Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

{{Short description|Strict nature reserve in Utsjoki, Finland}}

{{More citations needed|date=March 2025}}

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{{Infobox protected area

| name = Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

| iucn_category = Ia

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| photo = Location of Kevo.jpg

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| map = Finland

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| map_caption = Location in Finland

| relief = 1

| location = Utsjoki, Finland

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| coordinates = {{coord|69|34|51|N|026|42|56|E|region:FI-10|display=inline,title}}

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| area_km2 = 712

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| established = 1956

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| governing_body = Metsähallitus

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| website = {{Url|https://www.nationalparks.fi/kevo}}

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Kevo Strict Nature Reserve ({{langx|fi|Kevon luonnonpuisto}}, {{langx|se|Geavu luonddumeahcci}}) is a strict nature reserve located in Utsjoki, northern Lapland, Finland.{{cite web | title=Kevo Strict Nature Reserve | website=Nationalparks.fi | url=https://classic.nationalparks.fi/kevo | access-date=2025-03-27}}{{cite web | title=Kevo Strict Nature Reserve | website=Lonely Planet | url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/finland/northern-lapland/attractions/kevo-strict-nature-reserve/a/poi-sig/1579469/1341394 | access-date=2025-03-27}}{{cite book | last=Job | first=Hubert | last2=Becken | first2=Susanne | last3=Lane | first3=Bernard | title=Protected Areas, Sustainable Tourism and Neo-liberal Governance Policies | publisher=Routledge | publication-place=London | date=2020-04-28 | isbn=978-0-429-85630-3}} It was established in 1956 and covers {{convert|712|km2|mi2}}.

The reserve is a popular backpacking destination due to its canyon-like gorge valley. A central part of the reserve is the {{convert|40|km|mi}} long and, at places, {{convert|80|m|ft}} deep Kevojoki canyon, on the bottom of which flows the Kevojoki river. It is surrounded by more level fell upland.

Walking in the reserve is only permitted along two marked routes. The Kevo backpacking route is {{convert|64|km|mi}} long and follows the gorge valley. The Kuivi route is {{convert|78|km|mi}} and goes along the fell area. Both routes are difficult and include e.g. many paddle crossings.