The region's water bodies
The Yli-vuokki area is full of ponds, lakes, rivers, and rapids of various sizes. The Murhisalo area has large lakes, such as Murhijärvi and Kivijärvi. Numerous rivers flow from Murhisalo towards Vuokkijärvi. Paddlers should familiarise themselves in advance with the water routes and their rapids. The water routes are not classified paddling routes.
Porrasjoki river-Isojoki river
You can reach the Porrasjoki river from Malahviantie road, by the bridge. The river first flows into Lake Porraslampi. The Porrasjoki – Isojoki route is well-suited for more experienced kayakers. The Porrasjoki section has two rapids, both of which can be bypassed by portaging. At the first rapid, the river banks are steep, and a beginner can scout for a suitable landing spot well in advance at the head of the rapid. The second rapid, Myllykoski, is stony, and there is a bridge downstream of the rapid. The banks of Myllykoski are flat, making portaging the canoe easier. Both rapids are best bypassed from the right bank. After the rapids, a serpentine meadow river begins, which can be leisurely kayaked to the beautiful Särkänpolvi. In Särkänpolvi, the river turns and continues as the easily navigable Isojoki river as far as Lake Torniojärvi. From the southern shore of Lake Torniojärvi, near Torniokoski rapids, the canoe can be portaged to a nearby forest road. You can walk back to Malahviantie road along the East Border hiking trail.
Välijoki river-Aittojoki rive
The shallow Välijoki river begins from Kevättijärvi lake, in the Joenniskanlahti bay, from which one can paddle to the nearby Kivi-Kevätti lakse and from there further along the Aittojoki river to Aittojärvi lake. The Kaartojärvi forest road crosses the Aittojoki river, which is a suitable final stage if you don't want to paddle all the way to Aittojärvi. The river has no rapids, but in places the river is overgrown with abundant aquatic vegetation. During low water, there are rocky sections on the river. You'll need to bypass a fish ladder at the Kevättijärvi lake end of the river, and there's one bridge along the way.
Aittojärvi waterway
The route starts From the Porrasjoki bridge on the Malahviantie road, from where we paddle towards Kapeasalmi and on to the beautiful Lake Aittojärvi. Lake Aittojärvi is a two-part lake area that offers shelter from gusty winds - especially in the shelter of a narrow isthmus.
In the middle of the narrow isthmus lies Keräsensalmi hut - an excellent place to stop for a picnic. Up to 27 ancient trapping pits have been located on the Isthmus, and the Eastern Frontiers hiking trail also runs through the area.
Everyman’s rights rights and excursion etiquette
Please be mindful when travelling on routes, off-road and on private land. everyone's rights and good Outdoor etiquette.