SAEDNEWS: Hesel Marsh lies deep within the lush forests of Mashal, surrounded by towering trees. With its breathtaking natural beauty, it has become a popular destination for many travelers.
According to Saednews, Hesel Lagoon is located about 10 kilometers from the Chalus Road, hidden deep within lush forests. It is one of the most dreamlike natural attractions in northern Iran, especially because the lagoon changes color depending on the season.
At first glance, you may not even realize that the colorful surface, with shades of green, yellow, orange, and red, is actually a lagoon. From a distance, it can look more like a vast meadow covered in flowers.
The water is a striking combination of green, orange, and red, with red being the dominant color. As you move toward the center, the red becomes even more vivid, creating a beautiful contrast against the surrounding greenery. The lagoon is oval-shaped, and its depth varies throughout, reaching around 15 meters in some areas.
Part of Hesel Lagoon’s water comes from natural springs, while rainfall from mid-autumn through mid-spring also replenishes the lagoon.
Hesel Lagoon is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Mazandaran. During spring and summer, the lagoon usually takes on an emerald-green color. However, its most spectacular appearance emerges during autumn and winter.
The algae covering the water change to brick-red and orange shades, giving the lagoon its famous reddish appearance. Combined with the surrounding green trees and rocks, the scenery becomes truly breathtaking.
The lagoon lies within the Mashal Forest, more precisely the Mashal Moozi Forest. The area is also known by other names, including Fin and Mohammadabad. The forest extends south toward the Suteh Lar forests and Kardasht, while its northern side reaches the old Mashal cattle ranch and Mashal Moozi.
Along the hiking trail leading to the lagoon, you can see hornbeam, Persian ironwood, beech, hackberry, wild olive, boxwood, and various wild fruit trees, including wild sour apples, wild grapes, figs, and pomegranates. Several medicinal plants, such as chamomile, Feshki Wash, and Zemenj, can also be found in the area.
If you plan to stay overnight, you can set up camp at a suitable distance from the lagoon.
The Mashal or Fin Forest is known for its unpredictable weather. Conditions can change very quickly. One moment the sun may be shining, and the next you could find yourself caught in heavy rain.
If you are planning a trip to this stunning lagoon, bring a raincoat and suitable clothing so that sudden changes in weather do not catch you off guard.
A camera is an essential item. You certainly would not want to leave Hesel Lagoon without capturing its spectacular scenery. The lagoon and Fin Forest offer countless opportunities for beautiful nature photographs.
Reaching the lagoon also involves a relatively long hike, so bring a comfortable backpack with essentials such as food, a warm change of clothes, a raincoat, and sunglasses. Wearing sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes will also make the journey much easier.
The lagoon’s remarkable color variation is largely associated with the algae covering its surface. Depending on the season and environmental conditions, these algae can shift from green to orange and deep red, creating the lagoon’s distinctive appearance.
Autumn is generally considered the best season to visit Hesel Lagoon. During this period, the water takes on striking brick-red and orange tones, creating an extraordinary landscape alongside the dense foliage of the surrounding forest.
The lagoon’s remarkable silence gives the area an almost mystical atmosphere. Apart from the sounds of birds, you may occasionally hear frogs and other wildlife. If it rains, the scent of wet earth combined with the colorful lagoon and lush forest creates an unforgettable experience.
