Kainuu Tar Route / Stage 2: Kuhmo - Sotkamo 75 km

Daily stages (this is an example - you can plan a more precise schedule according to your wishes and skills)

Day 1: Kuhmo, Maakunnanranta - Äärjä Island's kota (20 km)

• Alternative starting point: below Pajakkakoski rapids, shore of Pajakkakoski lean-to
• Alternative starting point: Jämäslahti boat shore

The route starts from Maakunnanranta guest marina. There is also a boat ramp at the starting place. 

First, head west towards Pajakkajoki, where there are three rapids and a swift water section. 

Rapid classifications

PAJAKKAKOSKI:

• Upper Pappilanvirta (before the headpool), route on the right side in the rightmost opening of the old bridge arches (Pappila shore side). Swift water.
• Rapid classification I-II, length 450 meters, drop height 2.4 m.
• The rapid’s run channel is next to the stone threshold (möljä) on the right side.
• The rapid can be bypassed either by going along the möljä or via paths on both banks.

AKONKOSKI:

• Run channel on the right side. Rapid classification I (easy). Drop height 0.5 m.
• There are no good landing spots for paddlers.

PYSSYNIVA:

• Short, easy swift water before Saarikoski. 

SAARIKOSKI:

• Rapid classification I/II, drop height 1.7 m.
• Rapid’s run follows the main channel on the right side of the island.
• You can bypass the rapid via a fisherman's path on the left bank or by wading through shallow water along the stoned right bank.

Pajakkajoki flows after Saarikoski into the eastern end of Ontojärvi. The route continues through a dug canal across Huovisenniemi towards the open waters of Ontojärvi. From here on, there is a marked waterway on the lake with a shallowest depth of 1.2 m. However, paddlers can first travel near the northern bank islands (Lammassaari, Jouhikas) towards Näsälänsalmi. 

From Näsälänsalmi, the larger open waters of Ontojärvi open up. The southern part of the lake has several islands providing shelter advantageous for paddlers. 

Landing sites and possible overnight spots - if the forecast predicts stronger winds, avoid staying overnight on the island:

• Behind Paloniemi camping center there is a good Paloniemi boat shore for landing if needed. Overnight stays are also possible in your own accommodation. 
• Ylä-Honkinen Island has a lean-to in the small bay opening to the west. Landing is easy as the sandy beach deepens quickly. 
• Äärjä sandy island has a kota located on the southern edge of the island surrounded by sandy beaches. It is exposed to southern wind waves, which can grow as you approach the shallow shore. In such situations, returning to the water may be difficult. Monitor the wind forecast and choose another overnight spot if necessary, e.g. Paloniemi, Katerma, or Tervasalmi.

Day 2: Äärjä Island's kota, Ontojärvi, Kuhmo - Lehtosaari, Kiimasjärvi, Sotkamo (35 km)

The route continues from Äärjä Island westward. There are several islands at the western end of Ontojärvi. Choose a precise route considering the wind direction. Paddlers can bypass Karhusaari and Oravisaaret islands from the south side.

After Anttilansalmi, you reach Karjalanlahti, where on the western shore at the mouth of Ontojoki is Katerma boat shore. From here begins the bypass route along the road of Katerma power plant, the portage distance is described in detail:

• Kainuu Tar Route: Katerma portage for paddlers, Kuhmo

Below Katerma power plant, you can launch a paddle craft back into the water from Katerma Suitua shore. 

From here begins the Ontojoki paddling section. The river section length is 8 km. After heavy rains, there may be moderate current. Following the river, you reach the Sotkamo side.

Before Kallioinen power plant, landing is done on the south shore at the boat ramp above Kallioinen. From here begins the power plant road bypass, the portage distance is described in detail:

• Kainuu Tar Route: Kallioinen portage for paddlers, Sotkamo

The landing site below Kallioinen at Kiikarilampi serves as a starting point towards Kiimasjärvi. First, paddle through the small Kiikarilampi. In the narrow strait (under the road bridge) there is a strong swift water section, which requires special caution especially when water levels are high.

After the strait, you reach Kurikkalahti, where on the southern shore is a good landing site, Ontojoki Kurikkalahti boat shore. There is also a boat ramp and a village association lean-to. Landing can be done, for example, via the boat ramp.

Westward first opens the narrower eastern part of Kiimasjärvi. Before Kalmoniemi is a group of a few islands (landing allowed by Everyman's Rights). At Kalmoniemi, waters from Tipasjoki join from the south into Kiimasjärvi. After this opens the main basin of Iso-Kiimasjärvi, which is interrupted by a few islands. 

Behind the larger Saijansaari is Lehtosaari, which has a lean-to and is the end of this day's stage. 

Alternative landing place is on the mainland side at the southern shore of Iso-Kiimas at the mouth of Riekinkuru, where is Aholanranta lean-to.

Day 3: Lehtosaari, Kiimasjärvi, Sotkamo - Sotkamo town boat harbor (20 km)

From Lehtosaari the route first continues northeast around Saijanniemi to Pajusalmi. From here begins Pieni-Kiimasjärvi, which is paddled northwest towards Kaitainsalmi. The road bridge of Kaitainsalmi can be seen from a distance. 

At Kaitainsalmi, you can land either on Kannaksensaari on the Kiimasjärvi side, which has a village association lean-to, or after the bridge at the Kaitainsalmi boat launch site. 

Kaitainsalmi narrows to a swift current and Kusianjoki joins from the north. After narrow reed-covered peninsulas opens Ärväänlahti and the route turns south, towards the northern waters of Sotkamo town. First ahead is Kaitainjärvi, where the route passes near Lehtosaari, Haaposaari and Honkisaari towards Jataniemi. Between the cape and a small island, you reach Pirttijärvi. Heading south, you reach Eskosaari, with an accessible lean-to. 

Sotkamo harbor is behind Siltasaari and Akkoniemi on the southern shore of Pirttijärvi. Paddling pier is west of the western breakwater.

In addition to the described landing sites, you can land based on Everyman's Rights, but please consider the shore settlements. There are many in some areas, but also many uninhabited shores.