Russian Gulch Bridge: Two Amazing Viewpoints in the State Park
The Russian Gulch Bridge at Russian Gulch State Park took me by surprise. I saw pictures of it online, but after seeing it in person, I can confirm that the pictures do not do it justice. I saw the Russian Gulch Bridge during a Northern-California and Southern-Oregon road trip with two of my friends and I believe it is an absolute must-do pit-stop for your travel plans. There are two main viewpoints to see the Russian Gulch Bridge. In this post, I’ll break down both viewpoints so you can experience this bridge along the beautiful Northern California coastline.
Where is the Russian Gulch Bridge?
The Russian Gulch Bridge is located on the coastal edge of Russian Gulch State Park, sandwiched between the quaint towns of Mendocino from the south and Fort Bragg from the north. It is a section of the Pacific Highway 1, but because you do not get any side profile of the bridge as you drive, you will not notice you are actually driving on top of the Russian Gulch Bridge! This means that people can often miss out on seeing this incredible bridge.
Russian Gulch State Park Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Russian Gulch State Park is $8, or at least, that’s how much we (should have) paid. There is a kiosk that may or may not be manned.
Russian Gulch Bridge: A Brief History
The Russian Gulch Bridge was designed by Henry E. Kuphal and was built between the years of 1939 and 1940. It was named the Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge in 1974, after the chief of the Bridge Section of the California Division of Highways. Its design is akin to the more famous Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, but is only supported by the rocky cliffs on either side of it without the need for extra buttresses. Thanks Wikipedia!
Russian Gulch Bridge From Below (Viewpoint 1)
This is the first of the two different viewpoints to see the Russian Gulch Bridge. This viewpoint is my favorite of the two, because you get to see the Russian Gulch Bridge from really close.
We went during mid-late afternoon and thought it was the perfect time to see the Russian Gulch Bridge. The sun hiding behind the bridge made viewing the scenery as if through a filter. This particular area reminded me of Oregon and Washington, with trees hugging the cliff sides and a sense of seclusion from the rest of society.
My two classmates and I stayed here for about a half hour, talking about school and relationships. We just finished our Winter quarter and were now enjoying (our much-needed) Spring Break. It was such a cool vibe, sitting on the rocks and logs with my friends, just chatting away, as we watched the sparkling surface of the tide come in and out underneath the imposing backdrop of a bridge. Indeed, a vibe.
At this viewing area, there isn’t too much to explore. You cannot hug and walk the sides of the bottom of the cliffs too far. I did, however walk as far as I could and I got some pictures directly below the bridge.
Random aside here: There is this video game called Life is Strange. It is set in Oregon and it includes the most beautiful animation of the Pacific Northwest. The Russian Gulch Bridge gives me Life is Strange vibes. It is as if I was experiencing the game in real life. Also highly highly recommend the game. Basically, you need to go here because it is absolutely beautiful and you will not regret it and I will be really mad if you don’t.
Russian Gulch Bridge Parking & Directions
Search “Russian Gulch Beach Parking” on Google Maps to get the location as shown in the map above.
Alternatively, you can follow my directions.
Directions to Russian Gulch Bridge can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry, I got you. If you are heading north, you will need to cross the bridge first, because the road that leads to the bottom of the Russian Gulch Bridge is on the north side of the bridge.
Directions (if heading North on PCH):
– Go across the Russian Gulch Bridge (however, you may not realize you are driving on top of it).
– Make a left on Brest Rd.
– Make a sharp left on Point Cabrillo Dr. Follow this road until you go under the Russian Gulch Bridge.
– Pay the $8 fee for entry into Russian Gulch State Park.
– Once you’ve passed underneath the bridge, make the first right, which will lead you to a small parking area (Russian Gulch Beach Parking) on your right. The parking area is also right in front of a Russian Gulch State Park campground area.
– Once you park your car, a small stroll down the road will lead you to the perfect viewpoint of the Russian Gulch Bridge
Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint (Viewpoint 2)
I said there are two viewpoints to see the Russian Gulch Bridge. We just discussed the first one. Now, the second viewpoint is actually officially named the “Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint.”
Rather than seeing the bridge from underneath and up-close, this 2nd viewpoint (aka the Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint) is further away and looks eastward to the Russian Gulch Bridge. Although you are viewing the bridge from a distance, the viewpoint offers a different perspective and appreciation of the scenery.
Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint Directions
On Google Maps, search “Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint” to map to the location.
Alternatively, you can follow my directions.
Directions to the Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint is actually quite similar to getting to underneath the bridge. I have bolded the directions that are different.
Directions (if heading North on PCH),
– Go across the Russian Gulch Bridge (you may not realize you are driving on top of the bridge however).
– Make a left on Brest Rd.
– Make a right on the first available road (unnamed)
– Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint should be to your left. The Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint is BEFORE the parking area at the end of the road.
The Russian Gulch Headlands Trail
After the Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint, you can take the Russian Gulch Headlands Trail to witness more of Russian Gulch State Park and see more vantage points of the Russian Gulch Bridge. It starts at the parking lot at the end of the road. The hike is 0.4 miles, with negligible elevation gain and is a loop trail. So, it’s super short and you should definitely do it.
As you can see from the picture above, this is some super scenic stuff. All three of us enjoyed seeing the bridge from the Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint from this angle on the Russian Gulch Headlands Trail. The cerulean ocean, the green grass, and the dark green trees in the distance made it such a memorable spot for us on day #1 of our road trip. Also, such an edgy pic with silhouettes, yeah?
The trail, following the coastline, reminded me of the Mori Point Trail in Pacifica, aka my favorite trail to recommend near SF.
There is no map at the trailhead for the Russian Gulch Headlands Trail so I definitely recommend using the All Trails app on your phone to access the map digitally. On the app, the trail is listed as the “Headlands Trail (Devil’s Punchbowl).” My group didn’t see the Devil’s Punchbowl, but definitely check it out since it is not far away.
The Verdict: Should You See the Russian Gulch Bridge?
Absolutely. Not only is it such an easy stop to make because it is right off the PCH (actually it technically is the PCH), but it also is just so darn beautiful. As a California native, it feels weird that there is so much of California I haven’t seen yet. The trip made me appreciate the beauty in my home state even more.
I also think it is a hidden gem of sorts, as it is overshadowed by the likes of the more famous Bixby Bridge and sandwiched between the popular towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg. My friends and I were also essentially the only ones there to enjoy the views, as if we were the stars of a cheesy teenage-angsty Netflix movie. And I say that, as a good thing.
The Russian Gulch Bridge gets 9/10 from me. I could not recommend it more.
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Til’ the next adventure…
– Keanu (a.k.a the 9to5travelguy)
2 thoughts on “Russian Gulch Bridge: Two Amazing Viewpoints in the State Park”
Another great post! I’ve never heard of this place before.
Thanks Lauren! I always appreciate your comments!