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Experience a nice short run in the Victorian village of Ferndale.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

71%

Runnable

546' 166 m

High

155' 47 m

Low

648' 198 m

Up

642' 196 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

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

The park is open from sunrise to sunset. There are no facilities in the park. The City of Ferndale maintains clean facilities at Fireman's Park and on Main Street next to the post office.

Overview

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.

Runner Notes

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

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

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.

History & Background

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

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Ferndale

Shared By:

Tim Brennan

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#1

in Russ Park

#4144

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Russ Park

#587

in California

#4,144

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Photos

A view of Zipporah pond.
Nov 3, 2017 near Ferndale, CA
Almost to the top of the loop.
Nov 3, 2017 near Ferndale, CA
There are trail map signs at all trail intersections.
Nov 3, 2017 near Ferndale, CA

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