Lodge-Based Wildlife Watching at Loon Lodge in Maine
Loon Lodge, operated by Ray and Leslie Cooley, is 3 miles south of Allagash Lake. This area is rich in its diversity of North Woods wildlife.
Loon Lodge, operated by Ray and Leslie Cooley, is 3 miles south of Allagash Lake. This area is rich in its diversity of North Woods wildlife.
| Date(s) | Price(s) |
|---|---|
| June 7-11, 2024 | $1,500 |
Embark on an unforgettable experience with Mahoosuc Guide Service’s Loon Lodge Wildlife Watching Canoe Trip, which offers relaxation and exploration. This unique adventure combines the comfort of a traditional Maine sporting lodge with exciting day trips into remote, seldom-visited areas rich with wildlife such as moose, deer, otters, ospreys, and eagles. Each night return to the cozy Loon Lodge for a delicious home-cooked meal, warm hospitality, and a comfortable stay. This trip is perfect for seniors who still enjoy immersing themselves in wild country and observing wildlife but prefer the comforts of a lodge to camp.
Ray and Leslie Cooley, who run Loon Lodge, are old and dear friends of Kevin and Polly, ensuring a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. During this trip, you will explore the stunning Maine wilderness, paddling on Round Pond, Poland Pond, and Daggett Pond, each offering its unique charms.
To view the trip itinerary, click here.
Discover the abundance of wildlife that calls Maine’s remote and wild areas home on our Loon Lodge Wildlife Watching Canoe Trip. With expert guidance from our Mahoosuc Guide Service team, you’ll venture into some of the region’s most secluded and pristine corners, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe and appreciate the area’s diverse fauna.
Canoeing Through Untouched Habitats
We’ll embark on exhilarating canoe excursions each day, navigating tranquil lakes and winding rivers that meander through dense forests and vibrant wetlands. These untamed landscapes provide the ideal habitats for various wildlife species, including moose, deer, otters, ospreys, and eagles. As we glide silently through the water, we’ll get the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environments, unspoiled by human intervention.
Expert Guidance and Local Knowledge
Our experienced Mahoosuc Guide Service team deeply understands the region’s ecosystems and wildlife behaviors. Drawing upon their extensive local knowledge, our guides will lead you to the best wildlife-watching spots, maximizing your chances of encountering these awe-inspiring animals. In addition, our guides will share fascinating insights into the ecology, habits, and conservation status of the various species you’ll encounter, enhancing your appreciation of Maine’s natural wonders.
Capture the Moment
As we explore the captivating wilderness, bring your camera or binoculars to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Whether you’re an amateur nature photographer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, our wildlife watching canoe trip offers countless opportunities to capture stunning images of the animals and landscapes that make Maine a truly unique destination.
Join Mahoosuc Guide Service on our Loon Lodge Wildlife Watching Canoe Trip and immerse yourself in Maine’s untamed wilderness’s breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife. This unforgettable adventure perfectly blends excitement, tranquility, and connection with nature.
Our Loon Lodge Wildlife Watching Canoe Trip is designed to cater to seniors who appreciate nature’s beauty but prefer a more comfortable and accessible adventure. Combining the cozy accommodations of a traditional Maine sporting lodge with thrilling canoe day trips, this experience perfectly balances relaxation and exploration for seniors who may have outgrown the camping experience.
Tailored to Accommodate All Abilities
Understanding that seniors have varying levels of physical ability, our expert guides at Mahoosuc Guide Service ensure that each canoe excursion is tailored to the needs and preferences of our guests. We aim to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Friendly and Attentive Hosts
Loon Lodge in Maine is owned and operated by Ray and Leslie Cooley, who have experienced hosts and old and dear friends of Kevin and Polly from Mahoosuc Guide Service. Their warm hospitality and genuine care for their guests ensure you feel right at home during your stay. With their local knowledge and passion for the region, Ray and Leslie are always eager to share stories, answer questions, and offer insights to help you make the most of your wildlife-watching adventure.
Delicious Home-Cooked Meals
One of the highlights of your stay at Loon Lodge in Maine is the mouthwatering home-cooked meals prepared by your hosts. Each evening, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner featuring local ingredients and traditional Maine recipes, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. These wholesome and hearty meals satisfy your hunger and provide an opportunity to gather around the table, share stories, and forge new friendships with your fellow adventurers.
Cozy Accommodations
Loon Lodge in Maine offers comfortable accommodations that reflect the rustic charm of a traditional Maine sporting lodge. Each room is thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a day of wildlife watching and exploration. The welcoming atmosphere of the lodge invites you to unwind, relax, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.
Experience the magic of Maine’s wilderness and wildlife without compromising comfort and accessibility on the Loon Lodge Wildlife Watching Canoe Trip. This unforgettable journey is designed with seniors in mind and offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and genuine hospitality.
For trip itinerary, click here
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 Territory 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!
Meet at Black Bear Inn in Orono at 7:30 a.m. after breakfast.
Load into van, drive to Loon Lodge.
Intro to paddling on Round Pond.
Supper at Loon Lodge.
After breakfast, day paddle to Poland Pond.
Poland, chain of ponds, has extensive areas of bog and muskeag. Certain boreal bird species can be found here such as the black backed woodpecker, boreal chickadee and the rusty winged black bird.
Look for wildlife such as moose, deer, beaver, fox, eagles, osprey, etc.
Lunch on the trail.
Supper at Loon Lodge.
After breakfast, day paddle to Cias Stream to Caucomgomoc Landing.
Ciss Stream is known for it’s abundance and diversity of waterfowl.
Numerous species of ducks, bittern and snipe can be found here.
Lunch on the trail.
Supper at Loon Lodge.
After breakfast morning paddle on Round Pond to mouth of Dagget Pond.
Lunch at Loon Lodge.
Depart for Orono at 1 p.m.
Arrive at Black Bear Inn at 5 p.m.
Deposits are non-refundable. No money is refundable from 0-14 days before the trip starts. Within 14-30 days before the journey begins, money is non-refundable. 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 total amount less the deposit for another year from the starting date. You may purchase vacation insurance to cover this possibility. If you have to cancel due to Covid related issues, we cannot give a refund, but we will lock in the trip’s price and give a 2-year credit for 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.) We may need to cancel canoe trips due to safety issues such as extremely high or low river water. If we need to cancel, we try rescheduling people to another trip. If we need to compensate for safety or lack of conditions, you may use the total amount toward another Mahoosuc trip for two years or receive a 50% refund and apply the other half to a Mahoosuc trip for two years.
If you have any symptoms of Covid before your trip, please test yourself before arriving at Mahoosuc Guide Service and contact us to reschedule your trip.
Mushing can be physically demanding. We cannot predict trail conditions. You should be in good physical condition for an overnight dog sledding trip. The dogs are strong but limited in their pulling ability. Therefore, we ask individuals who weigh over 215 lbs. Sometimes there are portages around falls for canoeing trips, and we must carry all our gear and canoes around them. The better shape you are in will make these carries easier for you.
Tips are appropriate for your guides. If you would like to recognize how hard they worked to provide a safe and reliable trip for you. A standard amount is 5% – 10% of your trip cost. At Mahoosuc, we split tips evenly among whoever works on the trip unless people want certain amounts to go directly to specific guides. In this case, they should give it to them individually.
I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful Allagash trip. I thoroughly enjoyed myself although I did feel a little like I should have done more. Old habits die hard, I guess. It was such a pleasure picking my way down the river, especially below the falls. I always looked forward to that area. What a crew you have. Jason and Mandy were great and you are a natural leader, showing both compassion and firmness when called for. I have admired what you and Kevin have accomplished for a long time and two trips with you just goes to show me why you had such success.
