Russian Gulch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Russian Gulch State Park |
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The beach at Russian Gulch State Park, and the Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge above it
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 Russian Gulch State Park
Location in California
Russian Gulch State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mendocino County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Mendocino, California |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Russian Gulch State Park is a beautiful park in Mendocino County, California. It is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. This park is about 2 miles north of Mendocino and 7 miles south of Fort Bragg. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the coast!
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Discover Russian Gulch State Park
This park offers amazing rocky ocean shores, stretching for over 7,600 feet. It is about three-quarters of a mile wide and extends about three miles from the ocean inland. A big bridge called the Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge crosses over Russian Gulch. This concrete arch bridge was built in 1940 and carries Highway 1.
Exploring the Park's Sections
The park has two main parts, divided by Highway 1. The entrance is on the west side of the highway. A small, one-lane road goes under the bridge to connect to the eastern part of the park.
- The western part of the park has high cliffs, also known as headlands. You can find a cool blowhole here, where ocean water shoots up like a geyser! There are also picnic areas for you to enjoy a meal outdoors.
- The larger eastern part of the park is where you'll find the campground and park headquarters. It has many trails perfect for biking, hiking, or even horseback riding.
Fun Activities at the Beach
A small beach is located in the western part of the park, but you reach it from the eastern side. This beach has restrooms and an outdoor shower. It's a fantastic spot for many activities:
- Swimming: Take a dip in the ocean water.
- Skin Diving: Explore underwater with a mask and snorkel.
- Fishing: Try to catch some fish from the shore.
- Tide Pool Exploration: Discover amazing sea creatures in the tide pools when the tide is low.
Hiking to the Waterfall
One of the most popular adventures is a 2.5-mile hike to a 36-foot waterfall. The trail starts at the east end of the campground. It mostly follows an old logging road along the creek, making for a scenic walk.
History of Russian Gulch
The name "Russian Gulch" comes from the Russian fur trappers who started Fort Ross about 50 miles south of here. Some local stories say that a person who left Fort Ross actually lived in Russian Gulch.
Early Days and Lumber Trade
In the late 1800s, large sailing ships called schooners often stopped in the cove. It was a risky stop, but they came to pick up coast redwood lumber and passengers. You can still see iron rings on the headlands today. These rings were used to hold ropes and move lumber when ships docked. There was even a mill that made redwood shingles where the park's recreation hall now stands.
From Farmland to Park
Some of the land in the park was used for farming in the late 1800s. Later, in the 1920s, a developer from Los Angeles named F. O. Warner bought land here. He planned to build a resort. However, a group called the Native Sons of the Golden West started working to make the area a park in 1928. With money from A. Johnston, the county, and the state, Russian Gulch State Park was officially created in 1933.
A Park Saved
In 2012, Russian Gulch was one of 70 state parks that were going to close because of state budget cuts. Luckily, the park remained open for everyone to enjoy!
