Читать книгу The Northern California Camper - Daniel C Merrill - Страница 7

Rating- 9/10

Camp sites- 30, no hookups, RVs to 24 feet, open mid March to October

Water- yes

Garbage disposal- yes

Reservations- yes, California department of Parks 1 (707) 875 3483 or www.parks.ca.gov.

Contact- Russian Gulch State Park (707) 937 5804

Camp host- Yes, during summer, the campground is closed during the winter.

Facilities- Each campsite has a picnic table, food cupboard and fire ring with grill. The restrooms have flush toilets and one has showers.

This is a very popular campground and it is usually full during the busy summer months; thus, it would be wise to make a reservation if you plan to visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The campsites are situated on either side of Russian Gulch Creek and are reasonably well separated from each other; thus, the camp does not feel crowded even when full. The creek runs into the sandy beach of a beautiful sheltered cove. This is an ideal place for snorkeling, kayaking and abalone diving; however, the ocean water is cold along the Northern California coast at all times of the year and one should bring a wet suit if he plans to spend time in the water. There is much to do at Russian Gulch. During the summer one can catch perch along the beach and rock fishing is reasonably good from the ocean bluffs west of the campground. At low tide muscles, which provide the best bait for rockfish and perch, are plentiful below the bluffs.

The primary attraction of this State Park is its scenery. Miles of trails follow the ocean front bluffs providing spectacular views of the pounding ocean to the west and the Mendocino Headlands to the south. The paved parking area west of the picnic ground provides access to these trails. The trail, which begins at the campground billboard, passes by a giant blowhole called the Devil’s Punch Bowl. During the spring and early summer the park’s woods and meadows produce a variety of different wildflowers including wild iris that are native to this area.

Inland there is a beautiful three mile long trail to Russian gulch Falls. The last miles or so of the trail is rather steep, so it is not for everyone. Finally, do not miss the picnic area at Russian Gulch. This is a very special place and I have made an effort to describe it in some detail below.

Positives- Simply one of the most beautiful spots in Northern California. The campground is well maintained and quiet.

Negatives- This campground is usually full during the summer; thus, reservations are necessary during the campground’s busy season.

How to get there- The campground entrance is on the left on Highway 1 about one mile north of the town of Mendocino. After passing the pay booth keep to the left and follow the road for about one third of a mile to the campground. Although this road is paved, it is narrow and steep. More importantly, two vehicles cannot pass on this section of the road. For this reason, I recommend that you send someone down the hill to make sure the road is clear before proceeding to the campground.

Local Attractions- The town of Mendocino and the Mendocino Headlands are located one mile south of the Russian Gulch State Park.

Activities- snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking, jogging, abalone diving