Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Abandoned Locomotives

These locomotives were used by Great Northern Paper on the Eagle Lake and West Branch Railroad. There is also a portage trail that crosses here to Chamberlain and the Tramway Boilers. Remember, artifacts within the AWW remain the property of the State of Maine; they are not to be removed. A view of the approach to the Tramway Trail and the Locomotives from Eagle Lake. A large beaver lodge is located on the right of the canoe landing area.

Allagash Ice Cave Entrance

Entering these caves and the exploration of them are at your own risk. A narrow tunnel leads down into a small room.

Allagash Lake

Allagash River

Allagash Wilderness Waterway

AWW Headquarters

This is the seasonal headquarters of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. This is also the superintendent's summer residence. It is intermittently staffed. Staff meetings and trainings are held here throughout the summer.

Boarding House

The Boarding House is one of the two buildings left from the logging era at Churchill Depot.

Boundary Line

Boundary Line

Chamberlain Boat Launch

This is a motor vehicle access site to the watercourse.

Chamberlain Farm

Chamberlain Farm was built as a depot and farm to grow and store supplies before they were taken to woods camps around the area where harvesting teams were working. The only building left is leased for sporting camp use by Nugent's Camps. Please respect the privacy of any renters staying there. A current picture of The Chamberlain Farm area and the only building left. A historical picture of the last remaining building.

Chamberlain Lake

Chamberlain Parking Lot

Camping is not allowed here from May 15th to September 30th and from the first Saturday to the second Saturday of December each year.

Chamberlain Public Drinking Water Supply

This is a public drinking water supply.

Churchill Lake

Eagle Lake

H.W. Marsh Boom Ship Remains

Towards the end of its use of booming logs, the H.W. Marsh Steamship was pulled up onshore near Chamberlain Farm for the winter. The stern froze in the water. All that remains are the remnants of the engine along the shoreline.

Henderson Canoe Storage

There is a watercraft storage area available here.

Ice Cave Trail

Indian Stream Foot Trail

There is a parking area nearby before crossing Indian Stream capable of holding several trucks and canoe trailers. To access the foot trail, cross over the stream on the road and walk past the gate. A quarter mile walk will take you to a watercraft storage area on the shore of Indian Stream. It is a short paddle from there to Eagle Lake.

Indian Stream Parking Lot

Parking is allowed here for access to Indian Stream.

Jalberts Sporting Camps

Jalberts Sporting Camps are owned by the State of Maine and leased to the operators. Please respect the privacy of the any renters staying here.

Joe McKeel Gravesite

Joe McKeel died in 1870 while working as the camp watchman at Cunliffe Depot. He was buried here by Dan O'Leary Sr. who was homesteading at the Moir Farm. It is said that Mr. McKeel was buried with two pork barrels put together to form his casket.

Johnson Stream

This stream is a popular access route to Allagash Lake on the inlet end. Water levels and conditions are dependant upon recent weather and time of year. Looking across Johnson Pond towards the outlet. The island is on the the left edge of the picture.

Lombard Log Haulers at Cunliffe Depot

These Lombard Log Haulers were used by the nearby Cunliffe logging operation. These two machines lets you compare the design differences between the gasoline and steam versions. Remember, artifacts within the AWW remain the property of the State of Maine; they are not to be removed. The Gasoline Powered Lombard Log Hauler The Steam Powered Lombard Log Hauler

Long Lake

McNallys Ross Stream Camps

McNallys Ross Stream Camps is a short paddle from Long Lake up Ross Stream.

Michaud Farm Canoe Landing

Michaud Farm Canoe Storage

There is a watercraft storage area available here.

Michaud Farm Parking Lot

Parking is allowed inside the Restricted Zone only at parking lots like this one.

Moir Farm

The Moir Farm was started by George Moir and Lucinda Diamond in 1837. They were among the first white settlers in the area. Many people from Allagash Village are descendants of the couple and other members of the Diamond family. Remember, artifacts within the AWW remain the property of the State of Maine; they are not to be removed. A view of the Moir Farm during the 1980's.

Mud Pond Carry

The Mud Pond Carry has been used for centuries to access Mud Pond and then Chamberlain Lake. It crosses from Umbazooksus Lake to Mud Pond. Henry David Thoreau became lost while crossing this portage in 1857. Later in his trip, the group cancelled a climb of Katahdin due to the condition of his campanion's feet which they attributed to the Mud Pond Carry.

Nugent's Sporting Camps

Nugent's Camps is owned by the State of Maine and leased to the operator's. Please respect the privacy of the any renters staying here.

Public Drinking Water

This water is the public drinking water supply.

Pumphandle Lookout Trail

This is a half mile hiking trail starting that takes you up onto Second Ridge. It ends on a rocky outcropping that overlooks Russell Cove and Farm Island. You can see Mount Katahdin, the north end of Chamberlain Lake and the firetower on Allagash Mountain from here.

Round Pond

Round Pond Tower Trail

Paddlers stretch their legs climbing this trail from Tower Trail campsite to the top of Round Pond Mountain.

Taylor Camps

The Taylor Camps were the home of Henry and Alice Taylor. Henry Taylor was a retired Game Warden who built and ran a sporting camp at this location starting in the 1930's. Remember, artifacts within the AWW remain the property of the State of Maine; they are not to be removed.

Telos Lake

Train Trestle

This Trestle supported the Locomotives and the train of log cars across the northern part of Chamberlain during the operation of the Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad.

Tramway

The Tramway hauled long spruce logs from Eagle Lake to Chamberlain from 1902 to 1907. These are the Hodge boilers that powered the Westinghouse engine that ran the Tramway. In the summer of 2012, volunteers, acting on behalf of the Bureau of Parks & Lands, rebuilt 25 feet of the Tramway structure. Originally, this structure would have cross all the way to the Locomotives. The 16 foot spruce logs would ride on the top layer while the empty upside down trucks would ride back to Eagle Lake for more

Tramway Portage Trail

The Tramway trail crosses from Chamberlain Lake to Eagle Lake near the route of the Tramway. The cable and trucks can be seen at numerous points. Remember, artifacts within the AWW remain the property of the State of Maine; they are not to be removed.

Umsaskis Canoe Launch

Motor vehicle access to the watercourse is allowed here.

Umsaskis Canoe Storage

There is a watercraft storage area available here.

Umsaskis Lake

Umsaskis Parking Lot

Parking is allowed inside the Restricted Zone only at parking lots like this one. Camping is allowed here only from October 1st to November 30th.

Upper Allagash Landing

Visitors sometimes use this point on Upper Allagash Stream to access Allagash Lake on the inlet end. Water levels and conditions are dependant upon recent weather and time of year. The path to the Stream. There is some space for parking here.

Allagash Falls Portage Trail

Use this trail to portage around Allagash Falls. Do NOT attempt to canoe over Allagash Falls.

Churchill Dam

Churchill Dam

Churchill Dam Canoe Storage

There is a watercraft storage area available here.

Churchill Dam Parking Lot

Parking is allowed inside the Restricted Zone only at parking lots like this one.

Lock Dam

Lock Dam was last resurfaced in 2010.

Long Lake Dam

Long Lake Dam prolonged the log driving season for lumber barons sending their wood north to Canadian mills. Use of this dam was discontinued in the 1920's. The structure is mostly washed out. However, the State of Maine still recommends portaging here due to dangerous spikes where the old dam rotted away around them. Long Lake Dam. Circa 1957.

Telos Dam

Telos Dam is an excellent example of a timber crib dam, which were popular during the lumbering era.

Webster Portage Trail

Some parties moving from Telos Lake to Webster Lake choose to portage along this trail rather than run the rapids.

Allagash Lake Gate

This gate prevents motorized vehicle access from 1 mile of Allagash Lake. There is a small parking area near the gate with room to park your vehicle. Beyond the gate is a well maintained trail that wheeled canoe carriers work well on. Shortly before reaching the lake, the trail splits; Go left to the Ranger Station or right to the Carry Trail campsite.

Allagash Lake Ranger Station

This camp is not occupied every day. The ranger stationed here works a rotating 9 day schedule. During the day, the staff may be out patrolling.

Allagash Mountain Tower

There is a hiking trail that leads to the summit of Allagash Mountain that starts near the Allagash Lake Ranger Station. In the cab of the tower, there is a map of the area to aid in identifying landmarks. The view of the south end of Allagash Lake from the Tower.

Allagash Mountain Trail

The Allagash Mountain Trail starts near the Allagash Lake Ranger Station and climbs 2/3rds of a mile to the top of Allagash Mountain. Those seeking a better view can climb the fire tower. There is an oriented map in the fire tower cab to assist in identifying landmarks.

Allagash River Gauge

The Allagash River Gauge is operated by the US Geological Service. It tracks over real time changes in river water levels and converts them to CFS measurements. On the website, scroll down and find the most recent instantaneous value. If this value is: 350-500= The water level is low and there will be lots of dragging over sand bars. You might consider taking out at Michaud Farm Ranger Station. 500-750= There will be some dragging over sand bars but it is still navigable. 750-1000= Ideal for n

Big Eddy Trail

The Big Eddy Trail goes from Churchill Dam by the boarding house to a large pool a mile downriver called the Big Eddy. Fishermen and paddlers use this trail for fishing and for scouting the rapids, respectively. Parties who need Ranger assistance between Churchill Dam and the Big Eddy should use this.

Bissonette Bridge

Bissonette Bridge is a motor vehicle access site. There is a 100 foot path down to the water. This is the point, on river left, where the portage service drops gear off. It is approximately halfway between Churchill Dam and Umsaskis Lake. If starting a trip here, please check in with the first Ranger you encounter. The Bridge washed out years ago. Look instead for the river to narrow and move to the left. There is a pile of rocks on river left where there is a sign on top of the rock pile. Camp

Camp Drake

This camp is not occupied during the day most days. The ranger stationed here works a rotating 8 day schedule, spending most of each work day at Churchill Dam.

Camp Pleasant Ranger Camp

This camp is not occupied during the day most days. The ranger stationed here works a rotating 9 day schedule, spending most of each work day at Churchill Dam.

Carry Trail

This mile long trail runs from the Allagash Lake Gate to Allagash Lake. It is a well maintained trail that wheeled canoe carriers work well on. Shortly before reaching the lake, the trail splits; Go left to the Ranger Station or right to the Carry Trail campsite.

Chamberlain Bridge Ranger Station

Chamberlain Bridge Ranger Station is staffed more frequently than surrounding ranger camps. However, during the day, the staff may be out patrolling the area. If no staff is available, be sure to sign in on the clipboard on the office porch.

Churchill Canoe Launch

This is a motor vehicle access site to the watercourse. All parties launching or disembarking at Churchill Dam should do so near the dock on this side of the dam. There is a short portage along the access road to the dock, across the logging road and down a short hill for those continuing north. Be sure to check in with a Ranger whether you are going up the lake or down the river. There's a portage service available for $10, usually from 8 am until noon during the summer months, to carry people

Churchill Dam Ranger Station

Churchill Dam Ranger Station is staffed most of the summer days. Be certain to check in with the Ranger on duty before going up the lake or down the river. The Ranger on duty may be on a portage to Bissionette Bridge when you arrive. When Churchill Depot was a thriving community, the forest operation Superintendent had his house near where the Ranger Station is today.

Churchill Depot History Center

The Churchill Depot History Center explores the history of the entire Waterway in part of the storehouse from King LaCroix's days. There are artifacts gathered from all over the Waterway such as a restored Belly Dump Wagon from Long Lake Dam, a velicopede used at the Locomotives, and photographs and stories. The History Center is open most days during the summer and fall while a ranger is on duty at Churchill. The Entrance to the History Center. A Glimpse of Some of the Artifacts inside the Hist

Eagle Lake Ranger Station

This camp is not occupied every day. The ranger stationed here works a rotating 9 day schedule. During the day, the ranger may also be out patrolling.

Finley Bogan

This is one of nine motor vehicle access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Please check in with the first Ranger you encounter.

Kellog Brook Camp

This camp is not occupied every day. The rangers stationed here work a rotating 9 day schedule. If no one is available at night at the Chamberlain Bridge Ranger Station, you may be able to find one here. During the day, the staff may be out patrolling.

Michaud Farm Ranger Station

Michaud Farm Ranger Station is staffed throughout the summer. Half of the time, the Ranger does not stay here overnight. During the day, the Rangers may be out patrolling the area. If no staff is available, please use the clipboard on the office porch to sign out of the Allagash Waterway. There is a canoe storage area available here. The area around Michaud Farm used to be a farm and supply depot in the early 1900's.

Round Pond Ranger Camp

This camp is not occupied every day. The ranger stationed here works a rotating 9 day schedule. During the day, the staff may be out patrolling.

Umsaskis Ranger Station

This camp is not occupied every day. The ranger stationed here works a rotating 9 day schedule. During the day, the staff may be out patrolling.

Allagash Stream Bridge

Accessing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is prohibited at this location.

Chamberlain Bridge Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Chamberlain Bridge Watercraft Storage

Watercraft Storage is available here.

Chamberlain Thoroughfare Bridge

A view of Chamberlain Bridge with the Katahdin range in the background.

Henderson Bridge

Jumping or diving from the bridge is prohibited here.

Henderson Bridge Canoe Launch

Motor vehicle access to the watercourse is allowed here.

Johns Bridge

Access at Johns Bridge is permitted as an access point for Day Use trips during May and September only. It is a hand carry launch only, of about 10 feet. Permits are available at the landing and need to be utilized for your access to be legal here. Johns Bridge was built in the 1950s by the Gilman Brothers and has become essential for the movement of harvested wood from the surrounding forest.

Umsaskis Bridge

Jumping or diving from the bridge is prohibited here.

Camp Drake Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Churchill Dam Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Jalbert's Camps Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Lock Dam Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Nugent's Camps Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Webster Inlet Aircraft Access Site

This is 1 of 7 aircraft access sites along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Note that aircraft may land on frozen bodies of water within the One Mile Area, except for Allagash Lake.

Indian Stream Canoe Storage

Canoe Storage is available here. It is popular in the spring with fishermen accessing Eagle Lake at Indian Stream.