Russian Gulch State Park — Attraction in Fort Bragg

Trail: Fern Canyon to Falls Loop

Time of year: During February and July.

Number of time: 3

Parking: Pay cash for parking (less than $10). Parking at the trailhead is very competitive every time we go. Many people walk in from further parking options (.25-.5 miles).

Terrain: Flat near the beginning. Entire trail is shaded. Most of the trail fits three people side-by-side comfortably. Approaching the waterfall the trail does thin and you will have to practice trail sharing etiquette. We seem to run into some mud at the start no matter what time of year we go. Frequent up and down changes in elevation as you near the waterfall. Left fork has maybe 3 short sets of stairs and is .7 miles. Right fork is 1.6 miles.

Child friendly: We believe so – although we take our kids hiking often and they know what to expect. We took our 3, 5, and 9-year-old and all walked the entire trail with some breaks. There was some complaining near the end and they fell asleep 5 minutes later on the drive home. No steep cliffs and the water is very shallow - do not let kids play at the top of the waterfall where it is slippery and a dangerous fall. Bring lots of waters and snacks and ensure the kids do not litter.

Modern Conveniences: Benches near mid-trail with bike rack. Bathroom at start of trail.

Humidity/Temperature: Temperate. Mid 50s during winter. Low 60s to 70s during other months.

Water Consumption: Bring lots of water. The trail isn’t dry or hot but it is long. If you have LifeStraw or similar product you will have constant access to water.

Trail Traffic: We typically run into people every 20-30 minutes depending on the day of the week. Everyone is very friendly and all just seem happy to be enjoying nature. You will typically find pairs or small groups of people at the waterfall. People tend to stop and eat here.

Cleanliness/maintenance: Occasionally there is a napkin or dropped trail food. We have never seen plastic bottles or cans which always gives us hope that people are decent. We have seen cigarette butts at the waterfall. If you are a smoker, wait until you leave the park to smoke. If you cant, then you dont deserve to be on this trail with its clean air and beautiful environment. Trail is well-maintained by park staff.

Wildlife: Birds. Frogs. Lizards. We found one Gartner snake out of three separate hikes. Found a banana slug, lots of butterflies, mosquitoes, etc. Bring bug spray.

Plantlife: They call this trail Fern Canyon for a reason. Wild raspberry plants along the first half of the trail. Remember that the wildlife depends on these for food. Also remember that lots of berries + no toilets = unpleasant hike. TONS of mushrooms of several types during the rainy months – on the trail, trees, stumps, etc. Very few mushrooms during the drier months. And, of course, stunning redwoods.

Landmarks: Russian Gulch Waterfall which is 36ft tall and nearly as wide. We have noticed that the waterfall has a stronger flow during the rainy season but is always flowing regardless of season. Small pool of water at base of waterfall that is too shallow to swim. Russian Gulch creek which runs along the entire trail. Trees growing out of stumps of other trees. Fallen redwoods that you can walk across (lead nowhere and...

The Fern Canyon Trail inside Russian Gulch State Park is different than the Fern Canyon Trail at Van Damme State Park and that it goes to a waterfall. The waterfall is pretty spectacular and makes this hike 5.4 mile loop trail worth it. That doesn’t include the half mile hike back to your car if the parking lot closed. You can add another 1.6 miles if you do the waterfall loop.

If you have a car to shuttle you, there is a way to hike from the top of the trail to the bottom. See the map for where to park on road 409.

We were there in late June and the trail was very muddy in some spots. There were lots of bananas slugs to entertain the kids. The redwood forest is beautiful.

There are restrooms at the trailhead.

You do not need a permit or a reservation, but you do need to pay the $8 day use fee.

You can ride bikes up the trail, but you cannot take dogs. At the loop split you can no longer ride your bike. At that point, the trail gets much steeper and has stairs.

The Headlands Trail is also beautiful. Maybe one of the prettiest in the state, especially when the wildflower are blooming. There is a great view of the highway one bridge, a pretty island and the rugged coastline.

The picnic area has stunning views.

The headlands Trail is short and flat. There is poison oak along the trail, but they usually have it cut back. There is plenty of parking and dogs are allowed.

There is a small beach near the campground, which is sheltered from the wind, but...

Russian Gulch State Park is the best hike in Mendocino. Late morning on (Nov/24/2019), I went for 7 miles RT at Fern Canyon Trail so I can see waterfalls and woodlands. The hike was easy at first, about one mile with tar road,( if I have a bike, will save me sometime). Hiking up another mile,with Green Fern and mushroom everywhere,(so living). My next mile,was along with the creek, the sound of the creek and runoff likes Mother Nature singing to me. The next half mile, trail gets a little switch back, up hill,narrow,and muggy, but it still very green and pretty. Last half mile take me to the waterfall. it is steep, rocky and wet, (hiking boots should be better). I came a little late, not much water flowing, but I still can get my feet wet. ( I love to dance with waterfalls). I took the loop on the way out, more up and a little longer distance, but I’m able to hike in the meadow. See a lot of tall trees, some new trees growing on the death tree,(it gives me sigh of never give up). If you get out the same way you were in,( your legs will be much happier). I will come back to this park again for different hike when i am...