Volchiy Waterfall (Wolf Waterfall)

Waterfalls are some of the most impressive creations of nature. But some of them might actually be man-made! Volchiy Waterfall is one of such waterfalls created by the joint efforts of nature and man. It was created in the 1970s in the gorge of the Ebita River to divert water from the Great Ashelisay Sea.

The Volchiy Waterfall (meaning Wolf Waterfall in Russian) owes its name to a legend about a she-wolf who had lost her cubs in the strong current of the river and ever since comes to the waterfall to look for them. Despite such a sad story, the area of the Volchiy Waterfall fascinates with its fabulous landscapes. The beauty of the waterfall can be contemplated only in spring when the glaciers melt upstream. At other times the water dries out. On your way to the waterfall, you will walk through the shady alder and birch groves. After a long drive, a stroll in the groves and a rest under the dense crowns of trees will be very pleasant.

The Volchiy Waterfall is also called Ashelisay Waterfall. The name is derived from the village of the same name located nearby.

Useful tips for 2021–2022

How to get there

The waterfall is located in the Aktobe Province, 120 km (75 mi) northwest of the city of Aktobe. First, you need to drive to the village of Ashelisay following the Aktobe-Orsk highway. The road will take about two hours. You need to stop at the 103rd kilometer (64th mi) of the highway. The waterfall cannot be viewed from the main road and requires a bit of walking to see. Turn to the left from the village of Ashelisay towards the Ural Mountains and walk for about 3 km (1.9 mi). We strongly recommend you to get instructions from one of the tourist companies in the city of Aktobe or book a tour because the waterfall is quite hard to find if you don’t know the area.

Food and accommodation

A trip to the Volchiy Waterfall from Aktobe usually takes only several hours so you’ll be able to return to the city during the daytime. In this case, don’t forget to take food and water with you and wear comfortable waterproof shoes. In the grove and near the waterfall, it can be humid and cool, so bring spare socks and a windbreaker.

If you linger near the waterfall until dark, then you can stay in the village of Ashelisay where there is a café, a gas station, and a small hotel.