Local Paddling Events

DLLT Full Moon Paddle

June 29

Join DLLT for this summertime favorite! Paddle as a group up Big Musquash Stream to view the setting sun and the rising full moon in a gorgeous wetland ecosystem.  Participants should bring their own paddlecraft, PFDs, and gear to the bridge on Milford Road. More information.

Cobscook Institute Overnight Canoe Camp

July 6-11

For rising grades 7-9. On this 6-day 5-night canoe trip, participants will explore the Downeast Lakes and camp at some of the most scenic, remote campsites in eastern Maine. Each day the group will paddle on lakes and streams in traditional Passamaquoddy territory, learn canoe skills, practice wilderness camping skills, and enjoy each other’s company. Food will be cooked on an open fire. Participants will sleep in tents, have a chance to swim, fish, journal, and play games in their free time. No camping or canoeing skills are needed, just a willingness to embrace new experiences in wild places. More information and to register. 

Pleasant River Paddle 2026

Saturday, August 1st

Join Downeast Salmon Federation and local partners for a paddle on the Pleasant River in Addison from 11am to 3pm. On this approximately 3-mile flat water paddle up the gorgeous salt marsh-lined river, you can expect to see stunning plants, abundant bird life, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a seal! Participants must bring their own boat, PFD, and paddling gear. Snacks and water will be provided. More information and to register.

Watershed Camp

August 10-13 – Orange River Conservation Area, Whiting

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is partnering with Maine Outdoor School to host Watershed Camp along the Orange River in Whiting for youth ages 10-13. Watershed Camp is centered around the discovery of the local Orange River watershed which includes miles of fresh water, marsh, and forest teeming with wildlife – the perfect setting to explore, get inspired, learn, and have lots of fun! This program is FREE, but there are limited spots and advance registration is required. Registration for the lottery opens April 1st and participants will be notified after June 15th if they have been selected. More information and to register. 

DCC Vining Lake Paddle

August 22 – Vining Lake Community Preserve, Cooper

On August 22, beginning at 10 AM, paddle the remote and scenic Vining Lake in Cooper, part of 406 acres of land conserved by DCC and home to iconic Maine wildlife like moose and brook trout. After a lap around the lake, we will take a hike to a marsh overlook at a granite outcrop, then return to enjoy hot dogs and other food roasted over the fire at the Vining Lake campsite. DCC cannot offer any canoes, kayaks, or paddling gear; this is a bring-your-own-boat event. More information.

DLLT Fourth Machias Lake Group Paddle

Thursday, September 17th

As part of the Summer Paddle Series with Washington County Land Trusts, join DLLT staff for a group paddle on beautiful Fourth Machias Lake! You’ll paddle through history, visit the site of a Wabanaki fishing weir and discuss the Gassabias Portage – an ancient water trail portage that linked the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Tribes.  Fourth Machias Lake is also surrounded by ecological reserve, and we’ll discuss it’s importance in local conservation.  Participants should bring their own boat, PFD, paddle, and lunch. More information.

Outdoor Women Lead (OWL) – Narraguagus Paddle

Saturday, September 19th 

This mellow paddling outing offers opportunities to learn canoeing skills and see a variety of wildlife, including beavers, river otters, muskrats, a variety of birds, and maybe, if really lucky, a moose or bear! Meet in Cherryfield and paddle upstream, so the way back will be even easier. This is a flatwater paddling experience, and the current on this stretch of the river is usually quite minimal—you’ll hardly notice you’re paddling upstream. This paddle is sponsor by Women for Healthy Rural Living and all OWL Outings are led by Registered Maine Guides at Maine Outdoor School. More information and to register. 

2026 PAST EVENTS

Late for Lunch River Race

Saturday, April 25th – Pleasant River Fish & Game clubhouse, 1597 Tibbettstown Rd., Columbia

Attention paddlers of canoes, kayaks, and random flotsam! Before heading over to the Downeast Salmon Federation’s April 25 Smelt Fry, be sure to sign up for the Late to Lunch River Race, hosted by our friends at the Pleasant River Fish & Game Conservation Association, happening that morning. More information.

Annual Orange River Water Trail Community Paddle

Saturday, June 13th – Orange River Conservation Area, Whiting

Join local area partners for a paddle on the Orange River in celebration of the water trail. We will put in on Orange Lake and paddle down the river to Playhouse Lane. An optional stop including a guided hike is available at Estey Mountain and we will all stop for a provided lunch. Canoes and gear are provided. More information and to register. 

Outdoor Women Lead (OWL) – Long Pond Paddle

Saturday, June 13th 

This mellow paddling outing, departing from the Black Woods Road just west of Cherryfield, offers the opportunity to develop canoeing skills and observe the unique insects and plants that call this spring-fed pond home in late spring. This paddle is sponsor by Women for Healthy Rural Living and all OWL Outings are led by Registered Maine Guides at Maine Outdoor School. More information and to register. 

Cobscook Institute Outdoor Skills Day Camp

June 22-26

For rising grades 6-8. Learn and practice basic skills, including canoe skills, to keep you safe and to have a fun time in the woods and on the water; utilizing Cobscook Institute’s beautiful campus as well as the bounty of nature preserves along Cobscook Bay & The Bold Coast. More information and to register.