Is Russian Gulch good for swimming today?
Russian Gulch has BeachFinder Score: 64/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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Russian Gulch
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Quick answer
Quick answer: Russian Gulch today
Russian Gulch is a BeachFinder spot in US-W, US. Today, compare water temperature 17°C, wind 18 km/h · NW, uv 3.9, waves 3.1 m, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 64/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
17°C
Wind
18 km/h · NW
UV
3.9
Waves
3.1 m
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Nov 6, 01:45 PM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 64/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Nov 6, 01:45 PM
Water temp
17°C
Air temp
17°C
Feels like
15°C
UV index
3.9
Wind
18 km/h · NW
Gust 28 km/h
Waves
3.1 m
Current
1 km/h · S
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
...
Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
Russian Gulch
Russian Gulch extends along the coast of Mendocino, Northern California, about 180 kilometers north of San Francisco. This sandy beach is part of a coastline characterized by steep cliffs, spectacular rock formations, and a succession of isolated coves. The Mendocino Coast, known for its wild austerity, offers here a landscape where coastal dunes gradually give way to rocky outcrops covered with dense coastal vegetation. The beach itself features fine, gray sand, typical of this volcanic region. Unlike Portuguese Beach, located 2.9 kilometers to the south, which opens more onto the ocean, Russian Gulch remains more enclosed, protected by natural walls that channel the surf. Big River Beach, 3 kilometers away, offers a similar dynamic but with a marked river access. The site retains a raw, undeveloped character, where sand accumulates according to tidal cycles and winter storms. Visitors discover an atmosphere of coastal solitude, far from the urban beaches of Southern California. No supervision services are provided on the beach. Access is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. The beach does not have the Blue Flag label. Infrastructure remains minimal, reflecting the status of this coastline as a preserved area of Mendocino County.
About this spot
The name 'Russian Gulch' perpetuates the memory of Russian expeditions in the 19th century along the Californian coast, when the Russian-American Company explored and traded coastal resources of the North Pacific. This coastal ravine, typical of Mendocino geology, results from marine erosion on ancient volcanic rocks. From the early 20th century, the site attracted local prospectors and fishermen, before gradually becoming a refuge for coastal hikers who appreciate the relative isolation and direct access to the raw geological formations of this region.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at Russian Gulch today?
17°C. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is Russian Gulch today?
18 km/h · NW. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at Russian Gulch?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
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Russian Gulch
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