Russ Park Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

You'll find yourself in the solitude of an ancient conifer forest along this run. Russ Park is over 100 acres of preserve located at the edge of Ferndale, with several miles of excellent trails that lead to Zipporah Pond and views of the Eel River Estuary, watersheds, and the valleys below.

There are roots, rocks, and stairs on both of the trails used in this run. All may be slippery in the winter months.

The Main Trail and Maple Leaf Loop Trail in Russ Park make a 2.1 mile "lollipop" route. These trails are used mostly for running and are accessible all year; however, I would recommend the use of trekking poles in the winter. The trail starts and finishes at the lowest elevation along your run. You'll get your heart rate up for the first mile, then use your balance on the return. There's a great view opportunity at the top of the ridge named Eagle Point Spur. All trails have a small map with location points at all trail intersections, then a large overview map at the Bluff Street Trail. I highly recommend you review all maps as you are running the Russ Park trail system.

Russ Park has spruce, grand fir, Douglas fir, and red alder on the slopes. A few redwoods were planted here in about 1930. You'll also experience the typical undercover of the forest canopy: ferns, trillium, and rhododendron. You may find abundant wildlife from bears to banana slugs.

Russ Park was donated to the City of Ferndale in 1920 by Zipporah Russ, a member of one of the town's founding families.