Flooding on Kevo Summer Trail in Kevo Strict Nature Reserve – what hikers need to know

• We will update this notice with the latest information field updates from maintenance staff.
• There are three fords across the River Kevojoki along the Kevo Trail. At the deepest point, there was approximately 75 cm of water on 30 June; elsewhere the water level at the fords was around 60 cm.
• There is a lot of water on the Kevo Trail after recent rainfall, in places even ankle-deep. In the strict nature reserve, visitors must stay on the marked trail and not walk alongside it, to prevent wear on the fragile terrain.

• Kevo Summer Trail is closed between Roajjasjavri and Beahcelávojávrrit when the fords along this section (Roajjasjavri, Gamajohnjálmmeluoppal and Beahcelávojávrrit) are unsafe to cross due to flooding.
• At normal water levels, the deepest points at the fords (located at the Beahcelávojávrrit ford) are approximately 60 cm. When the trail is closed, the water level is significantly higher.
• The trail is located in a strict nature reserve, where leaving the marked trail is prohibited under the reserve regulations. Flooded fords cannot be bypassed without violating these rules.
• When the trail is closed, a separate exceptional notice is published on on the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve current information page (with a red background). When the trail is open, the notice is not displayed.

• Hikers heading to Kevo Strict Nature Reserve should check notices on the reserve’s current information page immediately before their trip.
• Indicative information on water level variations in the Kevojoki River can be obtained by checking the water level of Lake Kevojärvi (vesi.fi, in Finnish) and the weather forecast for Kevo (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). Prolonged heavy rainfall raises the water level of the Kevojoki rapidly to flood levels, as there are no lakes regulating the flow and the catchment area is large.
• It is advisable to have an alternative plan in case Kevo Summer Trail cannot be used due to flooding. In Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, Guivi Trail can be completed when the Kevojoki is flooding.
• Other alternative routes near Kevo Strict Nature Reserve include Lemmenjoki Summer Trail in Lemmenjoki National Park and Utsjoki Hiking Trail.
• During periods of heavy rain, it is recommended to choose another hiking destination instead of Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, as water easily accumulates on the trails in wet conditions. In a strict nature reserve, walking is allowed only on marked trails to prevent wear on the fragile terrain.

Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Kevo Summer Trail