Russian Gulch

Russian Gulch is a coastal beach in Mendocino County featuring both sandy coves and rocky shoreline that stretches for miles along the Pacific. The landscape includes headlands with trails, a protected swimming area, and access to tide pools and seaside vegetation.

The name honors Russian fur trappers who worked the coastal region, with a trading post established south of this area. Metal rings remain embedded in the headlands, marking where lumber ships once anchored to load timber.

The Native Sons of the Golden West initiated the movement to establish this location as a state park, which opened in 1933 after community fundraising.

The beach is open year-round and offers facilities including restrooms and outdoor showers throughout the grounds. Wear sturdy footwear if planning to hike, as trails cross rocky terrain and coastal paths.

A natural blowhole formation carved into the headland creates a dramatic inland pit where ocean waves carved away solid rock. This geological feature formed over centuries as wave action repeatedly broke through the stone.

Location: Mendocino County

Address: CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:00-21:00

Phone: +17079375804

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=432

GPS coordinates: 39.32910,-123.80474

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:32