On the expanses of the Perm Territory, in the depths of taiga forests, lies a unique and beautiful creation of nature - Zhigalan waterfalls. They got their name from the river of the same name, the source of which is on the eastern slope of the Kvarkushsky ridge. For those who want to visit Zhigalan waterfalls for the first time, the map below will help to draw up the route correctly .
Short description
The length of the river is approximately 8 kilometers, the entire channel is a cascade consisting of large and small waterfalls. Three main ones, in which the lower, most beautiful step, fall steeply from a height of 15 meters, are particularly attracting attention. The water is very clean, clear and cold, sprayed in all directions. You can drink it calmly. Because of the rumble of water, the interlocutor standing nearby cannot be heard; Zhigalan waterfalls are so noisy. Along the entire cascade there is a trail, you can watch the cascades from any height and take beautiful photos.
Almost at the very top there is a so-called ritual place where tourists leave ribbons, shoelaces, flaps of fabric on the branches of trees in memory of having visited these parts.
Flora and fauna
All the pristine beauty of this place is fully revealed in the morning, when the rising sun illuminates the eastern part of the gorge and the river with its rays. The whole area that surrounds Zhigalan waterfalls is quite wild. Here you can easily meet a hare, a deer, accidentally frighten a woodcock or black grouse. Bears are also not uncommon. Most often they come to tourists at night in search of food.
Nearby grow tall cedars and pines, willows and mountain ash, in the summer there are a lot of blueberries, lingonberries and blueberries. The terrain is quite rocky, covered with mosses and lichens. The famous “golden root” comes across from plants. If you are lucky, you can find mushrooms.
Offers for tourists
Zhigalan waterfalls are a favorite place for tourists. A very large number of people who want to visit the taiga fall in the summer, this is the best option. Most tourist companies during this season offer both group and individual excursions. Their cost already includes expenses for transportation, meals and services of a guide or guide, as well as insurance. The last point is quite important, as some areas are very dangerous.
These places are truly amazing. Kvarkush ridge and Zhigalan waterfalls are considered attractions of this region. If you climb to the very top, then gorgeous picturesque landscapes of the valley will open.
In the spring, there are also many who want to enjoy the local beauties. It was at this time that the riverbed became more full due to melting snow. However, tourists need to be prepared for the fact that there are no hotels near the waterfalls, so you will have to spend the night in tents that can easily be placed at the foot of the ridge.
Tourists reviews
Those who have visited Zhigalan Falls have only bright and positive impressions of this place. People admire the breathtaking beauty with clean air away from the gassed cities. There is a desire to come here time after time to enjoy the view of this noisy stream.
Zhigalan waterfalls: how to get?
There are several ways to get to Zhigalan waterfalls:
- From the Perm region, you need to get to Krasnovishersk, then drive to the village of Zolotanka and from there go south to Kvarkush. The ridge will have to be overcome on foot (approximately 1 kilometer);
- From Yekaterinburg you need to go along the Serov highway to the city of Severouralsk. From there, head for the village of Bayanovka and from it along a dirt road, adhering to the western direction, drive about 80 kilometers. A trail leads to the waterfalls, which is hard to miss;
- For lovers of extreme travel, there is the option of rafting along the Lampa River to the Uls stream, near the mouth of which a trail begins, about 2-3 kilometers long, leading to waterfalls.
Travel Tips
After rains, usually forest roads become more impassable, so this fact should be taken into account when planning a trip. You also need to stock up on additional cans of gasoline and spare tires, as there is no infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the waterfalls. It is better to choose cars with all-wheel drive and a fairly high clearance, since there are deep puddles on the way, and in some places you have to cross the river ford, because the bridge sometimes flushes.
In general, Zhigalan waterfalls deserve to be visited. If you are not afraid of a vacation with tents surrounded by wildlife, then this is the perfect place for a vacation. Here you can relax not only with your body, but also with your soul, forget about the hustle and bustle. No wonder these waterfalls are considered the pearl of the Northern Urals.