Shkotov waterfalls: Unexpected and Tiger
Unexpected (Brokeback) and Tiger (Distant) – Shkotovsky waterfalls of Primorsky Krai.
Unexpected and Tiger Falls are the most famous of Shkotovsky waterfalls of Primorye. We will tell you how to get to them, about the visiting season and possible dangers. Shkotov waterfalls are a unique natural complex and the pride of the Far East. Water cascades are located on the Shkotovka River and its tributaries in the Primorsky Territory, on the Shkotov Plateau, which is part of the Ussurisky Reserve. The most famous of them is the Unexpected Waterfall, also known as Humpback or Shkotovsky.
Tiger Falls, or Far, is also located near the Unexpected. In the vicinity of these waterfalls you can find seasonal waterfalls, which dry up during hot summer days, but resume their flow during rainy weather.
History of waterfalls: Shkotov waterfalls were discovered in the early 20th century: in 1902, a group led by V.K. Arsenyev visited the Steklyanukha River and compiled a detailed description of the area. The name of the water cascades comes from the name of the village Shkotovo, which is located nearby.
The location of the Shkotov plateau was formed due to volcanic eruptions. Lava cooled, and streams broke out of the thickness of hardened rocks. As a result of millions of years of erosion, the water permeated picturesque canyons, crossed by numerous spectacular cascades and rapids. Over time, the area began to attract more and more tourists, and today Shkotov waterfalls are one of the main tourist attractions of the Primorsky Territory.
Waterfall Unexpected or Brokeback: Waterfall Unexpected (otherwise known as Humpback or Shkotovsky) is the highest waterfall of the Shkotov massif, located on the Shkotovka River. Data on the height of the waterfall vary: the approximate rise of the cascade is 8-13 meters (according to information from some sources - up to 15.5 meters). The picturesque canyon on both sides of the waterfall is bordered by rock walls of hexagonal pillars, popularly called pencils - the result of cooling and crystallization of basalt.
Unexpected formed by the fall of the waters of the Levy Gorbatov Key (tribution of the Steklyaukhi River) from the plateau. It consists of two cascades and falls almost vertically – the noise of its waters can be heard at a distance of up to half a kilometer. The waterfall received its name "Brokeback" from the key of Gorbatov, and "Unexpected" - because of the suddenness of its appearance on the way, despite the fact that its noise can be heard in advance.
The cascade of waterfalls received the status of "Nature Monument of regional importance" August 14, 1987.
In the summer you can cross the stream on stones and logs, or walk along trampled paths in its vicinity. In winter, the whole cascade freezes and is covered with a thick layer of ice, small caves are formed in it, in which you can climb to warm up or take a photo for memory.
A walk around the waterfall does not require special physical training - adults of any age and children can enjoy the views of the nature monument.
The main seasonality of visiting the waterfall Unexpected is summer and winter. In summer, tourists admire the variety of vegetation of the Ussuri taiga, and in winter – the bizarre massive ice growths. In the off-season (spring and autumn), the dirt road on the plateau can be blurred and it will be more difficult to drive an unprepared car.
How to get to the waterfall Unexpected: Unexpected is located from Vladivostok relatively close - only 110 kilometers. The most convenient option to get to Shkotovsky waterfalls is an off-road car.
We recommend planning the route in advance so as not to get confused in numerous trails and roads. Study the map of the area, enter the coordinates in the navigator - it is better to view the path in several navigation services, since some navigators may indicate the wrong road.
The way to the waterfalls passes along the Vladivostok-Partizansk highway, through the village of Shkotovo. After Steklyanukha and turn to Novorossiya for a kilometer sign "24" - a major intersection where you need to turn left on a country road. On this road you need to drive about 8-9 kilometers to get directly to the unexpected waterfall. At the entrance to the waterfall you will see trees tied with ribbons. There will be a parking lot where you can park your car. Next, you need to walk to the left of the road and go to the trail to the waterfall.
Get to Shkotovsky waterfalls by public transport will not work. You can get from Vladivostok to Shkotovo by train or bus, and then also from Shkotovo to New Moscow by bus, then on foot or by agreement, accompanied by local residents. If you do not have a personal car, then the best option is a weekend tour - many travel companies in Vladivostok offer a trip to the waterfalls for a small fee on a comfortable bus with a guided tour program.
Unexpected (Brokeback) and Tiger (Distant) – Shkotovsky waterfalls of Primorsky Krai.
Unexpected and Tiger Falls are the most famous of Shkotovsky waterfalls of Primorye. We will tell you how to get to them, about the visiting season and possible dangers. Shkotov waterfalls are a unique natural complex and the pride of the Far East. Water cascades are located on the Shkotovka River and its tributaries in the Primorsky Territory, on the Shkotov Plateau, which is part of the Ussurisky Reserve. The most famous of them is the Unexpected Waterfall, also known as Humpback or Shkotovsky.
Tiger Falls, or Far, is also located near the Unexpected. In the vicinity of these waterfalls you can find seasonal waterfalls, which dry up during hot summer days, but resume their flow during rainy weather.
History of waterfalls: Shkotov waterfalls were discovered in the early 20th century: in 1902, a group led by V.K. Arsenyev visited the Steklyanukha River and compiled a detailed description of the area. The name of the water cascades comes from the name of the village Shkotovo, which is located nearby.
The location of the Shkotov plateau was formed due to volcanic eruptions. Lava cooled, and streams broke out of the thickness of hardened rocks. As a result of millions of years of erosion, the water permeated picturesque canyons, crossed by numerous spectacular cascades and rapids. Over time, the area began to attract more and more tourists, and today Shkotov waterfalls are one of the main tourist attractions of the Primorsky Territory.
Tiger Falls or Far: Tiger Falls (Distant) is located on the right tributary of the Steklyanukha River, on the Third Key. The waterfall received its unusual name in honor of the Tigrovaya River, which flows east of Steklyanoukha.
The name of the Tigrovaya River is most likely due to the Red Book Amur tigers, whose habitat includes the Shkotovsky district.
Tiger Falls has a height of about 4 meters and is unique in its wide channel with swings and coasts. Seasonal visits by tourists - late summer, early autumn or winter. Tiger, as well as the Unexpected, freezes in winter, turning into a high wall of ice. It is covered with a thick layer of ice and the river itself - you can freely walk along its channel towards the waterfall and take beautiful photos against the background of the ice wall.
How to get to Tiger Falls: As well as to the Unexpected Waterfall, getting to Tiger Falls by public transport or by car with low clearance will be problematic. It is recommended to take a tour from a tourist company or drive a car adapted for off-road travel.
There are two ways to reach the location of the Tiger Falls: through the route to the Unexpected or on the road through the village of New Moscow. The easiest and most tested way will be the road from the waterfall Unexpected – you just need to continue moving along the forest road forward. The distance to Tiger is 7 kilometers, then, after the third big turn to the right, you need to drive another 2 kilometers. From the parking lot to the waterfall leads the trail along the stream.
The second option is to drive along the road near the village of New Moscow. It is necessary to turn left from the road opposite the village: this is a direct way to Tiger without visiting the waterfall Unexpected
Waterfalls in winter: Shkotov waterfalls in winter are an extraordinary natural miracle. At this time of year, they are covered with ice and form unique ice figures. It is easier to drive to the water cascades in the cold season than in the off-season, but there may be ice and snow drifts on the road.
Despite the fact that the waterfall is completely covered with ice, somewhere in the depths you can still hear the murmur of the water. When walking along the river bed, you need to be extremely careful - the upper layer may consist of a mixture of water and snow. Experienced travelers recommend the use of additional equipment: for example, special "cats" or shoes with a non-slip sole, to more easily climb the icy road uphill.
It is necessary not only to be careful when moving on ice, it is also worth remembering that in winter in this area can be very cold - be prepared for low temperatures, grab warm clothes and a thermos with hot tea.
Dangers are near: during a hike to Shkotovsky waterfalls you need to be careful and observe safety measures. The walking path to the waterfalls passes along a forest path, which can be slippery and in places steep. Especially be careful during rain or snowfall.
In addition, this area is home to many wild animals (bears, tigers, etc.), which in winter often use roads for movement, when there is a large layer of snow in the forest. In order to avoid contact with wild animals, tourists (or the head of a tourist group) take false firefighters and rocket launchers with them as the most effective means for scaring off.
It is important to choose the right clothes and shoes for a hike that will save you from possible injuries and physical discomfort.
In winter, it is better to choose warm, technological sportswear designed for long journeys. In addition, you can provide replacement clothing and spare gloves that can be left in the car or bus. Shoes for the hike should be with a thick corrugated sole. In summer, you should prefer clothes that are looser and lighter, you can take a windbreaker or raincoat with you. It is not recommended to take bags or packages, products and things more conveniently put in a backpack behind your back.
Conclusion: Shkotov waterfalls are a unique nature reserve that is worth visiting for everyone who comes to Primorsky Krai. The stunning landscapes of the Ussuri taiga, unusual lines of basalt rocks, clean air and unique nature make this area one of the most attractive for tourists.
Remember about security measures, prepare for a hike in advance, before going on the route, study the map of the area and choose the best path. Follow the advice of experienced travelers, and your trip will be perfect.
