In 1883, the slopes of Plaiul Focul lui Ivan slid down and blocked the Izvorul Negru creek. Water pooled behind the earthen dam and the valley gained a new lake: Bălătău — one of the few natural dam lakes in Romania.
Lakes of this kind — born of landslides — are few and far between in the country (the best known is Lacul Roșu, the Red Lake). Bălătău is the Uz Valley's version: smaller, more hidden, ringed by forest, with old tree trunks still visible through the water.
Also around Dărmănești, in the village of Plopu, at 500 m altitude, lies Pufu Lake — a pool of about 2 hectares and 3 metres deep, on Poiana Stânei hill. A good target for a short walk.
The lake sits on the officially marked blue-stripe trail from Slănic Moldova over Plaiul Ciungetului to Sălătruc, which passes right by Bălătău — so the most natural way to see it is on a hike from Sălătruc, on trail T2. Alternatively, take the forest roads in the valley; ask your hosts about their condition before setting out — the route can be combined with an ATV ride.
From Cabana Marisa you can set off for every corner of the valley — on foot, by bike or by ATV.