PaddlingLength13.1 km
Duration(3.5 h)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The first part of the canoeing route runs in between the rugged cliff walls and the final part meanders peacefully in the landscape of flood meadows. From the Savilampi Open Wilderness Hut, you can walk to see the Oulanka Canyon. You must bypass the Taivalköngäs Rapids by land. The route has sections of fairly short rapids, so it is meant for experienced canoeists. The campsites along the trail are Savilampi open wilderness hut, Taivalköngäs lean-to shelter, Taivalköngäs open wilderness hut and Runsulampi lean-to shelter. When water levels are low, you have to avoid rocks in some places.
Length
13.0 km
Degree of difficulty
Medium
Duration
3.5 h
Trail type
-
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointThe Savilampi parking area (the starting point for Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail)., 98995 Salla
The parking area at Savilampi does not have an official address. Some navigation apps recognize the parking area by the name "Kanjonin kurkkaus starting point." The Urriaavantie road leading to the parking area, followed by the continuing forest road, is occasionally bumpy. Coordinates for the parking area: 66° 26.529', 29° 09.718'
From the parking area, drive 700 metres along a forest road to the border of Oulanka National Park, where there is a canoe chute. Take your paddling equipment down the 250-metre canoe chute to Savilampi pier, where the canoeing route begins.. Coordinates for the starting point of the canoeing route: 66° 26.099', 29° 09.782'
Before starting the canoeing route, you can walk along the Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail for 1 km to the top of Pikkuköngäs Rapids and look at Oulanka Canyon. Alternatively, you can land your canoe at the Savilampi open wilderness hut peninsula and walk the 550-metre distance from there to Pikkuköngäs
The canoeing route continues from Savilampi Pond to Oulankajoki River, where the first paddling section takes you over across Savikoski Rapids. (You can also bypass these rapids by land using the canoe chute).
The canoeing route continues from Savikoski on a gentler current between rock walls and passes a few small flood meadows. You arrive at Taivalköngäs lean-to shelter after paddling 3 km from the starting point.
Taivalköngäs open wilderness hut is located 650 metres past the lean-to shelter. Taivalköngäs is classified as a category IV rapids, so you have to bypass it by land. Follow the signs and land on the middle island, where the canoe chute is located.
Taivalköngäs Rapids has three branches, and there are three suspension bridges, an open wilderness hut, campfire site and camping area in the vicinity.
Below Taivalköngäs rapids, the route continues on the left side of Pitkänniemi.
After Pitkänniemi, the trail continues through strong currents past Aventolampi Pond. Before arriving at Runsulampi lean-to shelter, you will paddle Hepoköngäs Rapids.
From Runsulampi lean-to shelter, the canoeing route continues in a gentle current past several flood meadows and old meadow barns. Before arriving at Oulanka Visitor Centre, you pass the shore and piers at the Oulanka National Park Camping Ground.
The canoeing route ends on the other side of Liikasenvaarantie Bridge at the Oulanka Visitor Centre parking area. Access to the river after this point is prevented with a safety rope.
End pointOulanka Visitor Centre parking area Liikasenvaarantie 132, 93900 Kuusamo