Stage 6: Rest stop in Mankki - Kuusaanlampi 33 km
From Manki, the route continues in a pleasant, easy flow to Lake Kepsunjärvi and Lake Tarhajärvi, between which you can take a break and refresh yourself with a swim. The route winds through the southern part of Lake Rapojärvi and continues through Lake Haukkajärvi and Lake Karhujärvi to the River Jyräänjoki, which has two rapids, Jyräänkoski and Paaskoski.
The paddler has to pass the Jyräänkoski rapids in two parts, using towing devices and a turbine channel. First, you pass small rapids by landing on the left bank, where there is a canoe towing device. You pull the canoe past the rapids and lower it into the water, then paddle under the bridge on the right side, where there is also a towing device on the bank. You pull the canoe about 10 metres, then carry it down the steps to the dock, where you can lower it into the water on the other side of the dam. In Jyräänkoski, the structures of the Väliväylä, the old waterway, are well preserved.
Paaskoski is the last descendable rapids section of the Väliväylä canoeing route, and there is a rest stop for hikers on its banks. In Paaskoski rapids, there are two large rocks in the middle of the stream, which you should paddle around from the right. After that, it is a good idea to turn sharply left, dodging the rocks on the rapids. The descent route runs between the big rocks, at the centre line. You should brake the canoe and keep it straight. After the bridge, continue paddling on the right side of the channel.
The Jyräänjoki River ends at Käyrälampi, where you will find the most varied services on the route. Tykkimäki Resort offers various levels of accommodation, restaurant and rental services. You can sauna and dine at the Tykkimäen Sauna. A beautiful beach and the Tykkimäki amusement and water park invite you to enjoy yourself. There are two fireplaces for hikers along the outdoor trail by the Käyrälampi beach.
From Käyrälampi, the routes continue north along Käyräjoki River to the Myllynkoski rapids in Jokela, where you can bypass the dam by landing on the left bank of the river. The canoe is transported on a trolley to the launching point behind the mill building. The recommendation is to always bypass the dam and rapids by land. There is a two-metre wide drop-off in the middle of the dam where you can paddle over the dam during high water. Otherwise, there is a risk of the equipment breaking on sharp rocks. On the shore of Myllynkoski is an old mill building and a rare horizontal glacial pothole. On the Myllynkoski outdoor bridge you can admire the flow of the river, and there are benches on the bank for picnics and resting. The nearest shop is 1.5 km away in Jokela.
The distance from Myllynkoski to the route’s end point, Kuusaanlampi, is about 16 kilometres. Along the way, you can take a break at Jokela beach and the stunning Särkkien beach on Lake Lappalanjärvi.