Nearly 100 miles of pristine Maine wilderness — headwater lakes, Chase Rapids, moose at the river’s edge, and meals cooked over an open fire. This is why people come back, trip after trip.
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is one of the great canoe journeys in the eastern United States — and it has been Allagash Canoe Trips’ home river since 1953. We begin our week-long trips at Eagle Lake or Churchill Lake and paddle north nearly 100 miles to where the river meets the St. John at Allagash Village.
The trip offers remarkable variety: broad headwater lakes, the technical challenge of Chase Rapids, meandering quietwater, and — when water levels allow — the magnificent drop of Allagash Falls. Along the way we explore remnants of the great logging era, hike to fire tower views of the vast north woods, swim, fish, and move at a pace that lets the wilderness actually reach you.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the summer months. Moose sightings are nearly guaranteed.
Approaching one of the few surviving American Elm
Moose are frequently seen feeding in the river and often swim between islands, with sightings commonly occurring during dawn and dusk
Lani (standing) navigating Chase Rapids
Signaling to paddlers ahead
Relaxing at camp
A hearty meal with fresh fiddleheads—it must be spring!
Beginner to Advanced · Adults $1,800 · Kids (15 & under) $1,500
The fullest Allagash experience. We begin on Eagle Lake, one of the beautiful headwater lakes, sharpen paddling skills before Chase Rapids, then follow the river north through lower lakes, quiet stretches, and — water levels permitting — Allagash Falls. Abundant wildlife, beautiful sunsets, and primitive campsites on Maine’s premier canoeing adventure.
Intermediate to Advanced · Adults $1,550 · Kids (15 & under) $1,350
This trip skips the headwater lakes and starts at Churchill Dam, getting right into the action with Chase Rapids on day one. Five focused days on the Allagash River — rapids, quietwater, wildlife, open-fire meals, and primitive campsites. A superb introduction to canoe wilderness travel for those with some paddling experience.
Intermediate to Advanced · Adults $1,550 · Kids (15 & under) $1,350
A new trip for 2026 that reaches the most remote and beautiful corner of the Allagash system. Starting from Johnson’s Pond, we paddle beautiful Allagash Lake, explore the ice caves, hike Allagash Mountain, swim at Little Allagash Falls, descend Allagash Stream, and paddle out on Chamberlain Lake. Brook trout fishing is exceptional.
Intermediate to Advanced · Rate: contact us
When early summer water levels allow, we offer our longest Allagash trip — the complete journey from the Waterway’s most remote lake all the way to Allagash Village. The first few days on Allagash Stream can be more demanding than our shorter trips, but the rewards are extraordinary: ice caves, trout fishing, Little Allagash Falls, and then the full traditional route north. Schedule this trip on a custom trip basis.
5 Days · Rate TBD · 2026 Dates TBD
An extraordinary adventure on the Allagash for teens ages 12–15, led by Registered Maine Guide and World Cup Downhill ski racer Sam Morse. Kids learn to cook over an open fire, canoe, and live in the north Maine woods — exploring, hiking, and earning a deep confidence in the outdoors. Price includes food, transportation, and all road and waterway fees.
Fall trips (September) feature cooler weather, fewer people on the river, and — on the later departures — the beginning of fall foliage.
Every day is different. Here’s how a typical Allagash day unfolds.
Up at 5:30–6:00am. Hot breakfast over the fire. On the water by 7:00–8:00am.
8 to 20 miles of paddling with stops for snacks, nature, and points of interest. Trailside lunch.
At camp by 2:00pm. Time to swim, fish, hike, explore, read, nap, or simply sit by the water.
Renowned open-fire cooking. Grilled meats, fresh vegetables, blueberry pancakes, reflector oven baking — and Chip’s woodsman coffee.
Dinner at 6:00–6:30pm, cooked over the fire. Homemade desserts. Stories around the campfire.
“The simple fact is that you won’t find another guide service that is more experienced and knowledgeable about these lakes and rivers and their rich history and lore than Lani and Chip.”
— Alan G., repeat guest (5 trips)
The Allagash is suitable for all ability levels, from first-time paddlers to experienced canoeists. That said, you’ll enjoy the trip more — and so will everyone in your group — if you arrive with a baseline of fitness and a few hours of paddling under your belt.
We recommend engaging in a fitness routine before your trip, and getting on the water at least once beforehand. Don’t worry about being an expert — that’s what we’re here for. You will receive thorough instruction throughout the trip, and we’ll match canoe partners to balance skill and strength across the group.
Spots on scheduled trips are limited. We’d love to answer your questions before you apply — give us a call or send a message.
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