Salamajärvi National Park, Pahapuro route

The route is recommended to be traveled clockwise.

The Pahapuro route starts from the Koirasalmi nature hut. The beginning section goes through flat swamp terrain on boardwalks along the Little Koirajärvi. About one kilometer in, a circular route begins, which returns to the same point. At the start of the circular route, the path is rocky and rooty. Soon you reach the border of the Salamanperä nature reserve. In the nature reserve, you walk through, among others, old-growth forest and a devil's field. The route continues through varied swamp and forest environments. Before the last swamp section, you walk through hilly pine forest along a rocky path. The return to Koirasalmi follows the already familiar route along Little Koirajärvi.

Good to know

Waste management, water point, and toilet are located at the Koirasalmi nature hut. At Koirasalmi, it is also possible to stay overnight, eat, and sauna, as the nature hut offers, among other things, a kiosk, lean-to shelter, and room accommodation.

Route classification

The terrain has hardly any demanding ascents or descents, but the paths are sometimes narrow and rocky and rooty in surface. The route also includes swamp sections where you walk on boardwalks. The route is also made demanding by its length, as there are hardly any rest or break places along the way. Green paint marks and guide signs at intersections help direct you.

The path is recommended to be traveled during snow-free conditions, but in winter the path can be traveled with snowshoes.

Signage

There are signs for the Pahapuro route at the Koirasalmi nature hut. The route is marked in the terrain with green paint marks and there are also some signs and information boards along the route. The borders of the Salamanperä nature reserve are marked with signs on the path.

By car

When coming from the south:

From highway 13 (Äänekoski - Kokkola) at the village of Perho's Möttönen there is signage to the national park. The distance to the national park, Koirasalmi, is 20 km. From Möttönen, turn northeast towards Kivijärvi, road 6520. From road 6520 (Perho - Kivijärvi) turn north onto Koirasalmentie according to signs.

When coming from the east:

From Kivijärvi drive towards Perho (road no. 6520). The distance to the national park is 22 km. From road 6520, turn right onto Koirasalmentie according to the national park signs.

By bus

From Jyväskylä direction to Kivijärvi (about 23 kilometers) and Perho (32 kilometers) as well as to the nearest bus stop in Perho's Möttönen From Kokkola direction, you can reach Perho and Perho's Möttönen From Möttönen, you can continue by taxi from the TB service station to Koirasalmi (22 km)

More information about bus services and schedules at the Matkahuolto website.

Parking area:

Koirasalmi (Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi) Note! Not all GPS devices recognize the address.

Salamajärvi National Park website (Metsähallitus)