92 Miles on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a remote, wild, and historic waterway and one of America's premier canoe trips. From the summit of Mt. Katahdin, you see the Allagash Wilderness Waterway stretching northward as far as the eye can see. It is one of the last remaining wilderness frontiers on the Eastern Seaboard. Located in the North Woods of Maine, The Allagash Wilderness Waterway's 92-miles meander through protected lakes, ponds, and streams as you paddle the Allagash River, a class II whitewater river featuring 9 miles of class II rapids which include Chase Rapids.
Henry David Thoreau visited the Allagash River in 1857 guided by two natives of the Penobscot Tribe. He chronicled his journey in his book “The Maine Woods”.
We started our classic Allagash Canoe trip in Millinocket, Maine, traveling on the Golden Road to our put-in on Chamberlain Lake. We travelled from Chamberlain Lake to Eagle Lake to Churchill Lake, around the Chruchill Dam past Chase rapids. We paddled Umsaskis Lake, Long Lake, and Round Pond while on the Allagash River before our take-out in the Village of Allagash.
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[@OutsideChronicles]

This was one my longest kayak/canoe trips. The Allagash River and Allagash Wilderness Waterway did not disappoint. Amazing scenery, amazing paddling, well maintained campsites. It was an epic trip I will never forget. I am especially proud of this video. It is the first one I created documentary style with voice overs. let me know what you think.

[@AnwarKhan-qj8sk]

Love it

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@AnwarKhan-qj8sk thank you

[@gearjunkie3412]

@@OutsideChronicles I am from western New York myself. I'm planning on doing the allagash next year. Is there a email or any way I could communicate with you.

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@gearjunkie3412 sure, [e-mail]

[@cselfie7234]

Would be great to see your load out and lessons learned. Great vid. Thanks for sharing.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you! My load out was very similar to my backpacking list with a few extras like a Trekology Chair. We had some group items like a Sven-saw. One brought a manual Keurig. We had a large tarp. Fishing gear. I think food took the most planning. We had some fresh stuff the first couple of days, the switched to dehydrated foods. I am hopefully doing the Spanish river in June. I’ll do a detailed gear out. See you outside!

[@CB33773]

Awesome, took me down memory lane. As a young 16 year old from Liberia, West Africa, I attended a summer camp at the Hyde School in Bath Maine. A bunch of us Kids did this adventure with supervision. I always think of that tip. Awesome awesome awesome. Everyone at some point in there life should experience that supernatural adventure.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Agreed, it is a trip I will never forget. I am happy that I was able to spark some fond memories for you!

[@dorothymiller3099]

LOVED THE VIDEO! I felt like I was there traveling through the beautiful landscapes . Thank-you for sharing :)

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you for watching, it’s great to hear you felt like you were traveling with us.

[@boatman222345]

Enjoyable video, well done, and a pretty accurate portrayal of a typical trip. My paddling partner and I avoided the infamous Allagash black fly problem by delaying our trip until early October. Our Maine problem was cool temps and snow on the river. We had a good time because we ran late in the season after the summer hordes had fled south but I'm not sure just enjoyable it would be during the summer season due to too many people on the river. That said calling the Allagash a"wilderness" river is a bit like calling a Volkswagen Beetle a Formula One race car unless you come from an urban environment. Wilderness rivers still exist but not in New England.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks! I hope to do a similar trip next summer, but avoiding some of the lakes. See you outside!

[@williamemmons8816]

At the young age of 55 I solo paddled the Allagash in 2013. Still the best outbound trip I have done.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Agreed, one of the best experiences of my life. See you outside.

[@bryannaweigel9581]

Hoping to do this or something very similar someday. Great chronicling!

[@OutsideChronicles]

You should! It is an amazing place and experience. See you outside

[@bruce5579]

One time in the early 1980’s it rained the whole week we were on the river. It never poured but it was always at least drizzling for the whole week. We still went back the next year. It was a lot wilder back then. 👍Cool video.

[@OutsideChronicles]

The guys I went with had done it at higher levels in the past, the river is always changing, that’s what makes it fun. See you outside!

[@shapeoftimes]

Beautiful wilderness! Greetings from Canada!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, it was 360 degrees of beauty for 8 days. I hope the boarder opens up, there are some rivers in Canada that are on the groups list.

[@HotelBeardGaming]

Amazing video that you’ve put together!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, it was a very memorable adventure. See you outside!

[@mikeodonovan7325]

excellent trip,journey,camping and canoeing really enjoyed this well worth watching thanks for putting it up and sharing classsssssssssss

[@OutsideChronicles]

Glad you enjoyed it, hoping to go back to repeat a similar trip in June. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Awesome!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, it was a great trip. I hope to repeat it soon!

[@soaroutdoors]

Top notch video. Love all the history you included, and as always your virtual map integration. Looks like an epic trip and felt like we were there w you along the way. Beautiful campsites and love the tarp beams at the sites. Really looking forward to the Katahdin video! Thanks for sharing

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks Eric. Maine was incredible, kudos to their DEC equivalent, they do a great job maintaining the wilderness waterway. Kahtadin is coming soon.

[@edmaccoll5553]

Thanks for the great video and rekindled memories. I led camp groups down the river between '75 and '80. You captured the journey beautifully -- and without breaking in half any wood-and-canvas canoes, which we accomplished on the St. John a bit below Allagash. I'm fairly confident, by the way, that Thoreau never made it to the Allagash. If memory serves, his plans had changed, and although they got up as far as Heron Lake they turned around and paddled the East Branch of the Penobscot and down to Bangor.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@matthewverrelli4819]

Great video thank you

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, it was an amazing trip. I can't wait to go back.

[@dancamps42]

I will have to settle for our yearly Allegany encampment until the kids are older, but then I need to hit some rivers again! Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your videos in the meanwhile! Very awesome.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Allegany is an amazing park. Great for all ages. The Allagash is a definite bucket list. But when you are ready to do a river trip, the Allegheny, Clarion, and Pine Creek are great options close to home.

[@Steve-qo4hi]

Such a great video and a wonderful trip. I did this twice as a teenager with my dad. We canoed and flipped the first trip at Chase Rapids. Black flies were brutal.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks so much, I can't wait to go back this June to paddle the Allagash Stream. Great memories for me and it looks like you too.

[@stevec9625]

Very enjoyable video, it brought back some great memories. I paddled the Allagash several times in my youth. Now at 65 I’m not sure I’ll get back there. I always crack a smile when I hear people pronounce Telos. The correct pronunciation, according to the Mainers, is Tea-loss. There is even a small pond near Telos called Little Coffeelos:) As for the locomotives they’re interesting but I wouldn’t say you really missed anything. If I remember correctly there was an issue with Asbestos in the soil in that area. Once when we pulled up to the Meadows campsite we were greeted by a black bear standing up looking at us. To our great relief it left in a hurry.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks for the comment, I am sure I mispronounced a bunch of things not being from the area. In Western NY we have a bunch of Native American names like Scajaquada, Canandaigua, and Cheektowaga. I am glad it brought back memories, but it is never too late. All of the other guys in this video are between 60-70 years old. We are hoping to paddle the Webster Stream.

[@craigsmith6446]

This was a great video. I did the Allagash about 15 years ago and you captured the trip beautifully. I dumped in the Chase rapids and lost some gear. I will never forget that! Props to your videography and production skills too, the pace was just right, a great video man!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I am glad we could run Chase without gear. I can’t wait to go back. The crew I went with is considering the St John next year.

[@sgsnowhiker]

What an awesome trip!! Thank you for sharing.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, I hope to get to Maine again in June to do a slightly different paddle trip. Thanks for watching!

[@tomlynchsr2075]

That was great. Thank you for posting.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, it was an amazing trip. Are you planning to run the Allagash?

[@markrichmond7859]

Looks like an amazing trip! Great job and thank you for sharing!!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks Mark. My friend built it up and it did not disappoint.

[@jimhartlageart5665]

Great video - - scenery, pacing, mapping, voice over - - all excellent.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, it is a great way to remember an epic trip like this. Can't wait to publish my Mt. Kahtadin video.

[@WVWes]

That's good stuff man! thats a bucket list trip for me.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Totally recommend it, it was amazing. We are heading back this June to paddle a different section on the Allagash Stream.

[@dirtbagoutside]

This was awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, it was an unforgettable trip.

[@wesleymcmurrin7704]

Thanks also for including a recent permit fee of$100. I hope with the current state ate of inflation it doesn’t go up much if I get a chance to go there

[@mpmphoto]

Loved this video! Great Story telling Mike! Well done. I would love to do a trip like this someday soon.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you for the comment. I really appreciate the positive feedback on story telling. This was my first try at voice overs. Don't wait to get out there on a trip like this, start planning now!

[@RDJim]

Masterful work.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Really appreciate that, I am proud of how it turned out. It’s easy when you have scenery like that. Thanks for watching!

[@wildernessoutreach2]

Awesome video! We have been thinking about this trip. Thanks for the report.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Don’t think about it, start planning it. You will not be disappointed. Thanks for the comment!

[@joden5279]

Great video! What an amazing trip you all had.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Very memorable, thanks for watching

[@joden5279]

@Outside Chronicles Absolutely! Subscribed for more in the future. Ill hopefully upload some of my kayaking adventures in East Texas. Mainly Lake Tyler, Martin Lake, Lake Palestine, and Caddo Lake. Take care!

[@slybrookbuster1875]

Great video. I know Norm very well. I once purchased an Old Town Tripper XL from him. My first time "up river" was in 1960 with Bob Jalbert our ScoutMaster at the time. You went by his camp, "Halfway Camp" before arriving at Michaud Farm.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Very cool! Yes, I remember Jalbert as we passed the fire tower trail. I have been referring people from this video to Norm. He made it an entertaining ride back, the bull moose helped.

[@csweet207]

I love this video! I was holding my breath watching you guys run Chase Rapid without helmets. I'd love to see a video of the St. John. Do a video of that next May-June!

[@OutsideChronicles]

I do wear a helmet when whitewater kayaking or rafting. Honestly, the rapids were pretty tame, but it is a good practice to wear one, even if tame, I do not disagree there. The group was talking about the St John next year, especially if the boarder is not open. Thanks for watching!

[@CanoeCampClimb]

Super video Mike... I really enjoyed it. I like the documentary style a lot. I hope to do this trip some day soon... and this will be a great help.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, I really appreciate the comment. It’s one of my favorite experiences and videos. You will love the Allagash, let me know if you need any pointers when you are planning your trip.

[@CanoeCampClimb]

@@OutsideChronicles I sure will Mike. I just got back from 10 days paddling different areas of the Adirondacks... and have several more trips planned there. Hopefully I'll be able to paddle the Allagash next year.

[@the_hippe]

awesome video, definitely doing this sometime!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, I highly suggest this trip.

[@BackcountryPaddler]

The whitewater looked really fun!! Amazing trip! I'm going to have to read The Maine Woods next, I love HDT. Really awesome video Mike nice job on it!!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, I was a fun trip all around. I have to read The Maine Woods, I wish I would have prior.

[@BackcountryPaddler]

@@OutsideChronicles true, but now you can read it with your knowledge of the area. 👍

[@randolphpresnell32]

a friend and I did the allegash about 18 years ago In my early forties We took a side trip up the little Allagash river past little alligash falls and into lake allegash Where we were able to take a trail to the Allagash fire tower It added 4 days to our trip but it was worth it.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Nice, we are actually going to Allagash Lake and Allagash Stream this June. My friend mentioned a fire tower hike. I am guessing it is the one you are referring to?

[@IsaiahDunphy]

awesome! I did this in May in 4.5 days with my dad lol. I also did the saint john last year. No wind on either trips and it couldn’t have been better.

[@IsaiahDunphy]

i also made a video! not as good tho lol

[@OutsideChronicles]

It is an amazing place. I am glad we took our time. I have been on other trips where we paddle from morning until evening. It was nice to have some quiet time at camp. We are looking at the St. John as a possible trip for next year. Any tips?

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@IsaiahDunphy cool, I will check it out.

[@ryanwernke2740]

I was doing this same trip for camp kieve at the same time. We were only a day behind you.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Such a great river, hope you enjoyed your time as much as we did.

[@alanorr2862]

❤

[@erik683]

Looks like Jack was paddling an Adirondack. I actually just picked up the same boat today. Wondering how he liked it for the trip? Great video!!

[@OutsideChronicles]

You are correct, it is an Adirondack. He loved it. It handled the wind and waves really well on the lakes and he did a great job with it on the rapids. He was very happy with it after this trip.

[@jamesduffy6518]

Awesome video. Thanks for posting. It just goes to show not all goes as planned but you have to roll with the current . When did you guys take the trip?

[@OutsideChronicles]

We went with it and enjoyed it throughly. This trip was June 2021.

[@danielbell9349]

Amazing video! I felt like I was traveling with you! By the way, I’m planning to go on a 7 day trip to the Allagash waterway but not the full 92 miles. Any tips/recommendations?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Where are you planning to start? After the Churchill Dam? And what time of year? We had really good water levels in the beginning, but it tailed off near the end. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@neoncellgap2510]

Great vid! I’m in WNY and looking to get into paddling and rafting. What guide service are you guys associated with?

[@OutsideChronicles]

I work for Zoar Valley Rafting and Adventure Calls. There is a Zoar Valley Paddle Club you may want to look into.

[@chris5459]

Great video thank you! What do you think about taking black lab start of July? Too hot for dog or be ok as long as drink enough water?

[@OutsideChronicles]

I think they would be ok, just monitor them and know the signs of dehydration and exhaustion. The good thing is labs love water and there is a ton of it to cool off in. I would maybe rig an umbrella to your canoe so they can get out of the sun. See you outside!

[@Alleghenypaddler]

Great video! Planning to do this route in late summer. What outfitter did you use for your shuttle service?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, it is an amazing trip. We used Pelletiers Campground in St Franicis, Maine

[@LarryMullins111]

Just discovered your channel. Would early October be a good time to paddle the Allagash Wilderness?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks for watching. I do not know about October, it all depends on water levels. I’d suggest calling the rangers.

[@LarryMullins111]

@@OutsideChronicles thank you for the info😃

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@LarryMullins111 my pleasure, hope you are able to give it a go.

[@trollexpeditionaryforces5293]

Did anyone get fresh brook trout? Geeze Louise!

[@OutsideChronicles]

No, I was super disappointed. We hit only fall fish on the lakes. Nothing in the river (flies and small spinners) and then some nice small mouths at the last camp. All other fisherman we talked with had similar stories.

[@justinduchesne1288]

How’d you guys keep your meats on this trip spoiling.

[@OutsideChronicles]

We ate them on the first night, so it was just in a small cooler.

[@OdinMan64]

It’s pronounced Tee-loss not tell oss. I grew up in northern Maine and this narrator makes this whole documentary sounds foreign to me with how he tells the names of local areas, I’m quite bummed about that.

[@OdinMan64]

Dude what the hell did you expect being outdoors in northern Maine you sure sound like you didn’t have a good time why go again unless you prepare for the GREAT OUTDOORS in the middle of the woods!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Huh? This was an epic trip. A side from the one campsite, which we made the best of, the trip was incredible. I am not sure where you got that we did not enjoy every part of this trip. Kahtadin after takeout was equally breathtaking.

[@OdinMan64]

@@OutsideChronicles I’m happy to hear you did enjoy yourself as you cruised down such a beautiful waterway I myself have done that same trip several times over the years, northern maine is where I grew up which really made me happy as I got to enjoy everything wild most boys would love. I have thousands of relatives who live up there just on my mothers side of the family. Guess I misunderstood what you were saying I didn’t think you were truly enjoying your time up in gods country. Try and go back someday and do it again

[@bobl634]

Outstanding trip! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@OutsideChronicles]

My pleasure, glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!