2015-4 Russian Gulch & Mendocino Headlands Parks, California
Hello All,
On our second day in the Fort Bragg area of California, we were blessed with a beautiful blue sky day. We had planned to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located right in Fort Bragg. However, since the day was so beautiful we changed our minds opting to slowly drive the scenic Shoreline Highway southbound instead. We have learned that when traveling coastlines you have to take advantage of the good weather when you get it.
Along the way we checked out parks, beaches, scenic views, and anything else that caught our eye. Around Mendocino Headlands we planned to turn around and backtrack along the same route. With the sun setting in the west we felt it would give us a completely different perspective on the same scenery from earlier in the day.
Our first point of interest southbound that thoroughly enthralled us was Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area and Russian Gulch State Park. We hiked the trails along the cliffs that provided awesome coastal vistas. The rocky shoreline was heavily timbered and stunningly beautiful. Our cameras got a real workout to say the least. In our eyes the area was simply beautiful!
On our second day in the Fort Bragg area of California, we were blessed with a beautiful blue sky day. We had planned to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located right in Fort Bragg. However, since the day was so beautiful we changed our minds opting to slowly drive the scenic Shoreline Highway southbound instead. We have learned that when traveling coastlines you have to take advantage of the good weather when you get it.
Along the way we checked out parks, beaches, scenic views, and anything else that caught our eye. Around Mendocino Headlands we planned to turn around and backtrack along the same route. With the sun setting in the west we felt it would give us a completely different perspective on the same scenery from earlier in the day.
Our first point of interest southbound that thoroughly enthralled us was Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area and Russian Gulch State Park. We hiked the trails along the cliffs that provided awesome coastal vistas. The rocky shoreline was heavily timbered and stunningly beautiful. Our cameras got a real workout to say the least. In our eyes the area was simply beautiful!
As the trail wrapped back and forth along the rugged edge of the gulch it provided for different perspectives of the endless amazing scenery. We were like kids in a candy story taking it all in!
If you like the outdoors and what Mother Nature can provide this is a destination that we would highly recommend. We don’t think you would be disappointed in the scenic beauty.
Ferns and western blue flag wildflowers were growing along the edge of the gulch and added to this already magical area.
As we slowly moved along the trail into the narrows of the gulch the water turned into a beautiful emerald green color. It was awesome!
In the background is the Shoreline Highway 1 bridge that passes over Russian Gulch. Behind the bridge is a state park and campground and below the bridge was a lovely beach where folks were relaxing in the sun. It is truly a magnificent setting.
Continuing our drive southbound we came to the little town of Mendocino. The first thing that tweaked our interest was this beautiful little catholic church. It was incased with a white picket fence and framed by gorgeous rhododendron bushes.
We stopped for a bit of lunch in Mendocino. It is a thriving small coastal town in a lovely setting that resembles a New England village. Folks in the area seem to take a lot of pride in their community.
After lunch we headed for nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park. The park, with its unique blend of gentle trails, rugged coastline, hidden grottos, and secluded beaches was preserved when locals heard rumors of a development going into the area in the late 1960s. These concerned citizens banded together and pushed for a state park to protect the beautiful area. Their wish was granted in 1974 when the park was founded.
After lunch we headed for nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park. The park, with its unique blend of gentle trails, rugged coastline, hidden grottos, and secluded beaches was preserved when locals heard rumors of a development going into the area in the late 1960s. These concerned citizens banded together and pushed for a state park to protect the beautiful area. Their wish was granted in 1974 when the park was founded.
When you combine the ruggedness on the coast with the clear water within the grottos it made for some lovely photos. We couldn’t decide whether to include the above or below photo in this writing—so we threw both of them in.
Here is a shot of another scenic grotto. It is truly an awesome area.
Around each bend of the trail the area provides for another scenic vista.
This is the mouth of the Big River which flows just south of the town of Mendocino. When entering or departing the area for a day’s fishing in the Pacific Ocean you better follow the channel markers as there are hazards throughout the area.
There were all types of critters in the area that provided for good photo opportunities. This seagull on a rock with the reddish color of the iceplant in the foreground was pleasing to us.
This noisy black oystercatcher got our attention and warranted a few photos. They are such a striking bird with their red eye and beak.
And the prolific great blue heron was stalking something in the foliage. Think we have come across them in almost every state we have travelled in.
Western blue flag wildflowers were also growing in the area. They are such a lovely wildflower in the iris family. It is native to western North America. They grow at high elevations in mountains and alpine meadows all the way down to sea level and coastal hills.
It is truly a beautiful wildflower.
Rock formations in the area are unique and rugged. For those of us that enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer it is truly a captivating area. The town in the distance in the following two photos is that of Mendocino. It sits perched above the beautiful headlands. We can all thank the residents for their foresight in working to protect this area for future generations.
Next time we will continue our exploration of the beautiful California coast. We have a seat reserved just for you, so we hope you will consider riding along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns