Russian Gulch Beach Diving

Russian Gulch Beach is known as a wonderful spot for scuba diving. The protected cove at the beach allows easy access to the water. Parking is available next to the beach, making it convenient to unload from your car. An outdoor shower is available to wash off after your dive.

Ocean Safety - Always check with rangers if conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Underwater Vallies and Sea Caves

The underwater valley to the left of the beach is filled with interesting places to explore. Underwater boulders shelter a variety of fish and plant life, including sponges, sea stars, abalone, anemones, and nudibranchs.

Some of the best areas are farther out near the mouth of the bay to both the north and the south. Canyons, valleys, sea caves and other features abound.

Abalone fishing is a popular sport along the Mendocino coast. Diving for red abalone must be done without the use of scuba grear. Check all the regulations governing sport fishing for red abalone: California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations.

Abalone Season usally runs from April - June and August - November, but currently (2023) red abalone season is closed until at least April 1, 2026.

Russian Gulch State Park Hiking Trails

A network of trails connects virtually every corner of Russian Gulch State Park. Some trails are designated for multi-use, including hiking, bicycles, and equestrians. Others are limited to hikers only. No dogs are allowed on the trails.

• Waterfall Trail: The 36-foot fall waterfall at the upper end of Russian Gulch Creek is a popular hiking destination. The shortest route to the fall is to park at the trailhead on Caspar-Little Lake Road and follow the trails about 1 mile down to falls. The more common route is from the end of the road near the campground and following the creek through Fern Canyon. That route is 2.4 miles each way.
• Fern Canyon Trail: This easy 2-mile hike follows the creek up the canyon on an old road. The route is open to cyclists.
• North Boundary Trail: The North Boundary trail is open to cyclists, hikers, and equestrians. Its 2.7-mile length connects the regional park headquarters with Caspar-Little Lake Road. An equestrian camp is located near the eastern end of the trail.
• South Trail: This 1.6-mile-long trail connects the trailhead at the southern end of the park with the trailhead at the end of the road along Russian Gulch Creek. The beach is mid-way along the trail.

Birds along the Trails

Birds often sighted along the trails in Russian Gulch include warblers, swallows, Gray Jays, Swainson's thrushes, Allen's hummingbird, red crossbills, Pacific-slope flycatchers, and wrens. Occasionally hikers catch sight of northern spotted owls or kingfishers.

Devil's Punchbowl

On the northern headlands of the park is a large sinkhole which was created when a section of sea caves collapsed. The sink, known as Devil's Punchbowl, is about 60 feet deep and 100 feet in diameter. A short trail leads out to the sink and a safety railing surrounds it. Visitors can look down into the punchbowl and see water surging in and out through the tunnels which connect it to the ocean.

Kayaking at Russian Gulch Beach

Russian Gulch draw kayakers who enjoy exploring the rugged coast. Numerous islands, inlets, coves, and caves make for an adventurous day on the ocean. Launching from the beach is usually easy in the relatively calm water of the bay.

More advanced paddlers venture beyond the protected water of the bay. Those who manage to stay within the protection of the reefs avoid some of the heavier swells. A half mile north up the coast are many caves, narrow chutes, rock gardens, and arches.