Deep Woods Canoe Country
The Mattawamkeag River drains a vast area of northern Maine’s unorganized territories, flowing south from the timber country east of Baxter State Park to join the Penobscot River at the town of Mattawamkeag. The paddleable sections offer roughly 50 miles of Class I-II water through continuous forest with almost no roads, buildings, or other paddlers. This is one of Maine’s most underrated multi-day canoe trips, offering wilderness solitude that approaches the Allagash without the fame or the (relatively) higher traffic.
The river drops at a moderate rate through a mix of riffles, gravel bars, and gentle ledge drops. The whitewater is not technically demanding, but the remoteness amplifies every decision. A swamped canoe or a broken paddle is a bigger problem when the nearest road is ten miles through uncut forest. This trip rewards paddlers who are comfortable being self-sufficient and who value quiet over excitement.
The Mattawamkeag’s other draw is its brook trout fishing. The river and its tributaries hold native brook trout in water that is cold, clean, and largely unfished, so pack fishing gear you can stow in a canoe. For anglers who care more about solitude than size, the Mattawamkeag is hard to beat.
The upper Mattawamkeag has no cell service, no nearby roads for most of its length, and no other paddlers on many days. A satellite communicator is essential. Carry full self-rescue gear and leave a detailed float plan. The nearest hospital is in Lincoln or Houlton, both over an hour from the take-out and much farther from the upper river.
Planning Your Trip
The standard multi-day trip puts in near the upper reaches in T5 R6 WELS (Township 5, Range 6) and takes out at the town of Mattawamkeag on the Penobscot confluence, covering roughly 50 miles. Most parties allow three to four days, which provides time for fishing, side-stream exploration, and unhurried travel.
Access to the upper put-in requires driving logging roads through the North Maine Woods. These roads are maintained for timber trucks and are passable by car, though a higher-clearance vehicle makes the drive more comfortable. A North Maine Woods checkpoint will collect the access fee.
The river starts narrow and winding in the upper section, with overhanging alders and occasional log jams that may require portaging. Below the confluence with the West Branch Mattawamkeag, the river widens and the channel becomes more straightforward. The Class I-II rapids are concentrated in the middle section where the river cuts through a series of gentle ledge drops.
The West Branch Mattawamkeag, which enters the main stem about 15 miles below the upper put-in, is worth exploring if you have an extra day. Paddle up the West Branch for a mile or two on the first morning. The water is clear, the brook trout fishing is excellent, and the branch canyon has some of the most scenic spots on the entire river system.
Rapids and River Character
The Mattawamkeag’s rapids are straightforward Class I-II water: gravel bars that constrict the channel, low ledges that create standing waves, and boulder fields that require picking a line. At moderate water levels, a competent tandem canoe team can handle everything without scouting. At higher spring flows, the ledge drops become pushier and the hydraulics below them more pronounced.
The most notable rapid is a ledge drop about halfway through the trip where the river narrows and drops roughly four feet over a series of steps. At moderate water this is a fun Class II run with clear routes. At high water it becomes a Class III with a strong hydraulic that should be scouted, so dependable paddling gear and dry bags lashed in are worth the investment. A portage trail exists on river right.
Between rapids, the river flows through long, quiet pools where the forest crowds both banks and the only sounds are birdsong and moving water. These pools hold the best fishing.
The gravel bars at the confluence with Baskahegan Stream, about 20 miles above Mattawamkeag, are the best camping spots on the river. They are large enough for multiple tents, offer good drainage, and have fire rings from previous campers. The fishing in the pool above the confluence is consistently productive for brook trout up to 12 inches.
When to Go
Spring
High water creates exciting rapids. Cold water requires wetsuits. Blackflies are brutal in June.
Summer
Warm days, manageable water levels, excellent fishing. Bugs diminish after mid-July.
Fall
Water may be low. Beautiful foliage but short days and cold nights.
Winter
Frozen and inaccessible.
July is the sweet spot: warm enough for swimming, high enough water for comfortable paddling, and the worst of the bug season is past. June has more water but legendary blackfly pressure. August is pleasant but water levels can drop on the upper sections.
Packing List
Mattawamkeag River Multi-Day Trip
- Canoe suitable for Class II water (17-18 ft with moderate rocker)
- PFD/life jacket for every paddler
- Dry bags for all gear
- Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- Camp stove and fuel
- Water filter or purification
- Food for full trip plus one extra day
- Satellite communicator (InReach, SPOT)
- First aid kit and repair supplies
- Fishing rod, flies, and Maine license
- Bug spray and head net
- Detailed topographic map
- Throw rope and rescue gear
Getting There
The upper put-in near T5 R6 is reached via logging roads from Millinocket or Patten. From Millinocket, take the Millinocket Lake Road north and follow logging road signs toward the Mattawamkeag headwaters. Allow 2-3 hours from Millinocket on gravel roads. Check in at the North Maine Woods checkpoint.
The take-out is at the town of Mattawamkeag, where the river meets the Penobscot. Mattawamkeag is on Route 2, approximately 70 minutes north of Bangor via I-95. Leave a shuttle vehicle here before driving to the put-in.
GPS coordinates for Mattawamkeag take-out: 45.5130, -68.3950
FAQ
How many days does the Mattawamkeag trip take?
Most parties take 3-4 days for the full 50-mile route from the upper put-in to Mattawamkeag. This allows time for fishing and relaxed paddling. Strong paddlers can do it in 2 days.
Is the Mattawamkeag suitable for beginners?
The rapids are manageable Class I-II, but the remoteness makes this trip unsuitable for inexperienced wilderness paddlers. You need to be self-sufficient for the entire trip with no option for easy bailout.
What kind of fish are in the Mattawamkeag?
Native brook trout are the primary game fish, typically 6-12 inches. Smallmouth bass are present in the lower sections. The tributaries often hold the best trout. A Maine fishing license is required.
Is there cell service?
No. There is no cell service on the upper or middle Mattawamkeag. You may get a faint signal near the town of Mattawamkeag at the take-out. Carry a satellite communicator.
Do I need a permit?
No paddling permit is required, but you must pay the North Maine Woods access fee ($8/person/day for non-residents) if you enter through a NMW checkpoint to reach the put-in.
