The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a canoe camper's paradise. This 92-mile corridor of lakes and river connects several large public reserved land units and is surrounded by a vast, privately-owned commercial forest.
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway was established by the Maine Legislature in 1966 to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty, character, and habitat of a unique area. It is a magnificent, 92-mile-long ribbon of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams winding through the heart of northern Maine's vast commercial forests.
For more than a century "The Allagash" has been praised and enjoyed as a sportsman's paradise. Many famous people, including Henry David Thoreau, have enjoyed its beauty and come away filled with determination to protect it for future generations. The people of Maine have made this dream possible. The State of Maine, through the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Conservation, seeks to ensure that this area will be maintained forever as a place of solace and refuge from the pressures of society.
Protection of the Waterway was further enhanced in 1970 when it was named the first state-administered component of the National Wild and Scenic River System. There are no permanent human residents in this area, and visitors show respect and care by leaving the fewest possible signs of their presence.
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is truly a jewel of the North Maine Woods. The length of the waterway, it's designation in the 70's as Wilderness area, and the combination of lake and river canoeing offers one of the best opportunities in the country for an extended canoeing and camping experience. It is well suited for paddlers of all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal opportunity for families and friends. The Waterway is 92 miles long and has limited access to help ensure a wilderness experience. Many campsites are located along the way and each one is unique and special in its own way. Most of these campsites have probably been used for centuries by traders, trappers and Indians. Henry David Thoreau visited here and has a campsite named after him. There is plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing. In fact, it is rare to go a whole day without a sighting of moose or deer. Often a large bull moose will be too busy eating weeds from the river bottom to bother with your presence, and you may spend virtually unlimited time observing and photographing these impressive animals as they emerge for a breath and a leisurely look your way. Other common wildlife sightings include bald eagles, osprey, loons, duck families, and American Coots.
Our Itinerary:
Flight into Bangor and car rental to drive to Allagash Village. We stayed at Allagash Village in the Guides cabin ($50 for the four of us). The outfitter provided the canoes PFDs and paddles, we provided everything else.
Day 1: Early rise and breakfast in town (there is only one restaurant) and into the van for the drive to Churchill Dam to put in. We deposited our gear at the foot of Chase Rapids – a 6 mile stretch from where we put in at Church Hill Dam. We met with the ranger at Churchill and he advised on how to shoot Chase Rapids and to avoid entering Umasksis Lake due to very high waves (3-4 feet). Off we went! 6 miles of class 2 and a lot of adrenalin later we picked up our gear and headed to camp at Chisholm camp prior to Umasksis Lake.
Day 2 – Early rise to hit the lake before the wind picked up. Well this was not to be, 7:00 am on the water and wind was blowing. We hugged the shore and paddled very hard with waves crashing and arms aching we made it to the ranger station at the top of the lake. We swung in and chatted for a spell, then took a few hours fishing from the bridge before heading up Long Lake and camping at Lost Popple (nice site).
Day 3 – Headed up to the top of Long Lake and portaged over Long Lake Dam and followed the river into Round Pond. Round pond was like glass an easy paddle up to Turk Island (great site) where we made camp for an afternoon of fishing.
Day 4 – Up and out at dawn provided dozens of moose sightings all along the river in the early fog. The dense fog was a almost mystical as we continued up the water way. An occasional low water spot caused a canoe drag or two, but for the most part the river was flowing nicely. We stopped into talk to the ranger at Michaud Farm and he advised on the best river route to Allagash Falls. Arriving at the falls portage (perhaps a ¼ mile portage). We hauled the canoes and gear about half way selected a campsite and headed to the falls for the afternoon.
Day 5: A short canoe ride to Twin Brook camp, the last camp on the Allagash. A relaxing day and rainy night for our last in the wilderness corridor.
Day 6: The last leg of the river offers some very nice class 2 rapids right into town. We hauled the canoes out at the bridge and headed to the car for the ride to Bangor. An evening on the town, Salty Dog Bar and Lobster dinner across the river made a memorable ending to a fantastic wild ride.
Don’t miss this wilderness experience it is one of the finest canoe areas in the country.
Guide / Canoe Rental:
Allagash Guide Service
928 Allagash Rd.
Allagash, Maine, 04774
Phone:
207-398-3418
877-815-8165
