Russian Gulch State Park is north of Mendocino below the Highway 1 Bridge where the Russian Gulch Creek streams into the slender cove. The sandy beach is a family-friendly area where children can play safely in the creek water, but they should be careful in the bay water. The cove is a protected area popular for scuba divers.

Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, Abalone diving, mountain biking, and camping are common in this area, as well as hiking. There are several trails worth exploring in the headlands north and south of the beach. A highlight is the Devil's Punchbowl, a one-of-a-kind natural feature where waves flood the bowl through a big rock arch.

Russian Gulch State Park, Point Cabrillo Drive and Brest Road, Mendocino, CA

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