The Rago circuit
Most people decide to start the circuit from Lakshola, but the circuit can also be done in the opposite direction, starting at Litjsand. From Lakshola, you’ll follow a marked path along the crystal clear Storskogelva. A suspension bridge ensures that you get over the river and towards Rago’s wilderness. Walking up Nordskaret is a steep and potentially slippery hike, but the view from the top makes the trip worth it. The terrain is bumpy and often wet as you walk further into the park, but the path is marked and easy to follow. Wooden planks allows you to get through the wetter areas of the path. After about 9 kilometers, you’ll reach Storskogvatnet, which makes for a great place to spend the night. There are opportunities to both sleep in a tent around the lake, or spend the night at the open cabin at the southern end of the lake. Remember that campfires must only be made with firewood you’ve brought yourself.
The trip continues towards Sølvskarvatnan and along Litlverivatnet in a more mountainous landscape. Over the waterfall of Litlverivassforsen, you’ll cross perhaps Norway’s best-placed suspension bridge. Rago’s best view is from Grisryggen, a couple of hundred meters from the suspension bridge. Here you can view both the magnificent Litlverivassforsen and almost the entire trip you’ve already hiked. After another 5 kilometers of walking, you will arrive at Litjsand, and then it is approximately 2 kilometers to walk back to your car at Lakshola.
The trip is physically demanding and requires good footwear and clothing according to the weather. Windproof jackets and pants are a minimum. If you are bringing a dog to the national park, know that dogs has to be kept on their leash between the 1st of April to the 20th of August. Garbage must also be brought out of the national park when you leave.
Photo: Marius Saunders
Photo: Statskog v/Tore Veisetaune
Spending the night in Rago National Park.
You can spend the night in one of Statskog’s open and unattended cabins, Storskogvasshytta and Ragohytta, but the cabins have a very limited number of beds and may be occupied when you arrive. This is especially true in June-October, when there are the most tourists in Rago. The local hunting and fishing association, Fauske and Sørfold JFF, have cabins for rent at Storskogvatnet and at Litlverivatnet. You are encouraged to bring a tent, and along the Rago curcuit you can find your very own little place to pitch a tent for the night. It is best to camp near Storskogvatnet.
Viewpoint Litlverivassforsen
Rago’s best view is of Litlverivassforsen seen from Grisryggen. The trip up is tough, but the nature and the experience will reward you for the effort.
The hike starts at the gateway of Litjsand. The first two kilometers are steep, with an ascent of almost 400 metres. Fortunately, there are many benches where you can catch your breath. The walk further into the mountain birch forest and towards Grisryggen can be wet, but wooden planks along the path will keep your shoes more-or-less dry. From Grisryggen you get a fantastic view of the valley, large parts of Rago National Park and Litlverivassforsen. There are great photo opportunities here, and it’s a nice place to take a break before heading back down. The roundtrip is about 11 kilometers.
Photo: Marius Saunders