The Argentine River
The Argentino River Valley is a protected area in the Orsomarso Mountains, in the municipality of the same name, within the Pollino National Park. The area is recognized as a Site of Community Interest. The crystal-clear waters of the Argentino River flow through deep gorges, spectacular waterfalls and lush vegetation, creating landscapes and glimpses of unspoiled wilderness of rare beauty.
Reaching the protected area of the Argentine River
The Argentine River is located in the heart of the Pollino massif, specifically in the Orsomarso Mountains, a municipality named after the mountains.
It is not possible to directly reach the entrance of the trail to the Argentine River as access with cars is allowed only to authorized vehicles. We recommend that you park in the designated area in the municipality of Orsomarso from which all hikes depart, as shown in the map below.
We set off toward the great waterfall of the Argentine River.
Our trek starts from the “Poor Moscow” location and at the beginning is on a path that runs along the river and several times crosses it thanks to well-made and well-maintained wooden piers.
The trail is well marked and fairly easy, despite being slightly uphill.
We leave the main path heading to the riverbed.
When we reach the locality “Serra del Golfo” we leave the main path, heading towards the riverbed.
Our guide takes our group of explorers through untrodden territories and roads known only to official guides.
The landslide
On the trail to the Argentine riverbed we encounter a landslide, which of course our guide was aware of.
A whole piece of rock face collapsed leaving rocks and debris.
However, we cross the landslide quite easily without worry or danger and continue on our way to the riverbed.
The ascent of the Argentine River
We arrived at the riverbed. From here on, the path is always in the river water.
Before starting this section of the trail, we wore appropriate footwear and helmets.
Therefore, we proceed up the river heading for the big waterfall.
In the cold waters of the Argentine river
The route is challenging but fantastic: we cross narrow gorges, waterfalls, limestone spires, bottlenecks… almost always in the very cold water of the river, which at times reaches almost up to our necks making us wince at its temperature and in some sections has traffic jams with quite strong currents.
A challenging path
As mentioned, this part of the trail is really challenging: you are always standing with your feet in water, which in some sections almost reaches your chin, among slippery rocks and tricky passages.
Arrival at the big waterfall
After several hours of walking in the Argentine River bed, we finally reach the Big Waterfall; the spectacle is truly marvelous.
The waterfall is impressive, although the photo we took does not do it justice; the drop is several meters and the roar of the water is very loud indeed.
The water from the waterfall forms a kind of small pond at its foot; to go under the waterfall you have to swim, and we really didn’t feel like it given the low temperature of the water.
Instead, we sit on the rocks in front of the waterfall resting and enjoying the magnificent sight.
We rest and set out for the return journey.
Getting to the waterfall was long, hard and tiring. We rested for a good hour while taking refreshments on a small rise near the waterfall.
The return will still be by the same route, but this time downhill. Considering that we are walking on a riverbed, with our feet immersed in water and on slippery rocks, the fact that it is with negative elevation gain does not mean that it will be less strenuous.
Considerations
Going up the Argentine River to the Big Waterfall was anexhausting but truly satisfying experience.
The whole area is really beautiful, pristine and wild.
It is not possible to do this route on your own given some difficult passages that can be overcome only with equipment; you also need to know the area well.
You will therefore have to rely, as we did, on the official guides. Below is the hike flyer from the Orsomarso Outdoor Association, which provided us with the guide for this wonderful hike.
Excursion flyer
If you want to experience a hike in the Orsomarso Mountains going up the Argentino River to the Big Waterfall, we recommend the Orsomarso Outdoor Association, whose trained and professional guides guided us on this fantastic excursion.
Click on the button below to download the pdf of the hike descriptive flyer.
Route layout
Below you can view the route we took on the Argentine River to the Big Waterfall.
We decided not to put the download link for the trail. If you want to replicate this hike, we recommend that you do so with the official guides of the area.
Useful links
Below are some useful links to help you better plan your excursions in the Orsomarso Mountains in the Pollino Mountains.
