The source of the Vashka is in the south-west of Udorsky District, close to the border with Arkhangelsk Oblast.

In the upper course, the Vashka flows in the hilly landscape, and in the lower course it meanders leaving a big number of lakes.

The urban type settlement of Blagoyevo is located on the Venyu River, several kilometers east of the Vashka, and the selo of Leshukonskoye, the administrative center of Leshukonsky District, is located on the left bank of the river just upstream from its confluence with the Mezen.

The Vashka was used by Novgorod merchants as the trading route to the basin of the Pechora which was attractive because of the fur.

The middle course of the Mezen, including the lower course of the Vashka, was where Russian and Komi cultures mixed the most.