Canoeing in the North Maine Woods
Paddle beautiful rivers
Come and experience the canoe or kayak trip of a lifetime in the very heart of the North Woods of Maine along the East Branch of the Penobscot River.
East Branch of the Penobscot River: riffles to class Vs
The East Branch is one of Maine's truly classic river trips! A beautiful river to canoe or kayak, this river has miles of fast water as well as dead water. It offers impressive scenery, abundant wildlife, and great fishing from early spring to late summer. The river starts at Matagamon Lake about 13 miles north of Bowlin Camps Lodge. This section has 4 portages. The river then runs 67 miles south to join the West Branch in Medway. Our camp sits directly on the river allowing for easy access. So skip the portages, stay in one of our cabins, and start your river adventure with us!
The East Branch is remarkably responsive to rain, and changes rapidly.
Resources: USGS streamflow information for the East Branch and the American Whitewater Organization's description of classes of rapids.
Seboeis River
The Seboeis River offers some of Maine's wildest and most interesting scenery. With only one brief portage and a uniform gradient, you'll find it a sensible river to paddle. The Seboeis offers a rewarding experience to seasoned paddlers as well as the novice. With a few Class II rapids that quiet to Class I, the river winds through moose country and high forested ridges, delivering beauty and tranquility.
Resoures: USGS Seboeis streamflow and depth gauge.
Bowlin Pond
Close to camp, the 115 acre Bowlin Pond is a great pond to paddle. From one of our camp canoes you may spot moose, eagles and a variety of Maine's wildlife. We'll pack your lunch you bring your fishing pole!
Baxter State Park
The Baxter State Park offers many opportunities to enjoy the peaceful ponds and lake waters of this beautiful preserve. The north entrance to Baxter is easily accessible from Bowlin Camps Lodge.
Katahdin Woods & Water National Monument
We are adjacent to the thousands of acres of the new Katahdin Woods & Water National Monument which makes us the perfect spot to use as a base camp while you explore everything the area has to offer. See Bowlin Camps Lodge location on the KW&WNM Recreation Map.
Create a canoe trip package
Choose a river, the East Branch or Seboeis - or both; Bowlin Camps Lodge offers weekend packages for all levels of paddlers. We have several canoes on site for our guest's use. We offer both guided and un-guided trips to suit all needs and will pick you up at a designated site at the end of your trip. Then it's back to camp where a great meal and a cozy cabin await you.
Canoe trip links
- Penobscot River - East Branch from Grand lake Matagamon to Bowlin Camps
- Penobscot - East Branch from Bowlin to Whetstone
- Seboeis River 13 mile trip
When Henry David Thoreau paddled the East Branch it was wild and beautiful, and it still is today. See our canoeing photo gallery.
Contact us today to plan a waterway vacation or long weekend. Click here for Accommodations