Cascading some near forty feet from top to bottom surrounded by vines, ferns and regal Coast Redwoods in the temperate rainforests of California is Russian Gulch Falls. A bit of a misnomer as no Russian settlements were known to occur in this area, but some fifty miles south at Fort Ross and Bodega Bay, what this canyon lacks in nomenclature in makes up for significantly in natural beauty. The trail for the most part is a flat saunter through the canyon's bottom alongside Russian Gulch Creek to its elevated drop at the falls into a shallow clear pool. The shadows and canopies of the high trees above add a special flavor of serenity experienced in few places such as this; consequently, a brief hike up here will be well worth the time.
Stats:
Category: Easy
Miles: 5.4
Elevation Gain: 250'
Location: Russian Gulch State Park
Directions: HERE
The Trail: From the parking lot near the locked gate, take the path eastward up the Russian Gulch. Immediately, you enter into a riparian ecosystem replete with deciduous trees and water-loving ferns. After passing by a large boulder, the trail becomes more shaded under the impressive stands of Redwoods here, and while none are of overly grandiose proportions, there are still unique and wonderful specimens nonetheless. The rest of the trip will be alongside these quiet giants and along their diverse understories. In about 2 miles, you hit a main trail junction. Take the route 0.7 miles further to the waterfalls, as the path becomes a bit steeper and the trail significantly rougher. After some cliff-side experiences, the thundering fall of the water is audibly heard, and a few yards down it plummets into a shallow pool near a quaint wooden bridge. Watch for Banana Slugs here, the largest terrestrial slugs in the world, endemic to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Coast, a few locations in the Sierra Nevada, and most interestingly, the Palomar Mountains in Southern California. Many options for the return are available, as a network of trails are accessible from the canyon. Check the map to create your own route, or return the way to you back the the parking lot.
Hiked 7/13/2017, Mendocino County, CA
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| Trailhead |
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| Riparian Zone |
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| A dead Raccoon preserved quite well |
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| Fern Canyon |
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| Redwood Stands and Ferns |
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| A squished Banana Slug |
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| Trail Split |
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| Bridge on spur trail to Falls |
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| A rougher section |
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| Beautiful Ferns |
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| First Glimpse of Falls |
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| Redwood Canopy |
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| Russian Gulch Falls |
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| Great specimen of a Banana Slug near falls |
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