Kaamasjoki Wilderness Route 118km

   Lena & I have just got back from Lapland in the Far north of Finland from having a week canoeing down the Kaamasjoki

   river. A friend of ours who lives up near Lake Inari lent us his12� fiberglass Taimen Canoe for the week.We picked up all our

   supplies in Inari and drove to the bridge at Kielajoki where we put in.

This river is rocky and so during the summer months becomes extremely shallow in areas so be careful when travelling down it. This was at the end of July and as you can see the river was quite shallow in some places.It is true wilderness as there are no settlements until Kaamanen village.We were even privalaged to see a few Elk on route,one comming down to the river for a drink. We didnt paddle the whole route into Inari as we decided to get picked up earlier but the route can be done to there and then on into Lake Inari (Finlands 2nd largest lake) where you could spend two weeks paddling round its archipelago system.

Anyway From Inari you can either drive 24km up the E75 until the road 92 then keep left. Drive another 28km to the bridge over the river Kaamasjoki at Kielojoki. Or you can get the outfitters to drop you there with all your equipment. 

Put in next to the bridge & paddle 225m and you get to a small section of rapids (No name given to them 550m long) Keep left around the island. 550m you get to the next section of rapids.(no name given-500m long)

1.4km along the river, another shallow rocky stretch of approximately 300m appears.

Paddle on for 1.6km and you will be joined by the Kaamasjuuha river from the left. 130m from there you arrive at another rapid approximately 550m long.

Paddle for 3.1km and another set of rapids are upon you.

(1.15km long- no name given)

1.3km past the rapids you will come across the Pialdoojuuha River, which joins the Kaamasjoki from the right. 1.7km on you will come to an island in the middle of the river. Paddle either left or right but during the summer this area will be extremely shallow ways.

Paddle 3.4km along some flat water and the next set of three small rocky rapids are upon you these have some flat water between each section (1.54km long- no name given)

Paddle 3.25 km and you arrive at the

(Maaritinkoski rapids- grade( 1) 1^st section 433m long) then some flat water then another section which curves around a bend in the river 167m- grade (1) shallow & rocky in the summer months.

1.22km along another shallow rock section will be upon you called the

(Kaamasjuuha rapids �grade( 1) - 400m long)

630 m from that section you arrive at the

(Kuivakoski rapids grade (1) � 1.64km long) shallow & rocky

paddle along the river and 5.68km on the left side the Syysjoki joins the Kaamasjoki river.

Paddle a further 6.26 km to Tuurukuoska and you come to firstly a shallow section then a set of three shallow rocky rapids

(1.75km long grade (1)

Pass under the bridge paddle 443m flat water and a small shallow rocky rapid is upon you (grade (1) � 138m long)

4.5 km along you pass the village of Kaamanen.paddle for 1.8km and you arrive at the flat waters of Vastusjarvi. (KEEP LEFT HERE)

Paddle 3.4 km to the village of Saamelaisalueen koulutuskeskus.

Keep right here and follow the Kaamasjoki river1.3km and pass under the bridge.

Paddle 1.8km from the bridge and you spill out into the flat waters of Muutusjarvi.

Keep left and you will see a fireplace on the shores of the point,

paddle S.West along the left shoreline for 9.29km and you will come to a thin section of river 185m long.

This will then spill out in to the flat waters of Martinlahti. Paddle S.West for 8.17km to the village of Riutula. This section of water now becomes the Kettujoki river 3km along pass under a bridge.

Paddle the route for 10.92km and the Matkatjoki joins from the right.

Paddle a further 2.2km and you spill out in to the flat waters of the Solojarvi lake.

Keep to the left shoreline and paddle 4km where you arrive at the

(Juutukoski rapids grade(1) � 250m long)

This now becomes the Juutuajoki river. Paddle for approximately 1.12 km and you will find a fireplace on the right shoreline.

From the fireplace paddle 2.6 km and you arrive at the

(Ritakoski rapids grade(1) � 242m long)

2.2km along you arrive at the

(Haapakoski rapids grade (11) � 288m long) you will spill out into some flat water of around 560 m

where you will arrive at the

(J�niskoski rapids grade (11) 743m long) you can go either side of the small island. Just at the end of this rapid you will find an open shelter/laavu on the right shoreline.

425m along you will pass under large pipework and you will come across a set of three rapids

(Alakoski rapids grade (1)(11) � 1.34km long. Paddle on through under the bridge,Past the village of Inari and you will spill out into Lake Inari. Where you can either get the outfitters to pick you up or you can carry on through to explore Finlands 2^nd largest lake

Outfitters:                                                         

LuontoLoma Pro Safaris                                        

Lapin LuontoLomat Oy

P.O. Box 30

99831 SAARISELK�

FINLAND

tel. +358 (0) 16 668 706

fax +358 (0) 16 668 950

e-mail: luonto.loma@saariselka.fi

www.luontoloma.fi

FULLY EQUIPPED CANOES AND KAYAKS

- Old Town Discovery 174 

45 �/DAY

- Sea-kayaks

40 �/DAY

Splash covers, watertight containers/bags

helmets, lifejackets and paddles

  they rent also
- Fishing equipments
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Rubber boots
- And other camping equipments.

Travel

Fly to Helsinki and get a connecting flight to Inari where the outfitters will pick you up.
 

 

 

 

I have just got back from a trip down the Jongunjoki river as well as the Pankasaari
 route in the East of Finland the yesterday with friends from South Africa & Australia.
Since joining S.O.T.P I have been inundated with people enquering about paddling
options here in Finland and so I have decided to give you an extensive trip plan as
well as all the necessary details you would need to paddle this area in the future.It is
true wilderness in the sense of the word in fact 80% of Finland's rivers are found in
Wilderness areas.Many of you have been asking to go on routes not heavily populated
 by other paddlers well actually here in Finland it is rare to spend 7 days paddling and
come across more than 10 people the whole trip.On this run we saw 8 people and 3 of
those were fly-fishermen.
So, with so many enquiries about (What? & Where are the best routes? especially for
2 week trips) these last few months Lena & I have decided and are at present in the
process of producing,Designing and researching a web site for you all to access and
use which will be posted in S.O.T.P in the next month or so as well as on the NET..It
will cover Finland region by region,with 5 main paddling routes for rivers & lakes
(per region) with all the maps (Or where to acquire them),campsites,outfitters,travel,
accommodation,laws & regulations,qualifiedusable guides (if needed),Links to other
useful sites here in Finland so just bare with us for a

while.

 

The River Jongunjoki feeds into the Vuoksi waterway.This beautiful 70km long river is ideal
 for novices & accomplished paddlers, as the rapids are between grade 1 & 2 with a few
grade 3 thrown in as well.The Pankasaari route is another 75km on top of that and is largely
 flat water paddling..





                 
                   Description of the Jongunjoki & Pankasaari canoeing route
 

CANOEING ROUTE

JONKERI    2 starting places. An old starting place just beside the road. Parking place, privy, campfire site. A waste container (just two containers on the route). The ground holes in the other rest sites are not in use – don’t leave any litters to the nature! About 200 m upstream from the main road there is a new, good starting place. A shelter, table and seats, warehouse, firewood shed, campfire site, put-in /take-out point for canoes, jetty and a privy. No parking for a long time ! Fishing permit for the water courses of Jonkeri required (first 3,5 km).

 

0.5 km        Myllykoski rapid. Easy. The river empties into a lake, where one should keep first to the left, then to the right and then again to the left.

 

2,0 km        Weir below Lake Alannejärvi. The weir is best passed from the left. In low water, a river-bottom platform below the weir may warrant partage, otherwise an easy rapid.

 

2.5 km        Vääräkoski rapid 150 m/2 m (grade l). Easy.

 

3.5 km        Rajakoski rapid 180 m/2 m (grade ll). Very rocky. Border of the fishing corporation. Fishing permit of the Finnish Forest and Park Service required (for the first 47 km, to the Saarikoski rapid).

 

4,0 km        Kangaskoski rapid 160 m/1.9 m (grade ll). Inspection is essential. This rocky rapid falls sharply. Keep close to the right bank. The river empties into the Lake Pieni Kangasjärvi. Paddle first towards the south, then to the right. A forest lorry road about 300 m towads west from the northern part of the lake.

 

5,0 km        Välisahi 90 m/0.3 m (grade l). Rocks in both the upper and lower sections of the rapid. The river empties into the Lake Kangasjärvi, paddle straight across the lake for 800 m and then to the left. A forest lorry road about 200 m towards north-west.

 

6,0 km       Rest site of the Lake Kangasjärvi in the southern part of the lake (on the left side, before the weir). Campfire site, privy, firewood shed. A marked path to the forest lorry road (400 m towards east from the rest site).

 

6,0 km        The weir below the lake is best passed from the left. Inspection is essential, because at low water level the weir and partly submerged boulders below it may tip off a novice canoeist. A marked hiking path. 

 

6,0 km        Tammikoski rapid 100 m/1.9 m (grade l). Rocky.

 

7,0 km        Kangaskoski rapid 1000 m/11 m (grade ll). Fairly rocky and fast flowing. In spate, spray deck is essential. Inspection is difficult – 1 km tangle of fallen trees.

                        

8,0 km        Jokipolvenkoski rapid 120 m/2 m (grade l).

 

9,0 km        Suolajoki rapid 140 m/2.2 m (grade l). A difficult rock obstruction in the lower section of the rapid. A bridge for the hikers. After the rapid river Suolajoki is joining to river Jongunjoki. A forest lorry road about 550 m towards west.

 

9.5 km        Siltakoski rapid 280 m/3.2 m (grade l). Some rocks, particularly in the lower section of the rapid. About 100 m before the end of the rapid (on the left side) a rest site at Siltakoski. Campfire site, permanent lean-to, privy, firewood shed, spring. A path from the rest site towards east to the end of the forest lorry road (about 750 m).

 

11,0 km      Upper section of the Hiidenportti rapid 120 m/1 m (grade l). At the beginning of summer the upper and lower sections of the rapid form one continuously flowing rapid.

 

                   Hiidenportti rapid 350 m/5 m (grade ll-lll, in spate). Fast flowing, short and sharply falling rapid. Inspection is necessary because steep sides prevent disembarking in case of capsizing. In canyon a bridge over the rapid! From the bridge a path towards east to the forest lorry road (about 600 m).

12,0 km     Tuomikoski rapid 500 m/1.2 m (grade l). A couple of dangerous

                  boulders.

13,0 km    Raatteenkoski rapid 200 + 350 m/2.3 m (grade l). A rock obstruction in the lower section of the rapid.

 

15.5 km   Siltakoski rapid 250 m/1.8 m (grade l). The put-in point at Teljo. Information board, parking place, campfire site.

 

18,0 km   Border of the county.

 

18.5 km   Joki-Teljo. The main channel flows slightly to the left. A forest lorry road from the western shore of the lake Joki-Teljo –järvi:

 

19,0 km   Teljokosket rapids 15+40+40+100+50 m/2.3 m (grade l). Several successive modest rapids.

 

20,0 km   Pässipyörteenkoski rapid 260 m/3 m (grade l). Inspection essential. In the upper section of the rapid the river falls about 0.5 m, otherwise easy to paddle.

 

20.5 km   Otroskosket rapids 180 m/2 m (grade l). The last rapid is rocky and at the low water just a narrow channel for the canoe on the right side, in the end of the rapid. Rest site at Otrosjoki on the left. Wilderness cabin with sauna for about 30 persons, campfire site, privy, 2 firewood sheds. To find the cabin, turn sharply but carefully to the left after the levee that divides the river into two channels and paddle a short distance upstream along the other channel. A path to the forest lorry road from the cabin (about 500 m). A forest lorry road also on the west side of the river (about 200 m).

 

22,0 km   Upper section of the Viharinkoski rapid 200 m/2.1 m (grade l)

 

22.5 km   Viharinkoski rapid 100 m/1.2 m (grade l)

 

22.8 km   Myllykoski rapid 80 m/1 m (grade l). On the left side, just after the rapid, a lean-to (built on rock), spring, firewood shed and privy.

 

24,0 km   Upper section of the Saarikoski rapid 40 m/0.2 m (grade l). Rocky.

                         Saarikoski rapid 220 m/2.4 m (grade l). Fast flowing.

                         Lower section of the Saarikoski rapid 150 m/0.6 m (grade l).

                         A forest lorry road about 50 m towards east.

 

24.5 km   Orikoski rapid 150 m/2.1 m (grade l). Largish waves in the upper section of the rapid.

25,0 km   Vääräkosket rapids 20+80+40+10+40+20 m/2.4 m (grade l). Several slowly flowing, but quite rocky rapids. In the longest rapid a small stopper – perfect place to training.

 

26.5 km   Rapid 10 m/0.1 m (grade l). Shallow and rocky.

 

27,0 km    Aittokoski rapid 400 m/4.4 m (grade ll). Inspection is necessary. Fast flowing and boulder-strewn rapid.  A forest lorry road about 30 m towards east (before the rapid).

 

                         Rest site and put-in point at Aittokoski on the left side. Parking place, a permanent lean-to, campfire site and privy.

 

33,0 km   An old banking ground for timber. One possible place to start / end the tour. A forest lorry road about 15 m from the shore.

 

34 km   Rest site at Valamajoki. Located about 500 m upstream the River Valamajoki. A cabin for 6 persons, campfire site, privy, firewood shed.

34.5 km    Valamajoki rapid 25 m (grade l).

 

40,0 km   Chair lift over the river. About 200 m towards west a forest lorry road.

 

42.9 km   Rest site at Pälvekoski (on the right hand, just before the rapid). Campfire site, privy, lean-to and firewood shed. A suspension bridge over the Pälvekoski rapid. On the left-hand side of the river is Pälvelampi primeval forest area. A forest lorry road about 50 m towards west from the river.

 

43,0 km   Pälvekoski rapid 130 m/2.3 m (grade l). Paddle first close to the right bank, but move half-way down the rapid close to the left bank.

 

47.5 km   Töhisevänkoski rapid 60 m/0.9 m (grade l)

 

48.5 km   Upper section of the Kaksinkantajankoski rapid 90 m/1.1m (grade l).

                         Rocky in the lower section of the rapid.

 

49,0 km   Lower section of the Kaksinkantajankoski rapid 80 m/2m (grade ll). Difficult rock obstruction in the lower section of the rapid. A forest lorry road from the both sides of the rapid. Starting and ending place in the backwater (eastern side).

 

49.5 km   Rest site at Kaksinkantaja in the confluence of rivers Jongunjoki and Laklajoki.

                         Campfire site, privy, lean-to, firewood shed. Bear hunter Väinö Heikkinen lives within 1 km east of the Kaksinkantajankoski rapids by Kaksinkantajalampi pond. There is a path up to his house (a spring near the path, on the left side) where there is an extensive collection of bear skulls and stuffed game animals at display for a nominal entrance fee.

 

50,0 km   Kellovirta stream 50 m/0.5 m (grade l). Flows to the right.

 

51,0 km   Saarivirta stream. The deepest channel flows close to the right bank. A fishing permit of the Finnish Forest and Park Service is valid to this rapid.

57,5 km   On the left hand there is a confluence of river Häähnijoki river and river Jongunjoki.

 

58,0 km   Rest site and put-in point at Viitakoski. Steep banks, campfire site, privy.

 

                         Viitakoski rapid 180 m/2.6 m (grade ll). Fast flowing rapid, bends sharply left. Beautiful, genuine Finnish countyside scenery with deciduous forests and fields. The river flows broad and deep to the point of finish at Nurmijärvi village.

 69 km   About 3 km along the river Puuruunjoki to Jongunjoen Lomapirtti. Accommodation, sauna and restaurant, tel. +358 (0)13 546 531.

 

70 km   Take-out point at Lake Nurmijärvi

 Boat ramp, privy, waste container, information board, campfire site, firewood shed. Erästely Canoeing Centre on the opposite of the river. Distance to the café about 400 m. Two taxis in the village.

 

The route continues via lakes and the River Lieksanjoki to Lake Pankajärvi and from there to Lieksa and Lake Pielinen.                                                                                                                                                                                    

DESCRIPTION OF THE PANKASAARI CANOEING ROUTE

 NURMIJÄRVI, start.

                          Boat ramp, privy, waste container, information board, firewood shed. Erästely Canoeing Centre on the opposite of the river. Distance to the café about 400 m. Two taxis in the village.

 

2,0 km Paddle to the left to Lake Nurmijärvi and then along the left bank of the lake

 about 800   m. There is a small stream, paddle about 5 m along it and you will come to

Akanlampi

pond. Paddle over the pond (about 300 m) and you will come to an old crossing point

of boats (about 50 m), from there you can go to lake Puuruunjärvi. Paddle a little bit

right and you’ll arrive to Jongunjoen Lomapirtti. Accommodation, sauna and restaurant,

tel. +358 (0)13 546 531.

 

6.0 km   Campfire site at Ritosärkkä (left). Privy, firewood shed, waste container.

 9.0 km   Campfire site at Muuraisniemi (left). Privy, firewood shed, waste container.

 10.0 km   Hämeenjärvi. Confluence of the rivers Jongunjoki and Lieksanjoki.

 14.5 km   Campfire site at Hattulampi. Privy, firewood shed, waste container.

 16.0 km   Kohosenkoski rapid 200 m/0.4 m (grade l). Easy rapid with a small central ledge, which may be submerged in spate conditions. The ledge can be passed on either side, but in a low water just from the right side. Inspection from the right bank.

 16.5 km   Lake Pankajärvi. Length about 12 km, no official camping sites. The course is best kept by

                 following the right-hand shore.

 17.5 km   Taxi (right), tel. +358 (0)13 545 502, (0)400 199 920.

 

17,6 km   On the right hand a small harbour of the village.

                  

24.0 km   Lieteniemi (left). Unofficial campfire site. Camping permitted on the basis of public right of

               access.

 28.5 km   Putaansalmi road bridge. Road between Lieksa and Ruunaa.

 32.5 km   River Pudasjoki. Length 6.5 km, can be paddled upstream; short, easy rapids but in spate they

                 seems to be quite big.

 34.5 km   Rapid (grade l)

 35.5 km   Pudaskoski rapid 400 m (grade l). Some fairly big boulders. In normal water the rapid is shallow.

                 The biggest rapid on the River Pudasjoki.

 36.0 km   Hiiskorva (grade l). Short, easy rapid.

 36.6 km   Rapid (grade l)

 39.0 km   Höpöttäjänvirta. Confluence of the rivers Pudasjoki and Lieksanjoki.

 40.0 km   Ruunaan Matkailu (right). Accommodation, restaurant, sauna, tel. +358 (0)13 533 130.

 44.0 km   Bridge over the river Naarajoki. Road between Lieksa and Ruunaa.

 44.0 km   Ruunaan Tupa restaurant (right). Café-restaurant, WC, tel. +358 (0)13 533 166.

 

Ruunaa kiosk (right).

 Ruunaa Visitor Centre (right). Information, fishing permits, maps, tel. +358 (0)205 64 5757.

 Lomapirtti Sillankorva (left). Accommodation, sauna, tel. +358 (0)13 533 121.

 48.0 km   Campfire site at Niskalahti (right). Lean-to, privy, ground hole for waste, firewood shed.

                         Naarakoski rapid 300 m/1 m (grade I-II). The river bends right. Four islets divide the rapid into two channels. The main channel flows to the right. In spate, both channels are runable. On the right-hand side of the first islet, there is a small, easily avoidable stopper. The lower section of the rapid is rocky in low water. The easiest route is to paddle along the main channel close to the right bank. Inspection and partage are easiest along the right bank.

 49.0 km   Camping site at Naarakoski (right). Lean-to, campfire site, wooden benches and table, privy,

                 firewood shed, waste container. Forest road. Situated right below the rapid.

 49.5 km   Käpykoski rapid 300 m/1 m (grade I-II). Several routes to paddle, easy to find from the bank of

                 the river.

50.0 km   Käpyvirta stream. In low water, boulders are exposed near both banks.

 53.5 km   Saarikoski rapid 420 m/0.8 m (grade I). A big central island divides the rapid into two channels. The main channel is on the right. In spate, both channels are runnable, but in low water, only the right one. The left channel is short, narrow and more boulder-strewn. The right channel is longer and broader. The rapid is fairly easy to run. The largest waves are in the lower section of the right channel near an islet, which can be skirted from either side. The river is best inspected from the central island. For the shortest portage route, choose the right bank of the left-hand channel.

 54.0 km   Camping site at Kallioniemi (left). Lean-to, campfire site, wooden benches and table, privy,

                 firewood shed, waste container. Situated right below the rapid.

 57.0 km   Riikosenvirta stream.

 58.0 km   Kivikoronvirta/camping site (right). Lean-to, campfire site, wooden benches and table, privy,

                 firewood shed, waste container.

 

63.0 km   Hämeenjärvi. Confluence of the rivers Jongunjoki and Lieksanjoki. The river becomes muddled with lots of small, grassy islets. Follow the right-hand shoreline to reach lake Hämeenjärvi.

63.6 km   Campfire site at Muuraisniemi (right). Campfire site, privy, firewood shed, waste container.

 69.0 km   Campfire site at Ritosärkkä (right). Campfire site, privy, firewood shed, waste container.

 

To be able to paddle down rivers and then have an hour or two paddling flat water is something

quite special here in Finland.

  75.0 km     Finish (starting place) at Nurmijärvi

 

          DIRECTIONS FOR THE USER OF THE CABIN

 

Wilderness cabins are meant for those needing temporary accommodation (max 2 nights) in the wilderness. Remember that the cabin is a place where people can rest and get warm, and that everyone has the right to use it. If you have already stayed overnight or rested in the cabin, please make room for newcomers. Remember also: even a small cabin can accommodate many visitors, if good will prevails.

 

When you use the cabin, please bear in mind the following:

1.    Keep the cabin and its surroundings tidy.

2.     Write your name, date, and a few words about your trip and observations in the visitor´s book.

3.     For safety reasons, the use of inflammable liquids for lighting a fire is forbidden.

4.     Please use firewood sparingly. Make sure you leave firewood in the cabin for the next visitors. Do not take any wood from the surrounding forest.

5.     Before you leave make sure the cabin is clean and tidy

-         put biodegradable waste into a hole/compost/privy

-         burn combustible waste

-         carry non-combustible and non-biodegradable waste away from wilderness areas

-         check that the heater is off

-         close the door securely behind you

-         pour water out of all vessels

Please report any damage or misuse of the cabin: Karelia Expert Tourist Service Ltd. Lieksa

Discharge figures for Ruunaa    Mean peak discharge    209 m³/sare as follows:             Mean discharge of river       71 m³/sMean low discharge         25 m³/s

Mean discharge in summer about   100 m³/s

                       

Our last night in Nurmijärvi

And this was what the morning looked like.an absolute mirror.

Outfitters for the area

http://www.sealtrail.com/fi/cfmldocs/index.cfm?ID=1056

http://www.wildcanoe.com

http://www.saimaaholiday.net/oravi/

http://www.kolovesi.eu

Travel

Riyanair fly direct to Tampere from Dublin,Stanstead,Liverpool,Bremmen & frankfort.If you book in advance you can get tickets return from as little as £30.

From Helsinki and Tampere there are daily train and bus connections to the central towns of the Lakeland region Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Kuopio and Joensuu. Local rentals and outfitters are ready to help you with shuttle services. Finding out bus and train schedules is easy by using these links:
www.vr.fi
www.matkahuolto.fi

Maps

http://www.retkikartta.fi/
This is probably one of the best Map access sites here in Finland.its in English as well and maps can be printed from scales between 1:1 000 000 to 1:5000

So my Partner Lena has just arrived back from a 9 day canoeing/kayak trip down the Chirka-Kem river in Russia.The groups start point was at Tiksa, near Borovoy and finished 92 km North at a place called Juskozero.Conditions were less than perfect at the start with minus degrees and even snow but towards the end great weather was had.
The group managed to spot plenty of elk during the trip as well as white tailed deer,Otter,musk-rat,Pine martin & Racoon dog.Although Bears were not spotted plenty of tracks were found along the route.






Osku making sure everything is strapped on tight, as the roads in russia are
unforgiving.

The river.


Kia and Simo shooting a rapid.


Lena in the same rapid.


Kia and Andrey.



Tiksa village waterfront.


Who needs a tent anyway? a canoe serves the purpose.


Safety training with our instructor Petri Leinonen in the water.




The classic no hands approach...


...results in scenes from the Titanic.


Henry opting for the easy way out.






Late evening mist.


Jarkko and Netta scooping up water.


Impressive.

This might look bad, but the guys actually managed to stay afloat.















End of trip...notice how the weather improved!