Russian Gulch State Park
Mendocino, CA
Russian Gulch State Park combines a small cove beach with a kayak launch, a popular dive spot, and inland trails leading to a waterfall and a natural blowhole known as the Devil's Punch Bowl. It's one of the more varied state parks on the Mendocino coast, enough different terrain that divers, hikers, and beachgoers all have a reason to come.
The mix of diving, a real waterfall hike, and a cove beach in one park is genuinely rare, though seeing all of it takes more than a quick stop.
How we score beachesThe waterfall trail is a legitimate hike, not a quick walk, so budget a couple of hours if you're planning to do both the beach and the falls in one visit.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
Blufftop trails lead from parking to the cove beach and dive spot.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Mendocino coast, with water staying cold year round.
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