Allagash River Canoe Trip

ACTIVITY

A float down the Allagash transports you to another time – a remote and wild setting virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. You’ll travel the same waters that cut an important navigational route for local Native American tribes; that played a role in Maine’s bygone logging industry; and that naturalist author Henry David Thoreau paddled and camped along back in 1857.

We’ve designed this excursion to give people of all skill levels the confidence to embark on one of Maine’s most iconic journeys, with expert paddling instruction from Registered Maine Guides, the use of quality L.L.Bean gear, comfortable riverside camping, and crave-worthy campfire meals.

Over the course of four days, our skilled river guides will lead you down nearly 35 miles of the legendary 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway, assisted by a gentle downriver current and a few sections of light, fun Class I rapids. Away from modern amenities and distractions, you’ll experience life in all of its beautiful simplicity, giving you time to connect with nature, wildlife (including eagles, loons and maybe even a moose), and one another.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Guidance and instruction by Registered Maine Guides
Top of the line L.L.Bean canoe and camping gear
One night tent camping at the L.L.Bean Paddling Center in Freeport
Three nights tent camping at Allagash River campsites
Canoeing 35 miles of the iconic Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Camp meals, from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day4
Roundtrip transportation from the L.L.Bean Paddling Center to the Allagash River

No previous canoe experience required. However, you should be comfortable sitting in a canoe and paddling for 2 to 3 hours at a time. You should also be comfortable traversing uneven terrain to access the riverside campsites and on portages.

This trip begins and ends at the L.L.Bean Paddling Center in Freeport, Maine. There is a pre-trip meeting at the Paddling Center at 4:00 p.m. the evening before we head to the Allagash River; after the meeting, guests will have time to go out and have dinner before returning to the Paddling Center for the night.

Note that the section of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway to be paddled on this trip will be determined based on what will provide the best experience given current waterflows and forecasted weather conditions.

L.L.Bean Flying Point Paddling Center

14 Marietta Ln, Freeport, ME 04032

Additional Information

Activity Description & Prerequisites
Activity Description

This trip will consist of canoeing approximately 35 miles in a tandem (i.e. two-person) canoe depending on the section of river paddled. During each of the three full days on the river, you can expect to paddle for approximately six hours each day (including stops to stretch and have lunch). There are some small class I rapids on the river, though water conditions are primarily calm and flat.

Depending on the section of river paddled this trip may include a portage which will require carrying the canoes and gear around unpassable river features. The longest portage is less than 1/3 of a mile long.

Prerequisites
- No previous canoeing experience required
- Comfort sitting in a canoe and paddling for 2 to 3 hours at a time
- Comfort traversing uneven terrain to access the riverside campsites and on portages
Additional Trip Details

Below you’ll find more information about this trip and what you’ll need to know in order to prepare for your adventure.

Destination/Travel Time
The trip kicks off in Freeport, Maine at our Paddling Center. Once you’ve met with your guides and fellow travelers, you will travel together to the put-in which is approximately a seven-hour drive from the Paddling Center (including stretch breaks and a stop for lunch).

Accommodations
For the first night (after the pre-trip meeting) you will be tent camping at our Paddling Center. The following four nights you will be staying at campsites along the Allagash River. You will be provided with a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and sleeping bag liner. The campsites have privies (i.e. outhouses), but no shower facilities or running water. Note that there are hot showers available for your use at the end of your trip upon return to the Paddling Center in Freeport.

Connectivity
After a few hours of travel from the Paddling Center, cell phone service will not be available.

Clothing Considerations
Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable in the outdoors. Multiple layers allow flexibility to respond to your activity level and changing weather conditions.

Please avoid bringing all-cotton clothing. When wet, cotton rapidly robs the heat from your body and takes a long time to dry. Synthetic fabrics are best because they don’t absorb water, and they also dry quickly.

For an outer layer, we recommend a waterproof/breathable outer shell. This gear will protect you from the wind and rain and help keep you dry.

Luggage
Upon your arrival to the kick-off of the trip, you will be provided two dry bags to pack your personal gear. One dry bag will be a 10L bag (dimensions approx. 7.5” dia. x 13” tall), which can be used to carry items you want close at hand while paddling such as a camera, snacks, extra layer, sunglasses, etc. The second bag will be a large 115L dry bag (dimensions approx. 15” dia. x 30” tall). This bag will be for your personal gear, including some of the L.L.Bean provided gear such as your tent, sleeping bag, headlamp, etc. There will be time to pack your items into these bags after you arrive for the start of the trip. These dry bags will then be carried in your canoe along with other group gear.
What to Bring
- Weather– and activity–appropriate clothing (preferably synthetic)*
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Fleece hat
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Extra pair of shoes for around camp
- Water shoes or closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting wet
- Head bug net
- Swimsuit
- Sleepwear
- Casual clothing, including warm layers for evening
- Hat with visor
- Sunglasses with lanyard
- One-quart water bottle or hydration system
- Pillow and towel
- Personal toiletries (travel size), including lip balm with sunscreen
- Personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
*Synthetic clothing dries quickly and is the best choice for outdoor pursuits. Please do not wear cotton clothing. When wet, cotton rapidly robs the heat from your body and takes a long time to dry. We also recommend you dress in multiple layers, allowing you more flexibility to comfortably respond to the weather conditions and your level of exertion.
Optional Items to Bring
- Waterproof camera
- Canoe seat pad/backrest
- Your own camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, etc.
- Alcoholic beverages for the evening
What We Provide
- Use of all necessary camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, camp chairs, etc.
- Use of all necessary paddling equipment: canoes, paddles, PFDs, throw bags, etc.
- All meals and snacks
- First-aid kit and safety gear
- Dry bags for packing
QUESTIONS? Contact an Adventure Consultant

odprograms@llbean.com | 1-888-615-9979 | HOURS: 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET

Policies & Agreements

Smoking and Tobacco, and Alcohol Policy

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs activities are tobacco- and smoke-free (including electronic smoking devices) in support of a healthy lifestyle and respect for our participants and guests. We thank you for understanding and respecting this policy.

Alcohol Policy

In general, alcohol consumption is not permitted during L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs events for the safety of all participants. However, alcoholic beverages are allowed on overnight trips and may only be consumed in a responsible way after the day’s activities are finished. If participants consume alcohol to excess in the evening and behave in ways that negatively impact their own safety, that of the group or the natural environment around them, our guides will intervene. We hope that we will never have to remove an offending guest from the remainder of a trip to ensure the group’s safety, but we will do so if necessary.
Minimum Age: 12 (17 & under with parent/guardian)

Participants must be 12 years old by the start of the trip, course, or tour; a parent or guardian must participate with anyone 17 years old and younger.
Cancellation Policy: Three Night & Longer Camping
This cancellation policy applies to all three night and longer camping trips.
- 30 days in advance: 100% credit or refund
- 14 to 29 days in advance: 50% credit or refund
- Less than 14 days in advance: No credit or refund
L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation. All refunds will be in the form of the original transaction. L.L.Bean shall not be responsible or liable for other expenses incurred by the participant as a result of such a cancellation.