Stan
Well-known member
Lobster Lake is about 60 miles north of Greenville mostly via logging roads which require a fee ($10 pppd non resident). Separate fees are charged for camping ($10 pppd). We entered through the Caribou checkpoint. The grassy launch with plenty of parking is 100 yards from the West Branch of the Penobscot River, a paddle camping destination in itself. It is about 7.5 miles from the launch to the furthest point at the end of the lake.
The launch is upon Lobster Stream, two miles from the Lake with little current to fight and a great blue heron to see us off. During high water the current may actually reverse as West Branch overflows into the lake. There were a couple beaver lodges along the stream and also up Halfway Brook which we explored before hitting the lake.
Quiet Water Canoe Guide Maine describes it as "a gem, certainly one of the finest canoeing and camping lakes in Maine." There are at least a dozen "authorized" campsites scattered around the lake, "authorized" meaning that no fire permit is necessary. There is no development on the lake and the only power boat we saw was the ranger.
During our stay only one other site was occupied. Campsites have fire rings, privvies and large picnic tables with poles extending beyond the ends of the table for thorough tarp coverage. We stayed at Jackson Cove, trailhead to Lobster Mountain. Ogden Point is another desireable campsite, sited on a peninsula with cross ventilation and views up and down the lake.
Lobster Mountain is about two miles and 1100 feet elevation gain. The trail ends at a beautiful overlook across the lake and to Baxter Peak. During a visit with the resident ranger we discussed the possibility of more trailwork to open vistas in other directions; we had bushwhacked a bit in a futile search for vistas to the west and Moosehead Lake.
As with most large lakes, the effects of winds can be hazardous or at least difficult for small boats. Accordingly, we did some exploring at the south end of the lake in late afternoon, returning to camp after sunset, the strong prevailing WNW wind having calmed for a couple hours.
We were happy with the lake, campsite and weather but disappointed in not seeing moose although we explored a few likely siting areas. We did see 10 loons, most in winter plummage. It was the first time I had seen that many together and the earliest I'd seen this plummage.
The most suitable map I found was Northern Forest Canoe Trail # 11. Here is a link to North Maine Woods a wealth of information about the area, regulations fees etc. Here is a link to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land, which maintains the campsites and oversees the conservation easement along the lake, Penobscot River Corridor.
The launch is upon Lobster Stream, two miles from the Lake with little current to fight and a great blue heron to see us off. During high water the current may actually reverse as West Branch overflows into the lake. There were a couple beaver lodges along the stream and also up Halfway Brook which we explored before hitting the lake.
Quiet Water Canoe Guide Maine describes it as "a gem, certainly one of the finest canoeing and camping lakes in Maine." There are at least a dozen "authorized" campsites scattered around the lake, "authorized" meaning that no fire permit is necessary. There is no development on the lake and the only power boat we saw was the ranger.
During our stay only one other site was occupied. Campsites have fire rings, privvies and large picnic tables with poles extending beyond the ends of the table for thorough tarp coverage. We stayed at Jackson Cove, trailhead to Lobster Mountain. Ogden Point is another desireable campsite, sited on a peninsula with cross ventilation and views up and down the lake.
Lobster Mountain is about two miles and 1100 feet elevation gain. The trail ends at a beautiful overlook across the lake and to Baxter Peak. During a visit with the resident ranger we discussed the possibility of more trailwork to open vistas in other directions; we had bushwhacked a bit in a futile search for vistas to the west and Moosehead Lake.
As with most large lakes, the effects of winds can be hazardous or at least difficult for small boats. Accordingly, we did some exploring at the south end of the lake in late afternoon, returning to camp after sunset, the strong prevailing WNW wind having calmed for a couple hours.
We were happy with the lake, campsite and weather but disappointed in not seeing moose although we explored a few likely siting areas. We did see 10 loons, most in winter plummage. It was the first time I had seen that many together and the earliest I'd seen this plummage.
The most suitable map I found was Northern Forest Canoe Trail # 11. Here is a link to North Maine Woods a wealth of information about the area, regulations fees etc. Here is a link to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land, which maintains the campsites and oversees the conservation easement along the lake, Penobscot River Corridor.
....guess the "carries" had tired me out...I used my ummm 65lb poly touring kayak with a ton of gear 
