Pahakurun tunturireitti - mountain bike trail

Starting pointKetomella Hietajärven pysäköintialue

From the Hietajärvi parking area in Ketomella, a scenic route for mountain bikers heads towards the fell highlands. The trail description is from the perspective of a mountain biker. The first 3-km section is a wide sandy path through a pine heath. Soon after the parking area, you pass a reindeer fence. From the reindeer fence, the trail descends to the shore of Pitkäjärvi Lake. There is a 10-metre section of duckboards on the lake shore. After Pitkäjärvi Lake, the landscape continues to be dominated by pine trees and comes to a crossing leading to the shore of Hietajärvi Lake.

From the crossing, follow the white Pahakurun tunturireitti Trail signpost. The trail continues to be easy but starts to climb towards Seiponen. The steepness on the last part of the climb increases the challenge. Following the climb, the trail alternates between smooth and rocky terrain, and you arrive at the open fell quite suddenly. The landscape awaiting you in Seiponen is worth a short break. The total distance travelled is 6 km. The trail continues from Seiponen and follows the brown Tappuri signpost.

The gentle climb continues up the slope of Pippokero Fell. From there, it’s a long and fast descent to Tappurioja bridge. From the bridge, continue along Tappuri slope for approximately 500 metres and then follow the brown Hannukuru signpost from the crossing. The distance travelled from Seiponen is 4 km. This is the start of the last longer climb towards Rouvivaara Hill. During the climb, you’ll cross Tappurinoja Stream for the second time over a narrow bridge.

Rouvivaara Hill provides a memorable view of the rolling landscape all the way to Pallastunturi Fell. This is the highest point on the trail (549 metres). Let your mind relax as you gaze at the quiet, untouched fell highlands. From Rouvivaara Hill, the trail to Pahakuru open wilderness hut descends gently and crosses a small bridge.

The beautifully weathered Pahakuru open wilderness hut provides shelter for hikers and a great place for a break before the last section of the trail. The total distance travelled is 13 km. The yard at Pahakuru open wilderness hut has a campfire site and dry toilets. The water supply point (a stream) is 300 metres away. We recommend boiling natural waters.

From Pahakuru hut, follow the brown Hietajärvi signpost. After approximately 500 metres, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over a small ditch. Soon after the bridge, you’ll come to a crossing. Follow the brown Hietajärvi signpost.

The trail crosses Rouvijoki River approximately 1.5 km after the open wilderness hut. The steel beam bridge has handrails and it is followed by approximately 15 metres of ATV duckboards. After Rouvijoki River, the trail takes you back to Seiponen, where you turn at the crossing, follow the Hietajärvi signpost and continue to the route you used at the start of the trail. The distance travelled from Pahakuru to Seiponen is 4 km.

The trail continues for 2.2 km from Seiponen to the Hietajärvi crossing. From here, you can follow the brown Ketomella signpost for 3 km back to the parking area or turn off to Hietajärvi Lake, which is 100 metres away. Hietajärvi Lake campfire shelter. There are also seats on the shelter terrace. Dig your toes into the soft sand and enjoy a campfire at the shelter.

The total distance travelled is 22.4 km. A visit to Hietajärvi Lake increases the distance by about 200 metres.

End pointKetomella Hietajärven pysäköintialue