Russian Lakes Trail

The feel

This is a long point-to-point trail of 21.8 miles that follows the Russian River valley from Russian River Campground past Lower and Upper Russian Lakes, then climbs gradually to the head of Cooper Lake. It is mostly wooded, with frequent open areas that look out over mountains and lakes. Along the way you cross muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest.

Use is low to moderate over most of the route and very heavy on the stretch to Russian River Falls and Barber Cabin. Bears live along the route, so keep your head up.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 21.8 miles, with about 1100 ft of gain. Mostly wooded and moderate, with open stretches, muskeg and meadows, following the Russian River past Lower and Upper Russian Lakes to the head of Cooper Lake.

Time

2 to 4 days one way.

Crowds and best time

Low to moderate use overall, and very heavy to Russian River Falls and Barber Cabin.

Parking

Lower end: at mile 52.6 Sterling Highway turn south into Russian River Campground; trailhead parking is one mile further. Upper end: at mile 48 Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing turn south onto Snug Harbor Road, which becomes Cooper Lake Road after 9 miles; the parking area is three miles further. Winter parking is at the campground entrance station on the lower end.

Fees and passes

$14 per vehicle at the Russian River trailhead, with no vehicle fee for Russian Lakes Trail cabin permit holders.

Hazards

Bears. Snow can remain on the upper end of the trail into the early part of June.

Season and access

May to October on the north end, all year on the east end. Closed to saddle and pack stock April 1 to June 30. Closed to motorized vehicles year round between Russian River Campground and Upper Russian Lake Cabin, and closed to them May 1 to November 30 on the rest.

Mingo says

Start at the north end in spring, and give the upper end until after early June to melt out. Walk past Barber Cabin and the falls to leave the heavy use behind.

Before you go

• Reserve cabins at recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, up to 180 days ahead; check-in and check-out are at 12 pm.
• Barber Cabin is $75 per night; Upper Russian Lake Cabin is $50 to $75 per night depending on season.
• Barber Cabin provides no bedding or cooking utensils, so bring your own.

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