Machias River Canoe Trip, Maine
The Machias river trip is a renowned Maine canoe trip. The Machias river is a wilderness canoe trip in Maine 85 miles in length runnable from headwaters to sea by canoeing from 5th Machias lake to the coastal town of Machias, Maine.

Canoe trips on the Machias river are runnable from late April to mid June. After the spring run-off, water levels on the Machias river are dependent on the amount of precipitation received in eastern Maine. Canoe trips including the Machias rivers headwater lakes are best run early in the Machias river season. Canoe trips of shorter length are possible due to a number of canoe access points along the Machias river.

Suggested Maine canoe trips on the Machias river:
  • 3rd Lake to Holmes Falls, 3 day canoe trip
  • 3rd Lake to Smith Landing, 4 day canoe trip
  • 5th Lake to Holmes Falls, 4 day canoe trip
  • 3rd Lake to Whitneyville, 5 day canoe trip
  • 5th Lake to Smith Landing, 5 day canoe trip
  • 5th Lake to Machias, 6-7 day canoe trip
Notable Qualities: The Machias river trip is an extended Maine canoe trip with class II and III rapids.

Insider Tips: Plan for early May to canoe the headwater lakes as the water levels in their connecting streams drop first. Generally, the Machias river sustains canoeable water levels through early June below 2nd Lake. After the first week of June, water levels depend the amount of precipitation received in eastern Maine. Canoe trips putting in on any of the Machias rivers tributaries are best run early in the Maine canoeing season.

Camping: Primitive wilderness river campsites available on a first-come first served basis, many accessible only by boat or canoe.

Fishing: Maine fishing license required.

Wildlife: Bald eagles, moose, white-tailed deer, various birds and waterfowl are common sightings on Machias river canoe trips.

Scenery: Tall pines rule the upper river while hardwoods become prevalent in areas below the West Branch of the Machias river. Sandy campsites on the upper lakes are among the most beautiful sites in Maine. Canoe trips on any of the Machias rivers tributaries are best run early in the Maine canoeing season.

Drinking Water: Filtration system or bring your own.
2008 Rental & Service Rates
Old Town and Mad River canoes
incl. paddles, PFD's		 $35/day
4 & 2 man tents w/sleeping pads $7/night
camp stoves $7/day
lantern $7/day
kitchen gear $7/day
tarp $2/day
dry bag 4.2 cu. feet $3/day
cooler $2/day
saw $1/day
Provisioning & trip prep service $270 + cost of food
*we do not rent personal items such as sleeping bags, axes, or insulated coffee mugs*

2008 River Shuttle Rates
Basic River Shuttle- we drop your party and/or rented equipment off and pick your party and/or rented equipment up while providing safe parking for your vehicle(s) while you are on river $370 + $190/addl. Sunrise vehicle round trip
Bangor Sh7ttle- we pick your party up and drop your party off at Bangor Intl. Airport; rate is in addition to the Basic Shuttle rate $220 + $190/addl. Sunrise vehicle round trip
Via River Shuttle- we meet your party at your planned take-out and transport your party and/or rented equipment to your planned put-in leaving your vehicle(s) behind; you are responsible for returning any rented equipment to our Machias location $270 + $140/addl. Sunrise vehicle one-way
A custom quote to move your vehicle(s)
while you are on river will not be less than
the via river shuttle option

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Reservation & Cancelation Policy .pdf
machias river map