KOROUOMA CANYON

Duration: 2-4 hours

Trail markings: Wooden poles

Difficulty level: Demanding, circle trail

Suitability: The route requires a basic physical fitness level due to its large altitude changes. Otherwise the trail is fairly easy – it has no stairs and it is well-marked. In the winter snowshoes or slip resistant shoes are recommended as the trail gets very slippery.

Trail description

This trail offers amazing monthly changing views all year around! The circle route runs clockwise along an old horsetrack, and hikers can get in touch with the history of the area by reading the information boards along the trail. The Koronjää trail leads past stunning viewpoints where three massive frozen waterfalls – Charlie Brown, Mammoth Fall and Brown River – create impressive sceneries. There is also plenty to see in the summertime when the area is filled with lush vegetation, vertical cliffs, boulder soils and the serpentine river that runs the bottom of the canyon. Korouoma is also a perfect hiking destination in the fall, when the stunning fall colors take over the scenery – the view is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Good to know

There are resting areas and viewpoints along the way as well as a campfire site with dry toilets. The campfire site offers a wonderful view of the Brown River – one of the largest frozen waterfalls at Korouoma.

Starting point

The starting point is located 35 kilometers away from the Posio downtown area. To get there, drive 30 kilometers in the direction of Rovaniemi, until you get to the village of Pernu. When you see the Korouoma road sign, turn left onto Koppelojärventie. Drive 2 kilometers and turn right onto Saukkovaarantie. Continue on for 3 kilometers to get to the starting point, where you will find a parking area and Korouoma information boards. The point can be reached by car or taxi (tel. +358 16 3721555). You can also take the bus to the village of Pernu and then walk the 5 kilometers from Rovaniementie to the starting point. The bus usually runs twice a day and the Posio stop is located at Ingan Tupa Café (address: Toritie 4). You can find the bus schedules here.

Starting point

Address: Saukkovaarantie, 97815 Posio

WGS84

lat: 66° 9.3114′

lon: 27° 32.5769′ ETRS-TM35FIN

P: 7337314m I: 524492m

KKJ P: 7340383m I: 3524674m

Duration: 2 days

Trail markings: Orange paint

Difficulty level: Demanding, out-and-back trail

Suitability: The northern portion of the trail is the most rugged part of the canyon. In the south the steep cliffs soften into ridges. Basic physical fitness level and navigation skills are required for this route. The one way trail can be started from whichever end. A gps or compass and map are recommended for this route!

Trail description

The trail offers amazing and monthly changing views to the hikers all year around! It crosses through the whole Korouoma valley passing thirteen stunning frozen waterfalls on the way.

The trail can be reached from Saukkovaara, Koivuköngäs or Lapiosalmi. The northern parts of Korouoma are beautifully barren and grand. The trail starts by passing the Koivuköngäs waterfalls and follows the River Korojoki, which meanders and twists at the bottom of the canyon flowing towards northwest. The riverbanks are lined by lush flood meadows and herb-rich forests. At the center of Korouoma, the trail divides into two separate trails, of which the upper one leading past Julmakallio Cliffs is extremely demanding. Here the fracture valley forms a gorge, which is much deeper than its surrounding terrain. The walls of the gorge are vertical cliffs tens of meters high and the falling rocks have formed majestic boulder soils in the canyon. The southern part of Korouoma is easy to travel and the terrain is marked by hills, pine dominant old-growth forests and sandy ridges, which are lined with ponds, lakes and small rivers.

Good to know

There are 13 lean-to shelters and campfire sites on the way as well as the Kuulea day trip hut. For overnight stays, there are four rental cabins and the Pajupuro open wilderness hut. In the southern end of the trail, Lapiosalmi Travel Center offers accommodation, saunas, activities as well as guided tours.

Water from flowing sources in Korouoma is clean and safe to drink. Water from still sources should be boiled first.

From Pajupuro open wilderness hut, the trail branches towards Lake Simojärvi Hiking Route (23 km). This route is suitable for experienced hikers only. More information here.

To start the trail

The starting points are in Koivuköngäs and Lapiosalmi. Both points have parking areas and information boards.

Koivuköngäs starting point is about 38 km from the center of Posio. Drive 35 km from Posio in the direction of Rovaniemi past the village of Pernu. Turn left to road Kurtankaltiontie when you see a road sign of Korouoma. Drive 3 km to the starting point, where you will find a parking area and information boards.

Lapiosalmi starting point is about 20 km from Posio. Drive 8 km to Taivalkoski direction and turn right to road Ranuantie. Continue 11 km. The starting point is just off the road, on the right side of road Ranuantie.

The points can be reached with a car or taxi (Tel. +358 16 3721555). You can also take a bus to the junction of Kurtankaltiontie, and walk 3 km from road Rovaniementie to reach the Koivuköngäs starting point. Buses leave twice a day and start from Ingan Tupa café in the center of Posio (Address: toritie 4). Detailed schedules: www.matkahuolto.fi. From the end point you can take a taxi, car or hike back. Lapiosalmi Travel Centre also offers a car transfer service.

Koivuköngäs starting point
Address: Kurtankaltiontie, 97815 Posio

WGS84
lat: 66° 11.4328′
lon: 27° 27.3056′

ETRS-TM35FIN
P: 7341223m
I: 520500m

KKJ
P: 7344294m
I: 3520681m

Lapiosalmi starting point
Address: Ranuantie 120, 97900 Posio

WGS84
lat: 66° 3.0080′
lon: 27° 48.4908′

ETRS-TM35FIN
P: 7325733m
I: 536607m

KKJ
P: 7328798m
I: 3536794m