Zhdanko Ridge is one of the sights of Sakhalin. According to scientists, it was formed by frozen lava flows during the formation of the volcano. The mountain range is 13 km length with a relatively small width - 1.5-2 km. The highest point of the ridge is Mount Zhdanko - it is located 682 m above sea level.
Once the ridge was covered with pine forests, but fires have destroyed all the trees on its slopes. Sargent juniper grows there, and its decorative look will make an honor to any greenhouses and botanical gardens. Endemic and rare species of herbs grow on the territory of the mountain range: Sandman Sakhalin, edelweiss, Paeonia obovata, backache Tatewaki, which is popularly styled sleeping grass, Eritrichium Sakhalin, as well as rare species of lichen and other members of the rock flora.
Everyone can visit the mountaintop, coming up from Tsapko station. But only experienced hikers can get further north along the narrow watershed to Tikhaya station.
There is a 40 meters high waterfall on the coast at the foot of the mountain. One can get there from Tsapko station. It is not the only waterfall there, but others are little known and difficult to get. If you go south from there it is possible to get to the mouth of the river Tikhaya. But this route is only for experienced hikers. After you pass Cape Krasny, inaccessible cliffs give way to grassy shore terraces. Those who managed to get there can enjoy the hidden from the eyes triangular arch, which is called «a window to a fairy tale». Zhdanko Ridge will show many discoveries to those who will visit these amazing places.
Author: Evgeny Kuzmenko