Russian River Falls, Cooper Landing

Amazing place to watch salmon run and maybe catch some bear viewing. Easy 5mi round trip trail good for all versions of hikers. $11 CASH ONLY to park for the day before hiking/fishing. A grizzly has been living there for quite some time, I was lucky enough to catch some awesome pictures when she and her cubs came out. You are never guaranteed to see a bear, so be patient!

It is so fascinating to watch the salmon try to go up these falls. Some jump right into the rocks. Some swim furiously up the intense roaring channels only to be swept back down again. Some jump to a middle pool and then to an upper pool only to be swept back down a different channel. A few make it to the next round of falls and start the ordeal again. A seagull watched all day long on the shore for a salmon to give up and provide it with an easy meal. It really makes you think about the intense struggle of life. This location allows you to watch from above on two different platforms. You can also hike down to the bottom of the falls to get a closer look. I was able to reach into a pool and touch the salmon who were temporarily resting before their next attempt.