The best Maine river for an overnight paddling trip

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 15, 2023

Forget the St. John, Allagash or St. Croix rivers. As far as I’m concerned, the Machias River is the best tripping river in Maine — maybe even in all of the northeastern United States. A free-flowing river with a large watershed, it begins in the lakes region of northern Washington County. From Fifth Machias Lake, it meanders and tumbles for 80 miles to the sea in the coastal community of Machias. ~ Ron Chase