Kayak
|Ilomantsi
Koitajoki starting paddling route 27 km
Near the eastern border in the Koitajoki nature reserve area, the dark, split Koitajoki winding through wilderness landscapes is an excellent water hiking route, with a length of 27 km. Along the route, there is one easily bypassable rapid, three wilderness huts, and two lean-tos.
Description
The trip can be started either from the Koidanvaara lean-to or from Polvikoski, and you can travel either the entire 27 km river section or choose a shorter stretch. If you travel the whole route, you must leave the river at the Lakonkangas lean-to, just before the border zone. From the Lakonkangas lean-to, it is a 700 meter walk to the Lakonkangas parking area. The route can be shortened by choosing either the northern section Koidanvaara–Polvikoski or the southern section Polvikoski–Lakonkangas. The beauty of the northern part is undisputed, while the southern section is especially charming with its incredible meandering bends.
Along the route, there are numerous easy rapids. The only actual rapid is Polvikoski, classified as I, meaning the least demanding. The rapid can be easily bypassed. Those considering running the rapid can inspect it from the bridge over it.
The spring flood lasting roughly from mid-May to early June offers the best conditions for paddlers. In summer, the water level lowers, revealing sandbanks around the bends and giving the route a new appearance. Simultaneously, shallow rapids may slow down progress. Trees fallen across the river slow down travel throughout the whole season.
The route can be done in a day, but due to the area’s remoteness, natural beauty, and the support provided by wilderness huts and lean-tos, staying several days is recommended. The route can be combined with hiking on Tapion trail (20 km) or Pirhu’s circuit (17 km).
The route starts from the Koidanvaara lean-to, a few kilometers from there is the Verkkopudas wilderness hut and a little further the Asumajoki lean-to. About halfway along the route is the Polvikoski campfire site with toilets. At the end of the route there are Niemipuro and Hanhikoski wilderness huts.
The whole Koitajoki nature reserve area is outside mobile network coverage, so you can enjoy true wilderness tranquility here; phones should be turned off.
Location & Parking
There are plenty of parking spaces at the start and end points.
Directions
Route options include for example 1) Koidanvaara - Polvikoski 10 km or 2) Polvikoski - Lakonkangas 17 km.