Allagash River Canoe Trips

Allagash Headwaters Lodge and Outfitters

The Allagash River is a fabled 92-mile waterway made up of headwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. Renowned for its remote and undeveloped shoreline, the Allagash was designated by the Department of the Interior as the second (Wild and Scenic) river in the United States in 1970. A river that the Wabanaki people traveled, and Henry David Thoreau explored more than 150 years ago.

Our river trips offer extensive wildlife viewing, birding, and the unique opportunity of stargazing, and if lucky, you may get to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The Allagash region is nationally recognized as a dark sky area. The Allagash River offers a classic canoe camping trip for even the inexperienced wilderness paddler, and we allow ample time for you to enjoy the quiet and solitude it has to offer. Considered some of the wildest country in the lower 48, the Allagash region offers extensive wildlife viewing and has the highest density of moose in the state. Our trips are all-inclusive (food, equipment, transport, road and camping fees) except for your sleeping bag and personal items, beginner-friendly, and are intended to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. We stay in quality tents and cook over an open fire and a camp stove. Our professional guides take care of trip logistics, planning, transportation, canoes, meals, and covering day use and camping fees. Campsites on the river are rustic but comfortable and well-maintained, including a picnic table with a tarp pole, a clean outhouse, and a fire-pit.

No special training is required, and our experienced guides will provide expert training in the basics of paddling and canoe handling before we leave for our trip. In addition, canoe poling is a long-standing tradition on the Allagash and a most gratifying skill to learn during your trip.

Meals are an important part of the trip, and special dietary needs can be accommodated. We select the best fresh, frozen, canned, and dried foods available. Quality meats, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruits are daily staples. Meals are prepared over an open fire, camp stove, and reflector oven, followed by delicious desserts. Unlike backpacking, a canoe trip allows us to bring more gear, food, and a few comforts of home. With more than 30 years of experience on the Allagash and many other local rivers. We take pride in what we do and provide for our guests. Our equipment is selected as the best for the conditions that we expect to encounter on our trip.

Durable OLDTOWN canoes from the rugged 16’9″ Discovery and 17′ tripper to the 20′ XL Tripper are used along with quality paddles, life jackets, waterproof duffels, tents,  cooking and eating utensils, rain fly, first-aid kit, and emergency communication devices.

Allagash Headwater Lake Camping trips are also available on Allagash Lake and Chamberlain, Big Eagle, and Churchill Lakes. Shuttle service to and from the Allagash, St.  John, and Penobscot rivers: Our shuttle service saves you time and wear and tear on you, your group, and your vehicles. We offer free, secure parking at several locations. Seaplane and vehicle transportation from the Presque Isle, Maine, and Bangor Airport is available.

Please call for a quote and for any additional questions. Please contact us to discuss your and/or your group’s objectives, trip length, and dates that may work best for you. The most popular months to experience the wilderness of the Allagash River are Late May, June, July, and August. Preferred months for adult and corporate groups are mid-September to early October. Our licensed Professional guides intend to make your trip on the Allagash a safe, enjoyable, and lasting memory.

The best fishing months are May, June, and late September, but consider biting insects in June.

The Allagash River canoe trip is one of the best-known canoe trips on the East Coast, and many will argue the lower 48 states. The entire wilderness river is 93 miles long and offers a glimpse of a region rich in Native American Wabanaki culture, people, and their winter hunting ground dating back more than 12,000 years. Followed by a long-standing logging history that continues to this day. The Allagash River has consistently proven to be one of the best areas for wildlife watching and birding. Moose, Deer, Bald Eagle, Loons, and Osprey are daily occurrences.

The Allagash and its wilderness experience are a great place to unwind and reconnect in a beautiful environment free of distractions. Creating incredible life-long memories.

All-Inclusive trips:

Transportation, food, gate and camping fees, equipment, less sleeping bag, and personal items.
Experienced Professional Maine Guides.