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Versatile area with barren cliff, spruce forests and marshy depressions, mostly higher than the surroundings, with Valtavaara reaching 492 m. The local mix of northern and southern species is unique in Finland and the area is popular among birdwatchers. Staying on the trails is recommended, both for safety and to protect threatened plant species. Picking berries and edible mushrooms is allowed. Camping and campfires allowed only at designated sites, the latter not during wildfire warning periods and always only with due care. Taking samples or damaging flora, fauna or rocks is forbidden as usual in nature reserves. Fishing is restricted. Horseback and bike riding is allowed at certain routes.
Peak 407 metres a.sl., about half a kilometre from the popular hiking trail Karhunkierros. The northernmost peak in the Ruka massif belongs to Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Protection Area.
The peak at 492 metres is famous for its views. A lush Surmanoro gorge (up to 40 m deep) is located here, on the north-west side of the hill. There is a "lapp pole hut" and a day hut on the peak. Belongs to Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Protection Area.
Climbing up to 500 meters a.sl, Ruka is the highest hill around. Even though it isn't a true fell, human action has once turned the top into a treeless heath, and there are great views to surrounding landscape. The hiking trail Karhunkierros starts from here and heads to the north.
Peak 461 m a.sl. The southernmost peak in the Ruka massif belongs to Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Protection Area, and is assumed to have been a sacred place – a sieidi – to the Sami people. Avoid leaving the marked trail as the rocky terrain might be dangerous and there are some very rare plants growing around. There is a "lapp pole hut" on top of the secondary peak Pikku Pyhävaara.