Učka Tunnel - Rečine waterfall - Učka Tunnel (05/2022)

Technical difficulty: 1/5
Physical difficulty: 1.5/5

Note #1: This trail officially starts at the free parking lot near the eastern entrance of the Učka tunnel (on Rijeka side). At the time of writing (05/2022) that whole area is a construction yard and you aren't allowed to park there. The works are expected to last until mid-2024. The workers will most likely let you pass through the construction site, but you will have to park your vehicle further down on the countryside road to the village of Dobreć. This is where we started. The trail's length remains more or less the same.

Note #2: Due to the above, from the alternate car parking spot, follow the route until you join up with a carriage road (the actual official trail). The 100-150m immediately before you join this road at Intersection #1 you'll have to improvise, going through the woods without a clear path to follow. The woods are not dense, even in the blooming seasons. You will clear the woods in about 5 mins.

Note #3: This whole area (Mt. Učka and the towns/villages on and below it) are very well connected. There are multiple paths you can take to and from the Rečina waterfall. You can make this trip much longer or shorter, depending on your preferences. It's worthwhile to check other trails in the area and make your own custom hike.

--

This is an easy hiking trail, mostly through deep shaded woods, alongside the Banina/Rečina creek (also known locally as Banjina). It's perfect for families or people with pets (or both) because the terrain is easy with only a few ascents. The only technical challenge is that you'll have to cross the stream a few times, so care should be taken not to slip.

The trail is well marked, but it's sparsely visited. There's the likelihood that even in the tourist season you won't encounter anyone. Beware that the path runs through a canyon actually, and mobile reception is mostly unavailable once you enter deeper into the woods.

The waterfall itself gathers into a small pool fool of fire salamanders. The water quantity depends on the season. You will most likely have to visit it during autumn/early spring to experience it in full force.