In the area where Velika Kapela approaches the sea, we come across one of the largest forest expanses in Croatia. There are no settlements in the area from Bjelolasica and the sites of Bijele stijene and Samarske stijene to the edge of the regions of Gorski kotar and Primorje, and the entire area is marked by little known, rarely visited and very wide mixed forests. It is almost incredible that this particular part of Velika Kapela has remained preserved and unknown until the present day, given the closeness of the sea and relatively low elevations in the area.
moderate
Distance 11.7 km
Duration6:00 h
Ascent222 m
Descent702 m
Highest point1,356 m
Lowest point754 m
The key element of the route in this area is the Kapela Hiking Trail – one of the most beautiful hiking tours in Croatia. This trail leads from Mrkopalj to Klenovica in the region of Hrvatsko primorje.
The trail for climbing to the peak of Velika Javornica begins in the middle of the forest, as a branch of the main access trail for the climb from Begova staza to Bijele stijene. The beginning of that branch is 10 minutes of hiking away from the mountain hut at Bijele stijene, and 30 minutes of hiking away from the forest turnaround below Bijele stijene. By following the route of the Kapela Hiking Trail, the White Line takes us through the forest in a permanent climb without open views. The first view is offered from the peak of Velika Javornica itself. The path is not demanding. From Velika Javornica, the trail then descends towards the road linking Novi Vinodolski and Jasenak. We reach that road at the abandoned forest ranger station Stalak. One part of the ranger station facility is put to use as a mountain hut. In further one hour of hiking, we reach a wooden mountain hut called Zelena kuća or Duliba. This facility is in poor shape and has no supplies (with the exception of a water cistern).
Bijele Stijele is really hard!! Don’t be fooled, this is more climbing than walking. It is also pretty dangerous: one mistake and you rip open your flash or break bones. We did not know that this was coming so we were totally surprised (I did not yet know how to read these comments). The last 4 km to the hut took us 4 hours!! So please be careful, or avoid this section. It is NOT a walking path, it is a climbing trail!
We did "radkovo skoloniste- Duliba" via Jasenak to resupply. 32km mainly on the road with very few cars..
Comments below about the huts are still accurate. We took water at Duliba in the citern as no other choice but it was dirty with plastic bags and clothes in the water :( (we filter / put pills and boiled without being sick). We slept in the tent beside Duliba it was fine.
Combined stage 8,7 and a part of 6 in one day (Vratnik to Hirz Hut) going northbound. Duliba is really only for emergencies. Really old and dirty. Trail and markings are ok with GPS it's easy.
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