The trail to the Russian River Falls is probably one of the best maintained trails in Alaska. It is a wide 6 feet, gravel the entire 2.3 miles. There are 2 viewing decks overlooking the falls, though many people traverse down the bank for a closer look at the falls and the fish. It is amazing to see scores of salmon swimming upstream against the current, against the falls. In shallow areas I could see the fins of fish sticking out of the water. Occasionally a fish will fly out of the water and jump up the falls. Three years ago when we visited the falls we had the fortune of seeing a brown bear wading at the base of the falls, hunting for fish. It looked more like play than hunting as the bear jumped around in the water.
There is an entry fee of $8 per day per car to get in to the Russian River Falls parking area. The number of people fishing the river in that area is carefully restricted, so the attendant took our day pass as we left the park.
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5 comments:
Hi Michelle!
I'm very happy to read your comment about Russian river falls! I'm a italian professional wildlife photographer and I'll be in Alaska next sept for a work about grizzly bears with my girlfriend. I'll be free some days before and after the trip. I'll shure rent a car or a truck-camper and drive to russian falls. Do you think about bald eagles in homer in late sept?
Bruno (www.wildcolourseyes.com)
You'll find eagles in Homer at all times of year, including September!
I have a quick question. Im going up there and i was gonna hike that trail. Do you think its a good idea to hike the russian lakes trail down to where it meets up with the fishermans trail, then go up the fishermans trail, to the falls, and take the fishermans trail all the way back up to the vehicle? I cant seem to find any info about the russian lakes trail.
You got me. I'm not sure. I google what I need to know--and am guessing you have already tried that.
Just the day after you left your comment last week a friend mentioned biking the Russian Lakes Trail. Here's what she suggested: start by Cooper Landing (Just before the bridge in Cooper Landing when heading north, take the last road on the right, drive up 18 miles or so to the trailhead.) It is 21 miles I think she said and you end up hiking by both Upper and Lower Russian Lakes, Barber Cabin and then back to the Russian River Falls Trailhead. It is a gradual downhill the whole way if you start at that end. You can make a jog up the trail to the falls or bypass them. She was not at all familiar with the Fisherman's Trail...but perhaps this will help a little!
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