Location: Mendocino County, California
RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK: Named after the intensely forested
Russian Gulch Creek Canyon where the famous “Devil’s
Punch Bowl” (a large, buckled sea cave with churning water),
and a beach that is good for tide pool exploring, skin diving,
rock fishing and swimming. Inland, there is a magnificent waterfall,
dropping 36-feet. This is an incredible oasis with miles of hiking
and bike trails. The park has 7,630 feet of ocean frontage. With
its rugged headlands propelling out into the Pacific Ocean, the
park is thought of by many as the north coast's competitor of
Point Lobos, located South of Big Sur. One of the many attractions
of the headlands is the "blow hole." Its formation was
made by the incessant pounding of waves against the coastal headlands.
A tunnel has been formed which comes inland about 200 feet, and
at its end the earth has been carved away forming a hole 100 feet
across and 60 feet deep; one can look into this flower and plant-lined
pit and watch the surging sea at high tide. It is an incredible
site.
Both Fort Bragg and Mendocino are the two closest towns near
the Headlands Park.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Family Campsites (Trailers Max. length 24’)
Group Campsites
Guided Tours
Hike or Bike Campsites
Hiking Trails
Horseback Trails
Scuba Diving
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Picnic Areas
Restrooms
Showers
*Note: Reservations are recommended
Telephone: 707-937-5804
CLIMATES:
As with any of the California beaches in the Northern Coast region,
weather can be changeable and layered clothing is highly recommended.
LOCAL FLAVORS:
Fort Bragg: Fort Bragg offers a unique blend of natural resources,
recreation, and scenery. Fishing, wood products, and tourism are
the primary industries of this North Coast city. Situated approximately
half-way between Eureka and San Francisco, Fort Bragg provides
the ideal site for vacation getaways or small businesses
Mendocino: The town of Mendocino is filled with wonderful galleries,
shops and quaint bed and breakfast inns or redwood cabins to choose
from. From its beautiful beaches and quaint coastal towns, to
its growing inland communities, beautiful Mendocino wineries and
lush redwood forests, it is a unique experience in California
travel. Discover exceptional and interesting shops, fine restaurants
or down home cafes, forest retreats or ocean view rooms. Check
out the Mendocino art scene or plan your Mendocino wedding, as
it is a popular place for young lovers, or plan your trip around
the Whale Festival. Wine tasting is another popular pass time
in Mendocino.
LODGING:
http://www.abigailsmendocino.com/
http://www.mendocinovacations.com/
http://www.mendocinohotel.com/
http://www.packardhouse.com/
http://www.mendocottage.com/
http://www.victorianfarmhouse.com/
http://www.fortbragg.com/lodging.html
©Copyright 2006 Carla Iacovetti
