Mikonkari hiking area is located in Raahe in the area of the former municipality of Pattijoki. There are three marked routes. The short Parrinpolku trail (0.8km) leads to Parrinkalliot, from where a great view opens up towards the island of Tasku. The Rivi route (2.5 km) continues to the northern branch of the Pattijoki River, where a bridge is planned. Then the route can be continued all the way to Rivi Marina. The ring route marked in yellow is nowadays known as the Mikonkari Circle.
In April 2019, the Mikonkari Trail was still called Mikonkari Nature Trail. That spring, I got the idea to tour and photograph the route for a year, which has plenty of people walking all year round. The most biting frosts were already behind us when the project began, but there was still a feeling of winter.
In April 2019, in addition to birds, it was possible to observe not only birds but also ice fishing, walkers, skiers, kicksledders and cyclists from the Mikonkari bird tower. Sea ice is a very popular outdoor destination on sunny days during the heavy spring frosts – and not without reason. There’s plenty of room for everyone!
In May, the sea gave up its ice cover. The hiss and rustle of the smooth ice in the delicate waves is impressive to hear.
It wasn’t long before the swans arrived on the shores of Mikonkari.
Towards summer, the stems of the nature trail began to turn green and grow many kinds of flowers. The distance of less than two kilometres includes a variety of habitats, from dry heath forests and spruce trees to seaside landscapes.
Mikonkari beach invites morning swimmers as well as those who spend summer days and evenings. The construction needs of sandcastles do not run out. The relatively gently deepening beach is suitable for even the smallest splashers. Near the beach you will find changing rooms, a dry toilet and a campfire site.
If the sunshine gets too scorching, you can seek shady shelters in the spruce forest.
Mikonkari is a very popular and ideal place to admire sunsets, especially in late summer, when the sun starts to set even before bedtime.
The swan family had grown during the summer.
In autumn, you can find blueberries, mushrooms or even these glowing orange berries in Mikonkari, which one creature reportedly finds acidic.
Although Mikonkari is a popular excursion destination, it still offers plenty of natural peace. It is also easy to stay in Mikonkari for longer periods, as there are also dining options nearby both in accommodation and in summer.
