Explore the lower half of Maine's Allagash Wilderness Waterway, a 92-mile-ribbon of lakes, streams and rivers, surrounded by mountains and lush forests. Paddle an exhilarating combination of big lakes and swift water while looking for bald eagles and osprey. Spot moose, bobcat, and bear. Canoe the Pongokwahemook Lake and Musquacok Stream and soak in the rich Native American history. Visit Allagash Falls -- a 40-foot drop of water cascading over thin-leaved slate. Looking for fast water paddling in a stunning locale? This trip is for you!
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
DAY 1: Your trip starts in the afternoon at Umsaskis Lake. Practice paddling and camp on the lake shore that evening.
DAY 2: Continue out of Umsaskis Lake, into adjoining Long Lake. Enjoy the view of the Gray Brook Mountains to the west and paddle on to Long Lake Dam where, after a short portage, you'll set up camp for the evening.
DAY 3: Pick up the pace today and head into the Allagash River. Look for wildlife in the surrounding forests as the river takes you to Round Pond. Cross the pond and set up camp on the northern shores.
DAY 4: Today is a layover day. You'll have the opportunity to explore more of Round Lake and the surrounding area. If you're feeling adventurous, you may choose to make the 5-mile round-trip hike to Round Pond Tower and experience the Allagash from far above.
DAY 5: Start the day with an exhilarating paddle through a stretch of rapids called Round Pond Rips. You'll also paddle through Musquacook Deadwater, one of the more scenic stretches of this river. Camp that night at Five Finger Brooks.
DAY 6: Continue up the Allagash to Allagash Falls. After portaging around the falls, you can take time to enjoy their beauty and explore the surrounding area. Perhaps a display of northern lights will grace your last night in the woods.
DAY 7: Get up early and paddle the last few miles to your take-out where you'll pack up for the ride back to Bangor. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon. Return to Bangor that evening.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: This area lies near the northern Appalachian Mountains. The terrain is characterized by exposed granite with a thin layer of top soil, the result of glaciers scraping and grinding as recently as 10,000 years ago. The granite makes for rough terrain; wheelchair users can expect difficulty at times due to obstacles of varying degrees (rocks, mud, logs, etc.). In general, however, the lakes and rivers make this area accessible with relative ease.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 17-foot Old Town Tripper canoes, which hold two to three paddlers, plus all necessary gear. An average day's travel consists of 3-5 hours of paddling, depending on weather. Except for scheduled layover days, most days' travel distance varies from 6-9 miles per day. You can expect 2-3 portages (short trail crossings) on this trip. Portaging can be challenging, but it also offers a chance to get out of the canoes and enjoy the woods. To protect the environment, WI uses “minimum impact” camping techniques.
WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 40 F to 95 F. Rainfall can vary, and you should expect at least a day or two of rain.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable Eureka Timberline tent. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available as loaners for individuals who need them). Bathroom facilities consist of a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 8 to 10 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary canoeing and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
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 wilderness 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.
Text above is from State of Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands
For more information, visit these links:
Allagash History
State of Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands
Mainerec.com
[ Dates & Fees ]
WI leads trips to the Allagash, but typically only for pre-existing groups (schools, clubs, families, friends who travel together, etc...).
If you have a group of 8 to 11 people interested, we can set up a trip to the Allagash just for you! Typical cost for a 7-day trip is about $1895 per person, which includes everything except transportation to and from Bangor, Maine.
Please contact us if you are interested in a group trip to the Allagash.
info@wildernessinquiry.org
612-676-9400
800-728-0719
(Join our waiting list to be notified when WI schedules a trip to Allagash Wilderness Waterway Canoe)
