Bolshoy Amginsky Waterfall

Bolshoy Amginsky Waterfall, more often called the Black Shaman (Chyorny Shaman), lies in the upper reaches of the Amgu River in the Terney municipal district of Primorsky Krai, in the mountains of the Sikhote-Alin range, at an elevation of about 600 meters above sea level. The nearest settlement is the village of Amgu, roughly 28 to 40 kilometers away along a dirt road. Vladivostok is about 670 kilometers from Terney, the district center.

What to see

The waterfall drops in a narrow stream inside a tight rock canyon known as the Devil's Maw. The canyon walls rise about two hundred meters, while the waterfall itself has a drop of 30 to 33 meters, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Primorsky Krai. Because the canyon stays deeply shaded, snow often lingers at the foot of the falls until mid-June, even when the surrounding area has already warmed up.

Legends

The waterfall was originally known simply as Amginsky; the name Black Shaman became common in the early 21st century. According to legend, a huge black rock lies above the waterfall or along the path to it, its outline resembling a shaman's face. Another story tells of a different rock: as the water falls, the stream strikes a tall, elongated boulder that looks like a human figure standing with its back turned, wrapped in flowing black robes. These images gave the place its current name.

Getting there

Reaching the Black Shaman waterfall requires an off-road vehicle or specially equipped transport. The route runs through Terney to the village of Amgu, then follows a dirt road along the river. The turn toward the waterfall is at coordinates N45°58.645' E137°18.675'. After the turn, a car can continue for about a kilometer; beyond that the road is washed out by typhoons, and the rest of the way to the canyon is on foot. In good weather, the round trip from Terney to the waterfall and back can be done in a single day.

Good to know

The road to the waterfall crosses difficult terrain and depends heavily on the weather: rain can wash out the dirt track, and the stretch beyond the turn is not always passable. Today the Black Shaman is a popular spot among Primorye travelers, yet it remains wild: there are no marked trails or railings, so extra care is needed near the canyon edge and the wet rocks by the water.