recommended route
Salmijoki Ravine Trail (Salmijoen kuru), Salla
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Campfire site surrounded by beautiful forest, SallaPhoto: Salla - in the middle of nowhere
Experience Salmijoki ravine and its pristine forests, admire the steep rocky shores of Kalliolampi and enjoy the views from eskers
The rugged beauty of the Salmijoki River with its old-growth spruce forests and thick-barked pines is the climax of the journey from Sallatunturi Ski Resort past Lake Kalliojärvi to the ravine. The trail takes hikers to small lakes with rocky shores and impressive eskers with great views of lakes and low-lying marshes. The trail mainly leads through commercial forests. When you approach the Salmijoki River and Vilmatunturi Nature Reserve, the old forests create a wilderness atmosphere.
Trail markings: partly marked with blue markers, partly with blue paint and partly with markers and paint.
Recommended direction of travel: the trail can be followed in either direction.
Author’s recommendation
Listen to the sound of the river!
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
This trail requires hiking and map reading skills. The signs and trail markers are poorly visible or missing in many places, especially when you leave Sallatunturi Resort Centre. Part of the trail runs along easy roads or paths, while some sections are uneven, rocky and slightly overgrown. There are a few steeper climbs near Kalliojärvi lake and the Salmijoki River.
Consider your skills and the weather conditions when choosing your route.
Follow the markings and signposts. Always keep a map and a phone with you.
The weather can change rapidly. Always prepare for cold and rain; you should be prepared for wintery conditions in spring and autumn even if the weather is warm when you set off.
Download the 112 Finland application free of charge and activate it before starting your hike. Remember that mobile phone batteries run down quickly in cold conditions.
Tips and hints
Read the instructions and rules for the national park at Nationalparks.fi/sallanp
Free trail map are available at Retkikartta.fi
For hiking instructions, rules and tips, go to Nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The trail starts at the Resort Centre, goes under the Salla–Kuusamo road (Road 950) and passes the holiday chalet area on its way towards Keselmämännikkö and Ruuhijoki. After crossing the Ruuhijoki River, the trail follows a path running parallel to the river and using the road in places. As you approach Kalliojärvi lake, the terrain becomes rockier and the trail runs along the edge of the rugged Kalliolampi lake. There are a few private cottages on Kalliolampi that can be glimpsed from the trail but you have to keep going to the next lake to reach the day hut. The trail leads on towards Kalliojärvi, where a day hut and a campfire site can be found. Kalliojärvi is reached by climbing some metal steps
After the hut, the trail crosses a narrow strait along a bridge and continues along an esker formation. At first, the path tends to disappear under a forest road at times, and forest has recently been felled in this area. Closer to the Salmijoki River you reach the private protected area of Ruuhenlatvankangas with older trees, and splendid views of lakes and mires can be seen below the esker. Around 1.3 km before Salmijoki ravine rest stop, the trail leaves the forest road, and the boundary of Vilmatunturi Nature Reserve is crossed around 700 metres before the stop. At Salmijoki ravine you will find a half campfire hut, a campfire site and a bridge across some small but scenic rapids. Water is available at both rest stops on this trail, but water from natural sources must always be boiled before use. The trail returns along the same route.
You can also reach Salmijoki ravine by car from Salla village along a gravel road that branches off the road leading from Salla towards Kemijärvi. This road, which is in poor condition in places (Rojula road, junction on the left about 7 km from Salla towards Kemijärvi), brings you close to the lean-to shelter in summer. The road is not drivable or kept open in winter and while road conditions are difficult, and it is closed with a barrier. The distance to Salmijoki ravine rest stop from the end of the small, bumpy and rocky dead-end road (with space for a handful of cars) is around 700 metres.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The nearest airports are at Kuusamo (1.5 h) and Rovaniemi (2 h). There are shuttle buses connecting Kuusamo Airport and Salla, which link with almost every flight.
The nearest railway station is in Kemijärvi (1 h). There is a bus to Salla, which is timed to connect with the night train, Mon-Sat.
By road
Trail starts from Sallatunturi Fell Centre. The Salmijoki River gully can also be accessed directly via Rojulantie road, which passes between Hatajavaara and Hangasvaara. Follow Rojulantie road about seven kilometres from Salla towards Kemijärvi to reach the point where the trail can be accessed. The distance from the trail’s turning point to the lean-to in the Salmijoki River gully is about 700 metres of easy terrain.
Parking
Free parking near starting point.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Visitors should bring hiking gear suitable for the weather conditions, consisting of proper hiking shoes, weatherproof clothing, spare clothes, a map, a charged phone, and enough to drink and eat. There are natural water sources along the trail, but as the water quality in them is not tested, the water should always be boiled before use. In rainy weather, we recommend rubber boots or waterproof hiking shoes, as the trail may be very wet in places. You should bring matches if you intend to light a fire, and your own toilet paper.
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