A hiking adventure: Kjemåforssen by Svartisen-Saltfjellet National Park
Kristin Johansen / Visit HelgelandRound trip to Kjemåfossen, which winds down the steep slope from Kjemåvatnet on Saltfjellet.
Key info
Difficulty: Medium
Distance round trip: 9,2 km
Distance, path from Storjord: 3,7 km
Distance, road from Storjord: 5,4 km
Elevation gain one way: 312 meters
Duration one-way: 1 – 1,5 hour
Season: May-October
Trailhead: Nordland National Park Center in Storjord.
Find trailhead on Google Maps
Kjemåfossen is a beautiful waterfall from Kjemåvatnet on Saltfjellet, cascading down into Saltdalen. The round trip starts on a well-maintained path from the Nordland National Park Center in Storjord and is well signposted. You cross the E6 via a pedestrian underpass south of the center. The hike takes you through beautiful forest with bustling birdlife.
When you reach the wooden bridge that crosses the lower part of Kjemåfossen, you leave the forest road and follow the trail upward along the waterfall. Here, it climbs steeply at a good distance from the rushing water. You can take detours from the main trail to get closer to the waterfall if you wish. Be cautious – there are powerful natural forces at play.
Kristin Johansen / Visit Helgeland
Kristin Johansen / Visit Helgeland
Kristin Johansen / Visit Helgeland
At the top of the waterfall, just below the railway line, steps and bridges have been installed so you can safely cross the waterfall and through the scree to the gravel road that leads you back down to Storjord.
On the hike, you pass by nice picnic spots, a natural climbing jungle, and Futhellaren (well-signposted). This is where the bailiff (tax collector) stayed overnight in olden days. Today, the large rock shelter provides good shelter for hikers.
Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!
Please:
- Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
- Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
- Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
- Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
- Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
- Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
- Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.
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