.mendocinohotel.com.