The Logging Camp Trail

The Logging Camp Trail is a husky tour through the forests, frozen lakes and waterways surrounding Matara Creek in Meltosjärvi, Finnish Lapland. With approximately 45–50 minutes of sledding and a total program duration of around 3 hours, this tour takes you further into the landscape than The Lake Trail and brings you to an old logging camp with a connection to the history of the local village.

We begin at Matara Creek by meeting the dogs and preparing the team for the trail. Your guide will introduce you to the sled dogs, explain how the team works together and give you practical instructions for driving and travelling safely behind the dogs.

From Matara Creek, the trail leads through forests and across frozen lake sections towards the old logging camp, or savottakämppä. This area was once connected to the traditional Finnish logging industry, when people travelled into the forests for work and spent long periods away from home. There was also a small shop at the camp, serving the people who worked in the surrounding forests.

Today, the old logging camp serves as a village house, bringing people together for local events and gatherings. One of the annual events held here is the autumn market, where Matara Creek has also brought some of our dogs and sled dog equipment for visitors to see. Our dogs and the equipment used in the sport have often attracted a great deal of interest from local visitors and people interested in dogs, working breeds and sled dog activities.

The route continues through the forest and across the lakes, giving you more time to settle into the rhythm of travelling behind the dog team. Compared with The Lake Trail, there is more forest riding and more distance to cover, while still keeping the tour suitable for guests who want a longer introduction to husky sledding without committing to a full or half-day tour.

The exact route depends on snow, ice and trail conditions. Winter in the north is always changing, and our guides choose the safest and most enjoyable route for the conditions on the day.

After returning to Matara Creek, there is time to meet the pack, take photographs and relax with a warm drink and small snacks. You are welcome to ask questions about the dogs, their training and their lives as working sled dogs.