Umbagog Lake Questions

[truepatriot09]

Alright, so here's my itinerary and my questions for our kayak backpack on Umbagog Lake the weekend of 9/24-25.

Leave friday the 24th in the afternoon (none of us can get the day off from work) and arrive at Umbagog in the evening, camp at the big ole campground near the main put in. In the morning paddle to one of the remote campsites. I'm thinking of either site 28 or 29 (see this website for the campsites https://www.bookyoursite.com/Public/Maps/mapMaster.cfm?parkusercode=MCU190&mapNumber=2)
as the person I spoke to today said that there were bald eagles nesting nearby, but I'd also like to see Moose and any other wildlife there is to offer. Anyone ever camped there and recommend a site? Also, how big are the islands? Is it necessary to hang your food when camping on one of them? I'm so psyched for this trip, it's our first kayak overnight so whatever suggestions/advice you may have I appreciate it.

Thanks,
-ct

 

[el-bagr]

Those sites are nice, especially if no one is at the one you don't choose. Right at the mouths of the Magalloway and Androscoggin Rivers. You might get some traffic heading down the Androscoggin, but at this late date, it's far from certain. They're fairly far from the main campground/put-in.

Those islands are rather small -- about a quarter-mile long and much narrower.

Hanging food: I almost always do, though it's more for the red squirrels and mice.

 

[darren]

I'd go with you in a heartbeat, but it looks like I will be back out in Hawaii then.

I camped at 23 before for 2 nights and it was great. Every year I say I am going to do it again and it always falls through the cracks.

If you aren't psyched up enough, check out some of my pix from there:

http://www.vftt.org/gallery/kayak/umbagog.html

The bald eagles were nesting on the little hook just west of 28. That end of the lake is a decent paddle (like 7 or 8 miles one way I think) from the put in at the south end.

If the wind blows out of the north or south, that lake can get a good fetch on it. When I was there the first day had about 2'+ chop coming out of the north (against us on teh paddle in) and the third day had a 2'+ chop coming out of the south (against us going out). The middle day was dead calm. Go figure.

We didn't see any evidence of bears, but you should check with the rangers.

Test loading your gear in the kayaks at home. You will find out that the storage space might be harder to use than you think. Put heavy stuff in the storage areas and strap light items on the deck (if you have to).

Bring a fishing rod if you are into it. We caught a ton of small mouths.

Have fun!

- darren

ps: if I dont end up in Pearl Harbor, I just might head up there....look for a light blue P&H Orion and yellow Impex Mystic.

 

[ChrisB]

Site R-26 is sweet

We usually spend a week on R 26 every August. It is on the ME side and has water on three sides and no other sites vnearby.

Moll's Rock, on the NH side is across from R 26 and gets more use. It too is pretty cool. Both are a long paddle from the State Park put in...especially if the wind is in your face.

There have been some bear problemns on these remote sites, but you can check with the rangers to get an idea of where the bears are active.

Apparently these bears are so mart they will swim to a moored canoe and overturn it to get to that yummy cooler and food bag, or so we've been told by the staff up there.

Also, good fishing down in B-brook headwaters.

cb