Syväjoki-Lietejoki paddling route 24 km, Hyrynsalmi

The route starts from the pond below Komulanköngäs waterfall, from where the route proceeds along the Syväjoki River towards the Liete River. The rapids sections on Syväjoki are shallow with low water current pressure. The rapids sections are short and numerous in the early part of the route. If necessary, you can get out of the canoe/kayak in rapids and carry across the shallower parts.

The route merges discreetly into the Liete River shortly after the ski bridge crossing the route and continues as the wider Liete River. Right by Little Tuomivaara is Paskonkoski rapid. After Paskonkoski, the route continues next to Little Tuomivaara and soon begins to curve to the right. Before Pitkänkoski rapid, on the left is the Pitkänkoski shelter, which is an excellent resting place about halfway along the route. Pitkänkoski is a low rapid section, where the upper part is the most challenging. The lower part of the rapid alternates between riffle and calm water.

After Pitkänkoski, the route features pleasant calmer river stretches, accompanied by small rapids. Before the bridge crossing the Liete River is Saarikoski rapid, which has a couple of fallen trees over it; it is possible to carry around them over land. After Saarikoski, a larger bridge is passed under, after which Keskikoski rapid starts immediately, followed by the most challenging rapid of the route, Louhenkoski. Louhenkoski is, however, quite navigable or easy to carry along a path on the left side. After Louhenkoski, on the left is the Louhenkoski shelter. A little further from Louhenkoski, across the river, several trees have fallen, which cannot be passed without getting out of the canoe/kayak and moving it over the trees. After this, on the right side of the route, there is a red house by which there is a subtle drop of a couple of meters, which is easily navigable through the middle of the riverbed.

The final part of the route is pleasant and leisurely riverbed, accompanied by small rapids. The route first passes under the Liete River bridge, then under the Liete River railway bridge, after which comes the Virrantie bridge. It is possible to exit from Liete River and Virrantie bridges or continue all the way to the Emä River and turn left, paddling all the way to Hyrynjärvi and the center of Hyrynsalmi.

The route is navigable with expedition equipment. Sturdy hiking boots are good to wear, which makes possible exits from the canoe/kayak in rapids safer.

Life jackets, helmet, sufficient canoe/kayak floats, adequate and water-suitable clothing - which protects from sun, splashes, and cold - and spare clothes are the basic essentials.

Plan the paddling route according to your skills, and paddle calmly at about 4 kilometers per hour. The difficulty of rapids varies; it is advisable to check a suitable line from land at places with strong currents. Safety instructions for paddlers If you get into an emergency during your trip, call 112 and make an emergency notification.

You can reach the starting point of Komulanköngäs by car from Ukkohalla and Paljakka:

From Ukkohalla tourist center, it is 4.2 km by car to the parking area. Drive south on Syväjärventie and after 2 km turn left at the junction onto Hallanmaantie. Drive 2.1 km on Hallanmaantie, after which the parking area is on the left. When coming from Paljakka tourist center, turn from Ristijärventie onto Hallanmaantie (signposted to Ukkohalla) and drive 13.6 km, after which the parking area is on the right.

Other possible starting points/locations can be found by checking the map services for roads leading to the riverbank.

Free parking area at Komulanköngäs along Hallanmaantie.