Hiirosenoja River Paths

This route follows the Hiirosenoja River, a tributary of the Ouloujoki River extending southeast of Oulu. Since the river is narrow, this feels more like a run through canal-side parks. There are out & back and loop options. We love the longer 12.7 km loop using the Ouloujoki River return.

From Pokkinens park (next to the Radisson Blu Hotel) where the river meets the bay, take the path along the river, headed southeast. After 1.2 km, there’s a 0.3 km road connection across the train tracks. Pick up the path at Urheilijanpuisto, which is a nice section. Crossing the E8 at km 2.6, the next section is on a path on the south side of Oula’s major hospital complex, a bit away from the water. At km 3.6 is Joutsentie (loop option for return). You can follow the path for another 1.5 km to Poikkimaantie, where our route ends but it’s possible to continue for several km on a path through the Patamäki area (though the river heads south).

• Loop Option with shorter return. Retrace your steps for 1.5 km to Joutsentie and then follow the cycle path along Joutsentie & Leevi Madetojan for 3 km, rejoining the river path for the final 1.4 km to central Oulu. For a shorter run overall, you could eliminate the 1.5 km each way between Joutsentie & Poikkimaantie.
• Loop Option Using Ouloujoki River. From Poikkimaantie, retrace your steps briefly, then the cycle path north for 1.4 km, passing the east side of Lämsä Lake, to join the the Ouloujoki River path. Head east for 6 km. The paths are mainly along the water, with a couple of short on road connections.

Distances: 7.2 out & back to Joutsentie; 10.2 km out & back to Poikkimaantie; Loop option with Joutsentie return is 10.7 km; Loop option with Ouloujoki River return is 12.7 km