Korouoma Nature Reserve
Korouoma is a rugged canyon hundreds of millions of years old occurring in the bedrock fracture zone. The canyon was given its current form by the impacts of the Ice Age. The deepest point of the canyon is the central section at 100-130 metres deep. The canyon and its high cliffs form an impressive landscape to enjoy throughout the year. The Korouoma region has a diverse range of different nature types with ridge terrain and small groves.
How do I find Korouoma?
You can access the marked Korouoma trails from the Koivuköngäs and Saukkovaara departure points located near highway no. 81 (Posio-Rovaniemi) or from road no. 941 (Posio-Ranua) near the Lapiosalmi Wilderness Centre.
The Saukkovaara departure point is the best, as the forest road from Rovaniemi to here is kept open throughout the year. Next to the departure point is the Korokota tepee structure provided for hire by Metsähallitus. The trail running from Saukkovaara along the base of the canyon to the Kanjonilaavu lean-to shelter that offers views of the frozen waterfall. You can hike the trail in around 20 minutes in the summer and in 30 minutes in the winter. The trail is not cleared of snow during the winter.
The Koivuköngäs parking area, from which it is only a couple of kilometres walk to the rock formation Pirunkirkko, is only open during the summertime. Koivuköngäs is the most handsome rapid water in Posio, located in the rushing Kurttajoki River.
The walking or skiing distance from Lapiosalmi to the Korouoma frozen waterfall area is approximately 17 kilometres. The route has the well marked Erauspojan Trail.
Korouoma is just a short drive away. Travelling from the town of Rovaniemi along highway no. 81 (Rovaniemi-Posio), the distance to Koivuköngäs is 100 km and Saukkovaara 115 km. Travel from Posio to Saukkovaara along the same highway no. 81 (Rovaniemi-Posio) and take the forest road for a distance of around 35 kilometres. The distance from Posio to Lapiosalmi along road no. 941 (Posio-Ranua) is 20 km.
You can drive along the forest vehicle roads from Saukkovaara next to the Korouoma Canyon to the Posio – Ranua road near Lapiosalmi. One forest vehicle road takes you to the western side of the canyon to Voho.
Driving instructions from highway no. 81 to the Saukkovaara departure point: In the village of Pernu, take the road leading to Selänsalmi (Korouoma guide) driving along Koppelojärventie road. Drive along this road for two kilometres and take the forest vehicle road on the right shown by the Korouoma sign. Drive along the forest vehicle road for 3.7 kilometres to Saukkovaara where there is a car parking area and signs to the canyon.