Lake Umbagog NH/ME and Rapid River

[Cheeseandbeans]

I drove up to Errol NH from NW CT several days ago and met two older paddling friends. We were staying the first night at the campground on the southern end after the long drive. The wind was blowing something fierce and much of our evening conversation was in hopes of it laying down that night. My paddling companions do not have much paddling experience and we were headed 10 miles north to a “remote” site near where the Rapid River enters the lake. Lucky for us and part of the contingency plan was to take advantage of the campground’s shuttle service using their large landing craft style boats with outriggers for canoes. We had no relief from the wind the next day and the boat captains warned of 2-3 foot swells past the point of where we were so the decision was easy.


This isn’t the traditional canoe tripping experience, but I figured the unique transport options may be of interest to the new tripper or, like us, appreciate having an easy way to avoid a wind bound day or pushing someone into a situation out of their comfort zone and potentially end badly this time of year.

We were able to get three guys, three canoes, and all our gear on board with no issue. In 30 minutes we were at our designated site R18 with no issues. The ride out was a novelty to say the least. A beautiful site with balsam fir and white cedar for the most part. The picnic tables were another luxury I am not used to.

The wind died a bit that night, but temps got down to the mid 30s. I was not expecting that and wound up using a space blanket over my 30 degree bag at 2 or 3 in the morning.

Thankfully the next day was beautiful and perfect for paddling to the Rapid River, hiking the trail, and fishing. Fishing was excellent and there were plenty of brook trout and land locked salmon that were interested in the flies I was offering. We spent that morning and afternoon exploring and fishing.



The next day was spent exploring the area and future potential campsites. It is a beautiful area and I hope to return. It was a welcomed few days away from it all.

Bob

 

[ReluctantFarmer]

I’ve really enjoyed Lake Umbagog; it’s where I took my young kid on his first overnight. Not too remote but plenty of quiet. You get out on the lake at night and there’s nobody else around for miles, which doesn’t even happen in much wilder places anymore. The waves are no joke, though.

My understanding is that it’s hard to paddle up the Rapid River because it turns to rapids before too long?

 

[Boatman53]

Wasn’t the trip had quite planned but it looks like a wonderful time nonetheless.
Jim

 

[Gamma1214]

This isn’t the traditional canoe tripping experience, but I figured the unique transport options may be of interest to the new tripper or, like us, appreciate having an easy way to avoid a wind bound day or pushing someone into a situation out of their comfort zone and potentially end badly this time of year.

Cool part (IMO) is that there's no wrong way to do it. And, yes, I'm certain that there are some who appreciate shuttling options (me included at times.

Glad that you got out and enjoyed it- looks like a good trip.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

Thanks for that report and photos, Bob. Is that your Keewaydin 16 I see in one of the photos? Were the campsites near the Rapid River a private campsite or public (free)?

In the mid-80s I used to lead whitewater trips on the Rapid River. We would fly by floatplane from the boat ramp at the south end of Umbagog Lake or (once) from Akers Pond to Middle Dam on Lower Lake Richardson. After running the Rapid's rapids, the floatplane would meet us in the quiet bottom section of the Rapid River. One time, the plane ran aground in shallow water while waiting for us. One of our kayakers in a Perception Dancer towed the plane to deeper water all by himself with his rescue rope. I always wished I had taken a photo of that.

Since we were limited to two canoes per plane trip, one lashed on each pontoon, some of our group arranged to have themselves and their boats picked up by some sort of barge-like boat. I wonder if that was the same craft you used and the same outfit.

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

I’ve really enjoyed Lake Umbagog; it’s where I took my young kid on his first overnight. Not too remote but plenty of quiet. You get out on the lake at night and there’s nobody else around for miles, which doesn’t even happen in much wilder places anymore. The waves are no joke, though.

My understanding is that it’s hard to paddle up the Rapid River because it turns to rapids before too long?

We only saw two other people in our area over three days.

There are a couple miles of paddling where you can feel the current and the takeout for the trail along the river is just below the last set of rapids. The flow was low to moderate. I’m sure it would be a struggle in high water.

It is an impressive river. I wasn’t able to wade far when fishing.

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

Thanks for that report and photos, Bob. Is that your Keewaydin 16 I see in one of the photos? Were the campsites near the Rapid River a private campsite or public (free)?

In the mid-80s I used to lead whitewater trips on the Rapid River. We would fly by floatplane from the boat ramp at the south end of Umbagog Lake or (once) from Akers Pond to Middle Dam on Lower Lake Richardson. After running the Rapid's rapids, the floatplane would meet us in the quiet bottom section of the Rapid River. One time, the plane ran aground in shallow water while waiting for us. One of our kayakers in a Perception Dancer towed the plane to deeper water all by himself with his rescue rope. I always wished I had taken a photo of that.

Since we were limited to two canoes per plane trip, one lashed on each pontoon, some of our group arranged to have themselves and their boats picked up by some sort of barge-like boat. I wonder if that was the same craft you used and the same outfit.

Yes, that’s the canoe. It got a few more scrapes this trip. I wouldn’t want to navigate a powered vessel in these waters at speed. Dangerous rocks for sure in unexpected areas.

Probably the same type boats. It was pretty sketchy loading/unloading with the crosswind.

 

[eckilson]

Were the campsites near the Rapid River a private campsite or public (free)?

The Cedar Stump Campsites on the Rapid River are operated by Northern Waters.

Camping | Northern Waters Outfitters

beoutside.com

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

Sorry Glenn- missed that one. We stayed at the northern most site through the campground. 2-3 mile paddle from the river take out. The Cedar Stump sites are adjacent from the trail and take out. They looked like nice sites.

Bob