Lentua lake paddling route, 19.5 km, Kuhmo

The starting put-in place for the route is located along the Kuhmo-Vartius road by the Isojoki bridge. The exact address is Lentiirantie 2172, 88900 Kuhmo. You can back down the ramp all the way to the shore, and the car can be left at the parking spot next to the put-in place. The paddling route heads west under the bridge and follows the Isojoki River to Lentua. Upon reaching Lentua and paddling counterclockwise, the route follows the shore of Syvänniemi northwest towards Multisaari. Continue along the side of Multisaari towards Kotasaari, where the route turns back west. About 4.5 kilometers of paddling have been completed in Kotasaari, and the lean-to in the bay offers a good spot for a break. At the end of Kotasaari, there is a narrow channel, Vetokankangas, which can be paddled through. After Kotasaari, the route opens up on the Lentua open water and continues west towards Lehtosaari and the Lehtosaari wilderness hut, where you can also spend the night. The approximately 1.5-kilometer-long Järvi open water can be windy; if needed, use the wind shelter offered by Tynisaari or Varissalo. The main attraction of the former fishing hut converted into the Lehtosaari wilderness hut is the traditional lakeside sauna. In strong winds from the south or southwest, the route can be taken back along the inbound route. After Lehtosaari, weather permitting, the route heads south and then turns east after Varisniemi, following the shores of Varissalo Island. After about 6 kilometers of paddling, there is a good place to take a break at the Honkisaari wilderness hut. The final leg of the route continues east either on the south or north side of Varpusaari back toward the mouth of Isojoki and the starting point.

Plan the paddling route according to your own skills. On lake sections, it is advisable to paddle near the shore and scout rapids from the shore in advance.

Secure all gear well to the canoe, preferably in a dry bag or container.

Pack waterproof first aid supplies, change of clothes, matches, and a phone with you.

Check the regional weather forecast and active warnings for land and sea areas.

If you get into an emergency on your trip, call 112 and make an emergency notification.

The Kalliojoki paddling route coming from the east ends at Lentua, so you can easily combine these two routes or continue paddling all the way to Kuhmo either as the so-called Sotkamo route or the Tervareitti.