People often ask what keeps drawing me back to Kuusamo. For me, it’s the combination of landscapes and wildlife. There are rolling fells, flowing rivers and waterfalls, and vast forests. There are also species we don’t see in southern Finland, including bears and golden eagles. Every visit offers something new, something quiet and powerful.

Small Bear Trail

The Small Bear Trail (Pieni Karhunkierros) is one of Kuusamo’s most popular day hikes. It is a 12-kilometer loop that follows the Kitka River through canyons, rapids, and hanging bridges.

I walked the trail during my recent trip to Kuusamo. When I started the hike in my rubber boots, I didn’t fully realize how long the day would become. By the time I reached my car again, I let out an audible sigh of relief. I took off my heavy backpack and finally, I drank properly. I had carried far too little water with me. After hours of climbing, heat, and effort, I was both hot and desperately thirsty.

All in all, I walked 17 kilometers that day with about 15 kilos of camera gear on my back. No wonder I was tired at the end. Still, there was something satisfying about the silence that followed: that deep northern silence that settles into your bones.

Kitka river

Kitka river is a clear, fast-flowing river that runs through deep gorges and forests in Kuusamo. It is known for its powerful rapids and hanging bridges along the Small Bear Trail.

The trail follows the banks of the Kitka River. Most of the time, you can either hear or see the water flowing beside you.

The river is part of Oulanka National Park’s watershed. Its flow shapes many of the area’s most iconic landscapes. These include Jyrävä and Myllykoski.

Jyrävä waterfalls

I stopped at Jyrävä for quite a while when the sun suddenly appeared from behind the clouds. For a few minutes the light turned soft and warm, painting the spray and river surface in delicate tones. It was one of those brief moments when everything becomes still except the water.

A Rain-Soaked Afternoon With Bears

One of the highlights of this trip was photographing bears at Taiga Bear Kuusamo. The weather, unfortunately, was relentless. It rained almost continuously: that fine northern drizzle that seems harmless but soaks through jackets in minutes.

Bears Are Fearless and Fat in Late Autumn

Despite the conditions, three bears moved around actively, passing the hide at close range several times. They didn’t seem bothered by people at all. In spring they’re much more cautious, but in autumn their behavior is calmer and more predictable.

By this time of year, the bears are focused on one thing: eating. Every extra kilo of fat is essential for the long winter sleep ahead.

Wet, wet, wet

One of the bears stopped in the tall grass only a few meters away. Water dripped from its fur. Mist rose from the wet ground. Even in the rain it felt like a quiet, almost intimate moment.

Photographically the rain was a challenge: low light, fogged filters, and constant wiping. But as an experience, it was unforgettable.

Golden eagle – my yearly excitement

This year, autumn colors were only just beginning. The season had been unusually warm, and the foliage followed its own slow rhythm. That’s why the landscape images in this post are still mostly green and yellow. During 2023 the autumn was colorful. I have attached two images from that fall.

Photographing golden eagles has become a yearly ritual for me. I’ve spent many autumn days in the hides of Kuusamo Nature Photography, sitting completely still for hours at a time. If you move too much, the eagles simply won’t come. That’s why you need good food, enough to drink — and ideally good company.

But the moment a golden eagle appears in the sky and begins to circle closer, all the waiting disappears. It feels like a glimpse of heaven.

If you are interested in my former golden eagle post you can find it HERE.

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Before You Go…

If you’ve ever considered visiting Kuusamo, I hope this post sparked some curiosity in you. You simply enjoy nature, wildlife, and the northern lights. These experiences are only small glimpses of what the region offers. I look ahead to sharing more stories, images, and field notes soon.

If you plan to visit Kuusamo:

• Autumn colours peak usually in mid-September.
• The Small Bear Trail can be slippery when wet — good shoes and light layers help.
• Bring water, snacks, and a rain cover for your camera gear.

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