Karhunjuomalampi route, Pyhä-Luosto National Park

The route starts from the Naava Nature Center.  The route can be done in either direction, but most often it is done clockwise, so the most popular sights come right at the beginning of the route. When walking counterclockwise, the views improve as you progress, the long stairs are walked downwards, and the fine sights remain at the end of the route. The route description is detailed clockwise due to the route signs. 

From the Naava Nature Center, the route initially follows 600 meters of a light traffic lane along Pyhäntie towards Kemijärvi. At the intersection of Kerontie, a ski track foundation begins, which turns into a path going deeper into the national park when turning right at the next intersection. The first rest stop is Isokuru’s kota and lean-to shelter, from where the route continues down to the mouth of Isokuru by 200 steps. At this point, you enter a restricted zone and leaving the path is prohibited. In Isokuru, there are wide wooden boardwalks with passing places and resting benches along the way. The gorge ends at Pyhänkaste waterfall and pond, which can be admired from a viewing platform. Due to the restricted zone, going onto the surrounding rocks and the waterfall is prohibited. After the waterfall, the route climbs about 400 steps to Uhriharju, continuing along a narrow ridge towards Karhunjuomalampi. The Isokuru restricted zone ends about 250 meters before the Karhunjuomalampi day hut. It is worth noting at the hut that although the hut and lean-tos are not in the restricted zone, Karhunjuomalampi itself is, and moving on its shores and nearby is prohibited, except for the pier. From Karhunjuomalampi, the route continues through old forest towards views opening to Pyhäjärvi and Soutaja. Via the northern slopes of Kultakero and Tajukangas kota, the route follows a gravel path and a maintenance road past Hotel Pyhätunturi and down Kultakerontie to the nature center.  

The route is not maintained in winter, but a machine-groomed ski route leads to Karhunjuomalampi day hut from the north side of the fell from the lit track and Kiimaselä ski track. Snowshoeing to Isokuru kota in winter is possible from Pyhä as well. There is no marked winter route in Isokuru itself due to avalanche risk. 

Route marking and signage: red squares on trees and metal signs at intersections. 

The route’s overall difficulty level is moderate due to elevation changes and long, steep stair sections. Turnouts have been built in the stairs for resting and enjoying the views.