Maine Wilderness Trips
Each summer we take a selected group of students into the Maine Wilderness for the purpose of deep discipleship. On these trips students are away from all technology, phones and wifi. These trips are about developing the next generation of leaders and equipping them to live to the greater purpose and mission that God has for them. These trips are challenging, but also rewarding and a lot of fun. The Maine wilderness offers an incredible and unique opportunity to experience God’s untouched creation. Amazing things happen when students are given the opportunity to be away from all screens and phones for a week. It opens their eyes to what’s around them.
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TRIPS FOR 2025
ALLAGASH RIVER
TRIP OVERVIEW- Located in the deep wilderness of Western Maine, the Allagash River is ranked as one of the most pristine wilderness waterways in the world by National Geographic. It is one of the few major rivers in North America that flows South to North.
WILDLIFE & FISHING- This is a 70 mile canoe trip and the best trip for viewing wildlife. On some trips we have seen well over 20 moose as we canoed the river. The river is also a great place to see Bald Eagles, Loons, Deer and other great Maine Wildlife. The Allagash is also great river for Fishing! The River maintains a variety of species during the late Spring and early Summer. The River maintains a large Chub & Catfish population, but also parts for bass & trout. There are even a few areas where Muskee can be caught. The current record for most fish caught on a trip by a student is 31 fish.
CANOEING- Travel on this river is done entirely by Canoe. The river has areas of low class rapids that are fun for both beginners and experts to run. There is also areas of dead water and lake paddling, which offer the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the pristine wilderness view. Life Jackets are worn at all times when in a canoe.
CAMPING- We set up camp at designated “rustic sites” along side the river. The sites are cleared areas that consist of a picnic table, designated fire pit for cooking and a rustic outhouse. Students sleep in tents provided by our Wilderness Program.
SAFETY- The river is regularly patrolled by Rangers and Game Wardens who are given our group information and itinerary in advance when we check-in at the Allagash Wilderness Ranger Station. There are ranger stations and emergency exit points throughout the waterway in case of an emergency. Our trips are led by licensed Guides & Wilderness Trip leaders who have specialized training and certifications wilderness first aid & safety.
Cost- $900 ($90 per day) The Cost includes air fair/travel, guide fees, equipment use, and lodging.
Dates- Use the interest form below to select the dates that work best for you!
ST. CROIX RIVER & KATAHDIN
7.5 LB Largemouth Bass Caught by Bradan Eby on St. Croix River (2022)
TRIP OVERVIEW- This trip offers the unique opportunity for a blended hiking and canoeing experience. The first few days of this trip are spend in Baxter State Park, which is part of the pristine Maine “100 Mile Wilderness” area. We hike to the peak of Mt. Katahdin, which is one of the most pristine and scenic hikes you can do in North America. The hike is both challenging and fun! It consists of different aspects along scenic trails. The St. Croix River is the natural eastern border between Maine and Canada.
FISHING- The St. Croix is a great river of fishing and maintains a wide variety of both small and large species. We also do some fishing on East Grand Lake and the Baskehegan Flowage, which are great for fishing. Students are strongly encouraged to bring fishing gear on these trips.
CANOEING- This river is great for first timers! It has areas of low class technical rapids that are great for first time paddlers.
HIKING- Mt. Katahdin is a challenging hike. Students must wear and bring proper gear for the hike that takes up
CAMPING- Camping at Mt. Katahdin is done at reserved sites at the base of the Mountian. Camping on the St. Croix river is done at designated sites that have been cleared for use along the river.
SAFETY- Mt Katahdin & Baxter State park are regularly patrolled by Rangers and maintained by the State Ranger Service. Rangers are made aware of our camping location and hiking routes for our time at Baxter State Park. The St. Croix river is regularly maintained/patrolled by the Ranger Service and Border Patrol. Emergency exit points are close by in case of an emergency. Our trips are led by licensed Guides & Wilderness Trip leaders who have specialized training and certifications wilderness first aid & safety.
Cost- $850 ($85 per day) The Cost includes air fair/travel, guide fees, equipment use, and lodging.
Dates- Use the interest form below to select the dates that work best for you!
BASKAHEGAN STREAM & ST. CROIX RIVER FISHING TRIP
Trip Overview- This Trip is for the passionate fisherman! This trip takes students to the Baskehegan Lake & Stream as well as the St. Croix River. This Trip involves Canoeing, Fishing and Camping. It is less strenuous physically then our other trips, making it a great trip for first-timers. Students will still experience wilderness immersion and learn survival and camping skills.
Fishing- This trip offers the opportunity to catch a variety of species including White Perch, Large & Small Mouth Bass, Pickerel, Pike and other species.
Canoeing- This trip is great for first timers! It has areas of low class technical rapids that are great for first time paddlers as well as scenic flat water areas that are ideal for fishing.
Scenic Camping- Camping is done at scenic sites (that are also great for fishing) on both the Baskahegan Lake/Stream and St. Croix River.
Safety- The St. Croix River & Baskahegan is regularly maintained and patrolled. Emergency exit points are close by in case of an emergency. Our trips are led by licensed Guides & Wilderness Trip leaders who have specialized training and certifications wilderness first aid & safety.
Cost- $850 ($85 per day) The Cost includes air fair/travel, guide fees, equipment use, and shuttle fees.
Dates- Use the interest form below to select the dates that work best for you!
BONAVENTURE RIVER, QUEBEC CANADA
Trip Overview- Located on the Gaspe Peninsula in Canada, the Bonaventure River is one of the most unique rivers in the world. This trip offers a deeper wilderness experience through 84 miles of unique Canadian Wilderness, eventually leading into the North Atlantic Ocean. Due to unique formations and properties, the water is a crystal clear emerald green color. This trip is for the experienced paddler or for someone who really wants a canoeing challenge! The river is 85 miles of class 2-3 white water with some segments of calm river. Offering a more fast paced trip.
Dates- JUNE 8-19 (Due to the Unique Nature of this River it can only be run up until June)
Cost- $1300 (12 Day Trip) Cost includes Airfair to Maine, Ground Transportation to Canada, Guide Fees, Equipment Cost, Lodging and Meals.
The Northwoods Traveler Challenge Trip- NEW!
Trip Overview- This trip is not for the inexperienced outdoorsman. As our program has grown over the past few years many people have asked that we provide a trip that is not only distinctly different from the Allagash and St. Croix rivers that we have become so accustomed to but one that is more challenging than anything we currently offer. So if you’re looking to be challenged spiritually and pushed physically then this trip is what you’re looking for. The group will meet in the Wilderness Center to pack out gear and break into two teams. From there they pack the gear and canoes to Telos Lake and canoe south towards the north entrance of Baxter State Park. Once the group gets to the Freeze Out Trail head at the northern side of Grand Matagamon the team will split into two groups. One will be backpacking from the North Side of the park all the way south and summiting the peak of Katahdin. The other group will take the canoes and solo the East Branch of the Penobscot river ending in East Millinocket. Both parts of the trip, canoeing and hiking, will present their own challenges and rewards. If you manage to complete both legs of the journey (Hiking and Canoeing) you will be presented with a “North Woods Traveler'' certificate and patch. We hope to see you this summer!
Cost- $950 ($95 per day). The Cost includes air fair/travel, guide fees, equipment use, and shuttle fees.
Dates- Use the interest form below to select the dates that work best for you!