Kaihuanvaara wilderness trail

The beginning of the Kaihuanvaara wilderness trail passes through pine forests. Photo: AT
The wilderness trail is marked with posts and trail markings. Photo: AT
There is an observation tower at Juhannuskallio with great views over the riverside scenery. Photo: AT
There is a spacious lean-to at Juhannuskallio. Photo: AT
The wilderness trail passes through massive old spruce forest. Photo: AT
There are many rotten tree trunks along the trail. Photo: AT
Loukasjängänoja Photo: AT
The wilderness trail is ideal for bird watching. In the image the great spotted woodpecker. Photo: AT
You can experience the feel of wilderness on the shore of a small forest pond. Photo: AT
The wilderness trail crosses over the clear-watered Porkkaoja. Photo: AT
At the halfway point you can stop at the Porkkaoja campfire site. Photo: AT
Feel of wilderness. Photo: AT
There are big old pines along the trail. Photo: AT
There is a lean-to by the beautiful Porkkalampi Pond. Photo: AT
The trail crosses over the clear-watered Luusuaoja. Photo: AT

Kaihuanvaara wilderness trail

The Kaihuanvaara Wilderness Trail is 52.5 km from Rovaniemi toward Posio. It belongs to the area of Kaihuanvaara–Kivalot, an easily accessible day-trip destination. The tree-covered hills of the area are prominent elements in the Kemi River landscape. They offer beautiful vistas over the riverside and surrounding areas. Kaihuanvaara, or Kaihua Hill, has a remote wilderness feeling, and the old, peaceful hill-top forests offer various hiking destinations: the Kaihuanvaara Wilderness, Hiking, Nature and Circular (cycling) Trails.

The Kaihuanvaara Wilderness Trail passes by the gorgeous scenery of Juhannuskallio into the wilderness atmosphere of an old hill-top forest. The area is not used for forestry. You can admire several-hundred-year-old pine trees, ancient spruce groves, and the plants and birds typical to old forests. The varying terrain of the trail also offers physical challenges. The trail is circular and medium in difficulty. The round trip, including the connecting trail, is 9.1 km.

There is a lean-to, campfire site, woodshed, outhouse, and observation tower along the Kaihuanvaara Wilderness Trail at Juhannuskallio. There is also a lean-to and outhouse by the pond Porkkalampi. Porkkaoja features a campfire site, woodshed and outhouse.

Directions: drive 2.6 km out of the city centre of Rovaniemi along Sodankyläntie; turn right on Kuusamontie; drive 49.3 km to Vanttauskoski, where the road turns into Pirttikoskentie; continue for 6.3 km; turn left on Kaarnijärventie for 2.1 km; turn right on Kaihuanvaaran rengastie; drive 1.3 km; turn right on Kaihuanvaaran rengastie; drive 1.2 km to the parking area on your left. The Kaihuanvaara Wilderness Trail is marked with 60-cm-high posts and paint markings on tree trunks, which may be poorly visible in winter due to snow and frost. No public transport. No winter maintenance.