Russian Gulch State Park
Unlike other parks, Russian Gulch State Park offers many amenities that make it attractive to casual tourists, but less interesting for photographers. You will not find many hidden jewels here, yet photographers can always discover unique perspectives and interesting views.
The park itself offers picnic areas, restrooms, several campgrounds (one wheelchair accessible) and a recreation hall. Miles of trails, equestrian campsites and a pleasant beach make this park attractive with the crowds.
How to get there
Russian Gulch State Park Map (click to enlarge)
Russian Gulch State Park is located about 2 Miles North of Mendocino.
GPS position
How to photograph Russian Gulch SP
The high-arching graceful bridge spanning Russian gulch is the most interesting photographic subject. You need a wide-angle lens, even from a short distance, to capture the entire arch. It is tough to find a pleasing angle including the bridge and the beach without including the cars behind the bridge. The most obvious shot is from the parking lot out to the ocean, but if you want to include a nicer foreground, you need to photograph the bridge from the beach side.
Use Heavenly Opportunity to determine when the sun will set below the arch of the bridge to photograph its silhouette against the setting sun. During very foggy days, completely clear days or very cloudy days I would not spend the energy. On days with light fog or just enough clouds to create atmosphere in your shot without entirely blocking the sun it should be worth sticking around for the sunset.
The park features miles of trails through lush coastal vegetation, culminating in a serene but small waterfall. Although photogenic, you can find more impressive falls elsewhere. Take the trail only if you have time.
The parks most prominent geological feature is Devil’s Punchbowl, a blowhole about 100 feet across and 60 feet deep. During high tide, the crashing waves produce sounds, but water does not eject through the hole and there is no good way to photograph it.
All those fantastic amenities that make the park so attractive for casual tourists make it much less attractive for photographers. I found other parks to be much more interesting, but if you have time and you are on a mission to see as much of California’s coast as you possibly can, then you should consider visiting Russian Gulch SP.
Best Time of the Day and Best Season
Afternoon and sunset affords you better light, but you can shoot here through most parts of the day. The park headlands will bloom with wildflowers during the spring and early summer.
Time required
A quick visit by the bridge will take no longer than 30 minutes, a short hike to the blowhole another 30 minutes. Hiking the waterfall trail will take significantly longer.
Equipment
- CP Filter
- Wide-angle lens
- Towel (you need to cross some shallow water to get to the beach)
- Sun cream
- Straw Hat (to keep ticks off during a hike).
- Picnic basket
Fees
The $7 entrance fee also covers nearby parks, which makes it well worth spending the money if you have the time to see other parks.
Close Locations
- Point Cabrillo Light Station
- Jug Handle Creek
- Historic Fort Bragg and Noyo Harbor
- Fort Bragg Skunk Train
- Ten Mile Beach and Dunes, Ten Mile River
- Mendocino
- Van Damme State Park and Beach
- Navarro River Redwoods State Park
- Manchester Beach SP
- Bowling Ball Beach
- Point Arena Lighthouse
- Fish Rock Beach, Bourns Landing, Collins Landing
- Salt Point State Park
Useful Resources
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