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St. John River

Canoeing in Maine with Maine Path and Paddle Guides

Highlights

  • Explore remote northern Maine
  • Fun spring water, take on Class III rapids
  • Beautiful riverside campsites
  • Pre-bug season dates

 

Full Description

The upper St. John flows through some of the most remote wilderness of northwestern Maine.

Wildlife abounds in this untamed wilderness, and this 110-mile trip runs through quick water and rapids and is rated up to Class III white water. Because the St John River valley drains so efficiently the only water that we depend on is the spring run-off. Unless we have a wet summer the river is just too low to paddle. This tends to reduce the overall impact on the St John River.

The benefit is well maintained seldom used sites. The night sky star gazing from sites along the St John are incredible. Good chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Campsites along the St John do not see many visitors, they are well maintained and offer spectacular views. There are no portages and very little dead water. Whitewater knowledge is necessary, with two major class II-III rapids you must know how to read the river, and how to position your boat for some big waves... it's a cold swim. Wetsuits required and available.

Includes:

  • Canoes, paddles, life jackets, bailers, sponges, and maps
  • All camping gear including tents, tarps, camp chairs, coolers, saws, stoves, water purifiers, lanters and all cook and kitchen gear
  • Suggested books and maps relevant to the trip
  • Trip details, what to expect, how to prepare
  • Area lodging information helpful for pre and post trip planning
  • Information about other exciting Maine vacation activities and destinations
  • Knowledge of the Maine outdoors
  • Fishing information – license, regulations, flies, lures, etc.
  • Food and meals
  • Filtered water
  • Transportation to the put-in and from the take-out

 

Excludes:

  • Trip insurance
  • Airfare
  • Meals during transfers to and from put-ins and take-outs
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Quality Rain Gear (important!)
  • Bathing Suite, Towel
  • Camera, Binoculars, Sunglasses, Daypack
  • Two Pairs of Shoes (Water Sandals, Sneakers)
  • Toiletries
  • Extra glasses
  • Water bottle
  • Insect repellent, sun screen, sun glasses, hat
  • Fishing Rod and Tackle (License Required)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Meet your guide, gear-up, and head north. It’s a 6+ hour drive to the put-in at Baker Lake – Discover how vast and remote the North Maine Woods really is on this drive though the heart of the forest. Miles and miles of woods roads. Keep a sharp lookout for a black bear rambling down a woods road! Upon arrival at Baker Lake we will load and trim the canoes, review trip logistics, and head down the river. Expect to paddle 2-5 miles to our first campsite.

Days 2-5

Break camp, pack canoes, and head down the river. Water levels vary a lot on the St John River. At high water we can cover 10 miles by lunch, at low levels it may take all day to paddle 10 miles. A typical day of paddling the St John we, head off around 9am, cover about 15-20 miles, and arrive at our next campsite around 3pm. With almost no dead water the St John River current is always carrying you down river, which provides plenty of time to drift and go with the flow. Even with a strong headwind you will feel the current and you will feel the wind in a tug-o-war of natural forces. Campsites along the St John River are some of the nicest in Maine. Primarily because they are used so infrequently due to the short spring paddling season and its remoteness.

Day 6

Break camp, pack canoes, and head down the river. The climax of the St John River trip is Big Rapid, a 3 mile Class III stretch of white water that can be a thrill to run. By the last day of the trip you are ready and excited for this challenge, you’ve earned it. Enjoy shooting Big Rapid! We arrive at the take-out at around 1pm on day-6. We pack the gear and canoes, and begin the journey home. With stops it takes 8-9 hours to drive from Allagash Village to the Portland area.

About The Operator:

Maine Path and Paddle Guides

Headquarters:

Maine

We have been canoeing and camping together for over 20 years. We've taken folks down many of Maine's premier wilderness canoe rivers and lakes. We have gained our leadership experience taking hundreds of clients, families, and friends into the wilds of Maine.

Tim and David are Registered Maine Guides, licensed by the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife. We are committed to providing a safe, legal and quality wilderness experience. We have spent many moons gaining respect and reverence for the Maine outdoors.

Our philosophy is to provide you with a safe Maine wilderness experience, understanding your abilities and desires. We believe and follow Leave No Trace camping practices, have a deep wilderness ethic and abide by all the laws of the great State O' Maine.

We strive to limit our impact, and act to ensure that the Maine woods remains a sustainable resource for generations.