Russian Lakes Trail

The feel

Russian Lakes is a long trail near Cooper Landing: 21.78 miles one way on a level footpath with gradual grades, climbing about 1100 feet overall. Wildlife includes moose, bears, wolves, Dall sheep and mountain goats.

The first 3 miles from Russian River Campground are heavily used for fishing access to Russian River and Lower Russian Lake, and public use is heavy as far as Russian River Falls at Mile 2.4. Overall public use is low to moderate. Dead trees killed by spruce bark beetle line parts of the route, and they are a major fire hazard.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Level footpath with gradual grades, 21.78 miles one way with about 1100 feet of gain. Rated easy to moderate. Downed trees can block the trail year round.

Time

2 to 4 days one way on foot.

Crowds and best time

Heavy use to the Falls, low to moderate beyond. Sockeye runs on Russian River start mid June and mid July.

Parking

At the north end, turn into Russian River Campground at Mile 52.6, Sterling Highway; trailhead parking is 1 mile further. At the east end, turn onto Snug Harbor Road at Mile 48 and drive 12 miles.

Kids

Easy day hike from Russian River Campground to Russian River Falls at Mile 2.4.

Hazards

Bears and moose, snow and avalanches into early summer, downed trees, rapid weather changes and a fire hazard from beetle-killed trees.

Bathrooms and water

Backcountry toilets and bear boxes for food storage are marked along the route. Filter surface water before drinking, because Giardia could be present.

Season and access

Recommended May to October at the north end. Trailhead parking at the north end and the last 2.5 miles of Snug Harbor Road are not plowed in winter.

Mingo says

Plan around the sockeye runs, since the lower trail is busy with anglers. Expect snow to linger into early summer.

Before you go

• Reserve Barber, Aspen Flats or Upper Russian Lake cabins up to 180 days ahead at 1-877-444-6777 or recreation.gov.
• Store food in the bear boxes and carry a way to filter water.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 for current trail conditions.
• Know that no salmon fishing is permitted upstream of Russian River Falls.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.