Canoe Trip on the East Branch of the Penobscot
The upper East Branch is the most spectacular wilderness river in the Northeast
The upper East Branch is the most spectacular wilderness river in the Northeast
| Date(s) | Price(s) |
|---|---|
| $1250 | $$1250 |
The many falls and gorges are interspersed with majestic views of the mountains in Baxter State Park. There are numerous Class II and III rapids and four portages. It is well worth the effort for the privilege of canoeing the East Branch.
Running through the middle of the newly created Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument, the East Branch of the Penobscot River is unmatched in Maine for its mountainous scenery and beautiful falls (locally called “pitches”). In the first 7 miles, there are more than a half dozen Class I, II, and III rapids (depending on water levels) and four “carries” (portages).
We begin our trip on Grand Lake Matagamon and allow extra time on the river to practice and review our whitewater maneuvers on the first four miles before navigating Stair Falls, the first major rapid. We allow more days on the East Branch than most outfitters, because we want to take the time to ensure our guests have the skills to safely negotiate and enjoy running the rapids. Our takeout is at Whetstone Falls.
Some river experience is helpful, and you should be in good physical shape due to the portaging required.
All our Maine canoe trips are fully outfitted and guided by Mahoosuc Guide Service’s owners Polly or Kevin. We provide all the food, camping, paddling, and cooking equipment, as well as a detailed clothing list to help you in packing for your trip. Most of our trips meet in Orono, Maine (just north of Bangor). We provide transportation to and from the river. Many of our canoe trips require no special physical conditioning. If you have any concerns about the physical requirements of a trip, please contact us.
We are experienced teachers and will help you master the art of canoeing by teaching paddle strokes and poling techniques. You will learn how to set up a warm dry camp, and if you want, how to cook and bake over an open fire. All our food is natural or organic, and we source much of our food locally. Natural history, wildlife viewing, and fishing will be covered as your interests warrant.
You are in safe hands with Mahoosuc Guide Service. With more than 40 years guiding experience from Maine and Quebec to the Yukon and Alaska, we have an excellent safety record. We are certified in Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responders. We carry a satellite phone for emergency communication!
Depart Black Bear Inn in Orono 7:30 a.m.
2 ½ hour drive to river put in.
On river – review safety, strokes, maneuvers as needed.
Camp 4 ½ miles down river at Oxbow campsite.
Travel downriver about 4 miles.
This section has rapids and 3 portages.
In order: 1st rapids Class 2.
Pond Pitch – portage 1/4 mile.
Grand Pitch – portage 1/3 mile.
Camp at Grand Pitch – ½ way down portage trail.
Finish portage.
Run Class 1-2 rips to
Hulling Machine – ½ mile portage.
Bowlin Falls – Class 2+.
Camp Fiske Bogan.
Approximately 10-12 river miles this day.
Paddle approximately 7-8 miles down river (no major rapids).
to Whetstone Falls.
Run Upper & Lower Whetstone Falls Class 2-3.
Take off river midday or early afternoon.
Transport back to Orono – 2 hour, 15 minute drive.
Deposits are non-refundable. From 0-14 days before trip starts, no money is refundable. Within 14-30 days before the trip starts, money is non-refundable, but you may apply the amount to another trip for one year (on a space available basis) minus your deposit. If you cancel within 14 days of the starting date, money is non-transferable and non-refundable. We go in all conditions including rain and thaws. If extreme weather conditions prevent you from traveling to Maine for your trip, you may use the full amount less the deposit for another trip for one year from the trip starting date. You may wish to purchase vacation insurance to cover this possibility. If you have to cancel due to Covid related issues we will not be able to give a refund, but will lock in the price of the trip and give a 2 year credit to be used toward any of our trips.
We only cancel a trip for safety reasons (i.e. flooding, bad ice, extreme windchill or lack of conditions – not enough snow or ice.) If we need to cancel, we try to reschedule people to another trip. If we need to cancel for safety or lack of conditions you may choose to use the full amount toward another Mahoosuc trip for 2 years, or receive a 50% refund and apply the other half to a Mahoosuc trip for 2 years.
We are asking all of our guests to provide a copy of their vaccine card OR for children not yet eligible to get a negative PCR Covid test within 72 hours of the trip (it may take longer than this to get results so plan accordingly). We are also recommending that people have had a booster shot(s).
Mushing can be physically demanding. We cannot predict trail conditions as they change daily, sometimes hourly. You should be in good physical condition for an overnight dog sledding trip. The dogs are strong; however, there are limits to their pulling ability. Therefore, we ask individuals who weigh over 215 lbs. to contact us prior to sending in their reservation form.
Tips are appropriate for your guides. If you feel you would like to recognize how hard they worked to provide a safe and reliable trip for you. A common amount is 5% – %10 of your trip cost. At Mahoosuc we split tips evenly among whoever is working on the trip unless people want certain amounts to go directly to certain guides. In this case they should give it to them individually.
Over the years my wife and I have been on wonderful guided trips on the Allagash and West Branch of the Penobscot with Polly. I also went on several other Allagash trips with her. All of these trips were unique and enjoyable. We found her easy to be with and eager to share her wilderness knowledge of the North Country gained through experience of thirty years. Both Kevin and Polly are the organizers, guides, teachers, chefs, story tellers, and friend to all on the trip. But, there was no doubt they are in charge of details that made a wilderness trip seem effortless – shuttle service, organized lists with necessary equipment to bring, menus and meals, safety measures, daily schedules, side trips, and in a pinch, a back-up plan if some unseen event required a change in plans. Our view of this level of professional guiding is that it provides an atmosphere where everyone can feel safe and therefore free to totally enjoy the wilderness experience. Beyond all of the above, I think a real plus for me is the opportunity to use the skills I already have – this makes a trip with Kevin or Polly special for all involved.
