Allagash River Canoe Trips, Family Friendly, Best Moose Viewing Trip

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is Maine’s best known canoe trip and has attracted paddler’s for more than a century. Henry David Thoreau ventured into this region more than 150 years ago by traveling into the Allagash via the Mud Pond Carry from the West Penobscot watershed. The legendary Allagash is Maine’s only designated Wild and Scenic River.

Canoe the Wild Allagash Highlight Video, Summer 2020

Allagash canoe trips are popular with families, scouts, teens, summer camps, as well as adult and youth groups. With its easy flowing river sections and its moderate whitewater on Chase Stream Rapids, the Allagash is well suited for ages 12 and up. It is one of the few eastern rivers that can be paddled for a week or longer without coming into contact with modern civilization.

If you’re hoping to encounter wildlife, the Allagash is where you want to be. It has consistently been our best Maine canoe trip for spotting wildlife, including moose and eagles. With numerous put in and take out locations, outings can be planned from four to ten days.

At its headwaters are numerous lakes including Chamberlain, Allagash, Eagle, and Churchill. The northern section taking you from Chase Stream Rapids to Allagash Village, involves mostly river travel; you’ll be paddling Umsuskis and Long Lakes, Round Pond, and portaging around 40′ Allagash Falls.

The region is rich in logging history, and there are numerous artifacts that can be explored from days gone by. You’ll have a chance to visit the remains of Lombard stream haulers, a tramway from Eagle to Chamberlain Lake, and two locomotives on the shores of Eagle Lake.

A Guided Allagash Canoe Trip Provides

A safe and enjoyable time, guides take care of all the logistics including, trip planning, itinerary, transportation into the North Maine Woods to our launch location, equipment & canoes, meals and covering significant day use and camping fees at North Maine Woods points of entry. Campsites located on the river’s edge are rustic with picnic tables, fire pit and a well maintained outhouse. We camp in tents and cooking is done over an open fire.

Choose 5, 6, 7, or 8 days: Our 8-day trip takes in the entire traditional Allagash canoe route (93 miles) involves paddling the 3 large headwater lakes of Chamberlain, Eagle and Churchill ending in Allagash Village. Our 7-day trip (82 miles) begins on Indian Steam the south end of Eagle Lake ending in Allagash Village. Our 5 & 6 day trips (45 & 62 miles) skips the larger headwater lakes of Chamberlain and Eagle Lake launching at Churchill dam ending at Michaud Farms or Allagash village. Our 5 & 6 day trips include spending the first night on Churchill Lake allowing plenty of time to brush up on basic paddling skills in preparation for lively Chase Stream Rips the next morning. We’ll paddle Umsaskis & Long Lakes, meandering river sections, Round Pond, Musquacook Deadwater and portage around scenic 40’ Allagash Falls. Our takeout time on the last day is noontime with arrival back to your vehicles by early afternoon. Note in the event of low water or consecutive wind days that cause an extended delay, trips that were planned for Allagash Village may opt to take out at Michaud Farms.

It’s not a marathon: Except for the 1^st and last days, average distance and time on the water is 10 miles and 6-7 hours with breaks and lunch. Our itinerary is planned to arrive in camp by the middle of the afternoon allowing for time to set up camp and enjoy some down time. During this time, you may want to swim, fish, help with camp chores, learn a new camping skill, head off with your camera in search of wildlife and explore. Exceptions to this schedule may include being delayed due to wind so it’s best not to plan a schedule that doesn’t allow for a wind delay.

Best times to paddle the Allagash: Mid-May through mid-September. While fishing is at its best in the spring when the water is cold, the height of bug season tends to be the last few days of May thought the 3^rd week of June. The most popular times to paddle the Allagash are July and August with warm days and less bugs. Early fall is an excellent time with fewer people, no bugs, and the beginning of fall colors.

New to canoeing? Be sure to view our instructional videos made in collaboration with Old Town Canoe. This short 3-part series covers: Basic Canoe Strokes, Canoe Paddling Maneuvers, Running Rapids. You can view them here.

Book a Trip: CLICK HERE

Allagash Resources

2024 Allagash Testimonials

Brian J

7 Day Wilderness Canoe Trip

Aug 2024 • Couples

We had an awesome week on the Allagash in August, seven days from Indian Steam in the headwater lakes to Michaud Farm! Dave had all the logistic planned perfectly from start to finish. He and Rachael guided us along this magical waterway providing tons of stories about the history of Allagash and the Maine North Woods while providing tips on paddling technique and river safety along the way. Incredible scenery, beautiful campsites, abundant wildlife and delicious food cooked over the campfire each day! Water levels were unseasonably high so we even go to shoot the rapids at Long Lake Dam! Highly recommended for paddlers of all levels. We look forward to another adventure with Canoe the Wild in the future!

Alyssa S

Kennebunk,

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Aug 2024 • Solo

The Allagash canoe trip and it was nothing short of AMAZING!! I feel like I came out of this trip having grown so much! Dave and Rachel were incredible guides who provided you with all the information you need to know in order to enjoy all the Allagash has to offer, to learn new skills, and to stay safe! I went as a party of 1 and never once felt anything other that safe and in the best of hands! They took care of every detail and all the logistics of the trip, which you could tell they took very seriously and planned for. From the packing list provided to the food to the historic relevance to the Allagash, they provided it all! Dave told wonderful stories around the fires and answered an endless number of questions and was happy to teach you how to set up camp or tie a new knot or saw wood. Rachel taught us how to bake desserts (cakes and crisps!) using the campfire, provided wonderful conversation as we paddled, and played the harmonica at breakfast. Dave set up my cellphone settings to capture a photo of the milky way and Rachel paddled me out to see the stars on a clear still night. It was indescribable. I HIGHLY recommend Canoe the Wild. I would trust Dave and all of his guides on any of their trips amd hope to join them on another trip! You wont be disappointed and will learn and grow so much from a trip with them!

Bruce B

Bucket List Trip for a Truly Wild Experience!

Aug 2024 • Friends

One of most wilderness experiences one could imagine. Expert tireless guides, excellent equipment and fabulous campfire prepared meals made for a super river canoe trip!

Dreamer563446

5 day – Allagash

Aug 2024 • Family

I took a 5 day canoe trip on the Allagash with my dad. It was one of the best things I have ever done, so peaceful. It was so well organized. Tammi and Nick our guides were amazing and made sure we felt comfortable and safe at all times. I look forward to another adventure with Canoe the Wild in the future. If you’re thinking about it DO IT you will not regret it! Also, The food was SOOO Good.