St. John River (Maine) Canoe/Camping Trip ?

The run from 5th St. John Pond to Baker Lake is shallow and twisting class 2
which must be run as close as possible to ice-out. We did the trip from 5th to
Allagash in 5 days in mid-May. The water was high, fast, and cold with huge
ice flows along the banks. Big Black and Big Rapids were the only class 3 on
the trip; there were no portages. The weather was warm and sunny, cold and
windy with horizontal rain...a little of everything. The week immediately
prior to Memorial Day saw one day with 6 inches of snow. If you wait until the
Holiday weekend, you may be dragging your boats. It is a great trip for those
who can handle a little hardship.

John G.
 >> Stay informed about: St. John River (Maine) Canoe/Camping Trip ? 

I did St John last spring, third week of May. It was a great trip, a few
cold nights below freezing, otherwise mild and a mixture of sun - mostly
- and some rain. We put in a Baker Lake and paddled all the way to St
Francis.

The river has many riffs and shorter rapids that generally are easy and
fun. there are two more challenging rapids, the first is Big Black, not
too difficult if you scout beforehand and locate a good opening. The
second is tougher, the Big Rapids. It's longer and the route depends on
the water level. higfh water , you portage or stay river left, medium
water you find a way down the middle, low water go with the deeper but
more turbulent right channel.

Our tandem boat had a spray deck, so we ran dry. Without it we would
have taken on some water.


Enjoy,

Krister


Bob wrote:
 > Hello:
 >
 > Would be most interested in anyones opinions and thoughts on the St. John river
 > in Maine canoe/camping trip.
 >
 > Both in general, and if perhaps anyone has done it with the Elderhostle folks.
 >
 > Interested in how the weather was, since the trips are run in mid May
 > due to water levels, and that's pretty early in the season for up there.
 >
 > I realize it's a crap shoot, but how was the day and evening temp's, etc. ?
 > Any snow ?
 >
 > Have done the Allagash twice, and am thinking of the St. johns.
 >
 > Other opinions on, etc. ?
 > Did you enjoy, even if so early in season ?
 >
 > Much thanks,
 > Bob<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: St. John River (Maine) Canoe/Camping Trip ?