PaddlingLength24,9 km
Duration(5-7 h)
Degree of difficultyEasy
This canoeing route is suitable for families with children and for novice canoeists, as, apart from the short stretches of strongly flowing waters, there are no rapids. You can stop for a break at one of the lean-to shelters along the trail or at Ansakämppä open wilderness hut. The route ends at the Jäkälämutka pool of quiet waters where you can find a canoe launching site.
Downhill Swim - event on the Oulankajoki River 2025
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the lower part of the Oulankajoki River will once again be filled with enthusiastic swimmers as the Downhill Swim event is organized for the fifth time.
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Length
24.8 km
Degree of difficulty
Easy
Duration
5-7 h
Trail type
-
Contact information
Starting pointMataraniemi paking area
The different sections of the trail are marked with brown signposts.
The parking area at the starting point does not have an official address, but it is located at the end of a forest road branching off from Liikasenvaarantie. The forest road turns right off Liikasenvaarantie, 350 meters after Oulanka Visitor Centre (the address of the Visitor Centre is Liikasenvaarantie 132). There are wooden signs at the junction reading "Mataraniemi" and "Könkään kuohu." The forest road leading to the parking area is not maintained in winter.
Starting point - Merenoja (3 km): A gently flowing section of river to Merenoja. While paddling, you can admire the river landscape and magnificent herb-rich forests at the mouth of Merenoja and Purkuputaanoja streams. There is a campfire site at Merenoja.
Ansakämppä open wilderness hut and Nurmisaarenniemi (8 km): The journey continues along a winding route to Ansakämppä open wilderness hut, which is on the right side of the river. Nurmisaarenniemi is on the opposite side, where there is a campfire site and canoe launching site. The sights include the high sand banks and sandy beaches of Oulankajoki River and their plants.
Sirkkapuron lean-to shelter (14,8 km) and Alaniemi lean-to shelter (21,6 km): The lower part of the river takes you around one twisting turn after another through a national landscape lined with large sandy beaches.
Ending point: The boat launching point is located at the end of the route at Jäkälämutka (Jäkälämutka is not part of Oulanka National Park). Please be careful not to paddle over the rope marker. It is intended to prevent people from entering the state border zone.
End pointJäkälämutka P-alue