Stage 5: Kannuskoski - Rest Stop in Mankki 22 km
From Kannuskoski, the route continues as a river section, which widens at three small lakes. There are several easy rapids on the stage, but they are quite rocky and paddling them requires knowledge of the water lines and sturdy equipment, especially in low water. There are several well-equipped rest stops along the stage for overnight stays and making meals. The village of Tirva, with its late 19th century mill and sawmill surroundings, is well worth a visit.
Before Kyykoski rapids, you paddle along the middle of the Niskakoski stream, following the main current. At Kyykoski rapids, the descent should be made between the left side of the middle line of the rapids, and the large, pointed rock visible after the halfway point and the flat rock on the right side (1.5 m wide). Then turn gently left towards the main stream. Before the Kyykoski rapids, paddlers can land at the Kyykoski rest stop and lower their canoe or kayak back into the river after the rapids.
Descend the Sulunkoski rapids from the right side of the large rock visible to the right of the centre line and then straight down along the main stream. There is a good swimming opportunity at the Sulunkoski rest area. Myllykoski rapids, immediately below Sulunkoski rapids, are descended along the straight line to the left of the centre line. At the Taikinakoski rest stop there is a wooden bridge from where you can hike the 10 km ring trail through Kyykoski.
Before the Tirva rest point, the Väliväylä waterway splits into Pajukoski rapids and Ruunakoski rapids. The paddler should choose the more northerly route, i.e. Pajukoski. The Pajukoski rapids can be paddled from the opening on the right side of the log bridge that crosses it. During high water, the flat rocks are not visible, so it is a good idea to be careful. After this we move from the right to the front left as the current turns left and intensifies. You paddle between two big rocks straight towards the opposite shore. Beware of flat bedrock continuing diagonally to the front right. On the left side of the road bridge in front of you is a jetty. Use canoe trolleys to tow the canoe 250 metres overland past the Pajukoski power plant. Lower at the downstream pier on the left. It’s a good idea to continue paddling to the adjacent Tirva rest stop and beach.
At the rest stop in Mankki, you can stay in a hut, take a dip in the water off the pier and cook on a fire. The nearest shop and restaurant are located 6 km away in Utti.