📷 Photo by Lori Stevens on UnsplashRussian River Falls
Cooper Landing, AK
A cascade where sockeye salmon leap upstream from late June to August, watched from a viewing platform. The trail is about 2.3 miles each way from the Russian River campground; brown bears fish here too.
Russian River Falls is a waterfall on the Russian River near Cooper Landing on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. The trail starts at the Russian River Campground off the Sterling Highway (near milepost 52) and, depending on the source, is two to 2.3 miles (about 3.2 to 3.7 km) long. Alaska.org calls it easy, with an evenly laid gravel surface and only gentle changes in elevation, so families and hikers of any level can manage it.
The real show is the salmon: according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the pools below the falls fill with sockeye from late June, with two peaks, in late June and late July. From the viewing platforms you can watch the fish try to leap the falls up close.
Black and brown bears fish here too. Walk only in daylight and in a group, stay on the trail and give bears the right of way. The Forest Service lists trailhead parking at 14 US dollars per vehicle, and use restrictions apply (as of the source, summer 2026). Check fees and access before you go.
- Nearest town
- Cooper Landing, AK
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 60.4550, -149.9930
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
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FAQs
Where is Russian River Falls?
Russian River Falls is in Cooper Landing, AK, at GPS 60.4550, -149.9930. It is about 12 mi from Skilak Lake.
Which road trips pass Russian River Falls?
Russian River Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kenai Peninsula to Homer on the Sterling Highway.
What is there to see near Russian River Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Exit Glacier (22 mi), Alaska SeaLife Center (31 mi), Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (42 mi) and Begich, Boggs Visitor Center (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Russian River Falls?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)