In commercial cooperation with Visit Puolanka, Municipality of Puolanka, Paljakka, UVM project, co-funded by the European Union
Hepoköngäs, nestled in Puolanka, Kainuu, stands as one of Finland’s largest waterfalls—and one of the few that is truly accessible to all. With a well-marked trail leading directly to the cascades, visitors can experience the falls from various vantage points: above, beside, and below. At the lean-to shelter by the top, you can take a moment to sit back and listen to the thunderous roar of water dropping 24 meters below.
- Location on the map
- Trail: A 1.3 km marked path leading 650 meters each way
- Option to extend your journey with the Geological Nature Trail loop (+ 1.5 km)
- Campfire site: Yes, there’s a lean-to shelter with an open campfire area
- Includes access to a woodshed and a dry toilet
- Public transportation: No available public transport connections
- By car: Accessible via Hepoköngäs car park; follow the signs from Hepokönkäntie road
- Highlights: The Hepoköngäs waterfall, a rich old-growth forest in the nature reserve, the scenic Heinijoki river, and the lean-to shelter at the top of the falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Demanding accessible route
- Important: Always check for Wildfire Warnings before lighting a campfire at the Hepoköngäs shelter. Campfires are strictly prohibited during a Wildfire warning.
At first glance, Hepoköngäs might seem like just a quick stop. After all, the parking area is merely 300 meters away from one of Finland’s most impressive free-flowing waterfalls. But as you begin your short walk towards the falls, the growing roar of water captures your attention, pulling you in until you find yourself spending hours simply watching, listening, and absorbing the beauty around you.
That’s precisely what happened to me. My initial visit to Hepoköngäs took place back in my twenties—back then, it felt like a mere pit stop. The area lacked the hiking infrastructure that now makes the site accessible to everyone. In 2016, significant improvements were made to protect the natural surroundings from erosion and enhance visitor access. Today, the site boasts a trail classified as a demanding accessible route, with the “demanding” rating stemming from the descent down to the lower viewing platform and the subsequent climb back up.
I arrived at the Hepoköngäs car park early in the afternoon after a leisurely walk in the nearby Pyssykulju area. Hunger pangs were starting to make themselves known, and standing in the parking lot, it was hard to fathom that a magnificent waterfall was just a short stroll away. The air was still, and a quiet hush enveloped the area. An ancient forest, slightly boggy in places, greeted me, while a well-maintained path led off to the south.
Within moments of setting off, I heard a low rumble, which quickly grew louder, sending a delightful tingle down my spine and prompting me to pick up my pace.
A few minutes later, the lean-to shelter at the top of the falls came into view, framed against the dark waters of the Heinijoki river, its banks adorned with blooming midsummer flowers.
The river seems to end dramatically, as if sliced with precision. I continued to the viewing platform right beside the water, where I was treated to an unobstructed view of the moment the smooth current transformed into a frothy cascade, plunging around twenty meters into a tranquil pool below, its powerful roar filling the air.
I soaked in the beauty of the falls from above for quite some time, noticing the old spruce trees framing the scene below. Those sharing the viewpoint with me changed frequently, as other visitors found their way to Hepoköngäs during the bustling midsummer week.
Feeling the tug of hunger, I decided it was time to settle down for lunch at the lean-to shelter before heading down for a better look at the falls. The expansive shelter featured a well-maintained campfire site, and before long, others joined me, one person fetching firewood from the nearby woodshed to get a fire started. With no Wildfire warning in effect today, we were free to enjoy the warmth of a fire in the open shelter. A curious dog, accompanying one of my fellow diners, observed the cooking with keen interest.
For those who might have forgotten their supplies, don’t worry—there’s a cozy café on the road leading to Hepoköngäs.
After a satisfying lunch, I headed toward the lower section of Hepoköngäs. I had assumed that the accessible route ended at the top viewing platform, but to my surprise, it continued further. To head down, I needed to backtrack about twenty meters to reach a branch in the trail that led downhill. The first feature encountered was a charming bridge over the Heinijoki river, offering a stunning view of the untamed waterway.
Beyond the bridge, the trail gently descends into the very forest I had admired from above. A thick layer of moss blankets the ground, and towering spruce trees lined the path.
After navigating a switchback, the descent continued until the next viewing platform came into view. From this angle, the fall’s shape is best appreciated, and I could see the rugged walls flanking it on either side.
After spending some time admiring and photographing the falls, I let my gaze follow the Heinijoki river as it makes a gentle bend at the foot of the waterfall, continuing its journey toward the Kiiminkijoki river and, eventually, the Gulf of Bothnia. The dim, shaded riverbank appeared inviting for a quiet moment of reflection.
The accessible route concluded at the viewing platform, but stairs and a path led further down. Before reaching the serene pool at the base, I crossed the lush Lohipuro stream.
Down by the water, a new perspective on Hepoköngäs emerged. Here, I could clearly discern the dual channels of the waterfall: a broad cascade on the left and a slender, ribbon-like flow on the right. At one point, I even wondered if it was starting to rain, only to realize it was merely the finest mist carried over by the falls.
After a thorough exploration, I retraced my steps back to the top of the falls, noting that it was a mere 350 meters from the viewing platform to the lean-to shelter. The accessible portion of the trail spans a total of 650 meters one way, or 1.3 kilometers round-trip.
For those in search of a longer trek, consider venturing down the Geological Nature Trail. This loop begins at the top of the falls, where you descend a staircase down to the Heinijoki riverbank. A narrow path then follows the river for about 700 meters before ascending into the rugged, boggy terrain to the north, ultimately looping back to the car park. This detour adds an additional 1.5 kilometers to your journey.
Though I opted not to complete the full loop on this occasion, as tempting as it was, I was eager to see what the Heinijoki looked like downstream from the falls. I made my way down to the river and wandered a short stretch along the bank, coming to an abrupt halt when I spotted delicate globeflowers blooming right at the water’s edge. For many from northern Finland, including myself, they symbolize the essence of midsummer.
After this brief exploration, I slowly made my way back, ultimately returning to the car after a few hundred meters of peaceful walking. Though the parking lot was quiet, the powerful melody of the waterfall continued to resonate in my mind.
Hepoköngäs XXS–XS Loop Options
XXS: The accessible trail from the car park to the top of the falls and down to the lower viewing platform measures 650 meters each way, totaling 1.3 kilometers.
XS: If you take the Geological Nature Trail on your way back from the falls, the total distance increases to 2.5 kilometers.
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A kingdom of ancient spruces: Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve in Puolanka, Kainuu