Hiking & outdoor recreationLength11.6 km
Duration(about 5 hours one way)
Degree of difficultyHard
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 Resort Centre past Lake Kalliojärvi to the Salmijoki 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.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamp in the immediate vicinity of designated rest and campfire sites.
HutThere is a day-use hut at Kalliojärvi.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
No water pointThere are natural waters along the trail, but the water must be boiled before use.
No winter maintenance
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointSallatunturi Resort Centre, Revontulentie, 98900 Salla
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 Ruuhijoki River, the trail follows the path alongside Ruuhijoki, occasionally diverting onto the road.
The terrain becomes rockier, and the path continues along the along the edge of the rugged Kalliolampi lake. There are a few private cottages at 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 lake, where a day hut and a campfire site can be found. Kalliojärvi is reached by climbing some metal steps.
After the hut, you cross a narrow strait via a bridge, after which the trail continues along an esker formation. A forest road runs alongside the trail.
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 lean-to shelter, a campfire site and a bridge across some small but very scenic rapids.
Natural 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.
End pointSallatunturi Resort Centre, Revontulentie, 98900 Salla