Waterfall Loop at Russian Gulch State Park

Russian Gulch State Park has camping, hiking and a beach, what more can you ask for. That state park does require a day use fee, which is reasonable and also reasonable overnight camping fees. For details about the park, check out the website: Russian Gulch State Park

I was amazed at how well-marked the hiking trails were at Russian Gulch (trail maps can be found at the trail head of Fern Canyon Trail or the ranger station). If you are there for hiking and not camping to get to the trailhead you drive through the campground. At the end of the road is parking and the trail head for Fern Canyon Trail (marked in blue) which takes you straight to the waterfall. The trail in the springtime was very muddy. There was not much elevation change in the beginning of the Fern Canyon trail and you walk next to a small river. The Fern Canyon Trail hits a point where you can rest and have a snack or lunch at some picnic tables. At the picnic tables you have the option to take the Fern Canyon Train straight up to the waterfall or change direction and take a new trail, the Fall Loop Trail (marked in red) which will also take you to the waterfall. Or the North Trail (marked in Orange) which takes you back to camp and through the redwoods. To hike all the trails together you will be hiking about 6-7 miles. All three trails at some point you will gain some elevation, but not so much that a beginner cannot handle. Just take your time.

I suggest hiking in a figure eight. Hike the Fern Canyon Trail all the way to the falls and continue through the Fall Loop Trail which then takes you back to the picnic tables and then hike the North Trail back to the ranger station. The Fall Loop and North Trail get up higher into the redwoods and it is beautiful. At some point you will be high enough to feel the ocean breeze. Enjoy!