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Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Mendocino County

Russian Gulch State Park – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Surfwood Estates

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Mendocino County

Russian Gulch State Park – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Surfwood Estates

Hard

5.0

(6564)

12,306

riders

Russian Gulch State Park – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Surfwood Estates

03:42

35.9km

700m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

204 m

Russian Gulch State Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

Just a short two-mile drive north of Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park is a coastal wonderland. Explore a three-mile canyon adorned with towering redwoods and a captivating 36-foot waterfall. Along the coastline, discover pristine beaches, the stunning Devil's Punchbowl sea cave, and the elegant Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge rising 100 feet above the canyon.

In spring, vibrant wildflowers bloom on the fog-kissed headlands. With nearly 1.5 miles of oceanfront, Russian Gulch rivals Point Lobos on the Big Sur Coast. Whether you're here to camp, hike, bike, fish, dive, kayak, or simply soak in the park's natural beauty, Russian Gulch State Park offers a coastal escape like no other.

Tip by

2

12.5 km

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mendocino Headlands State Park, spanning 347 acres, is the jewel of Northern California. It features miles of a fantastic network of trails that wind along cliffs, offering picturesque views of the Big River, sandy beaches and rugged coastline. Adjacent to Jackson Demonstration State Forest and Mendocino Woodlands State Park, you'll find endless places to explore and enjoy this spectacular area.

Tip by

19.4 km

Woodlands Special Treatment Area

Nature Reserve

4

30.1 km

Casper Little Lake Road 409

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This small stretch of road turns to dirt for a relatively short distance (2.3km), although it is very flat with a beautiful stretch of trees, making the climb well worth the effort.   As you continue, the route T’s into Little Lake Road, where you can choose from two options. Turning right continues the loop, descending back to Mendocino, although the road can be somewhat rough at times, or, it is the perfect spot to turn around and re-experience the beautiful scenery again.

Tip by

5

35.5 km

Russian Gulch State Park entrance

Highlight • Rest Area

Park with coastal access (free for bikers) and campground underneath tall redwoods ($10 for bikers, $45 for car camping)

Tip by

B

35.9 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.4 km

8.75 km

8.36 km

6.48 km

Surfaces

32.1 km

1.94 km

1.89 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (230 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Monday 13 July

20°C

10°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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