About
Machias River, Maine — 1777 Battle of Machias First Naval, 1830s-1870s Log Drives, 1971 Wild/Scenic 60-mi. From Fifth Machias Lake through a chain of headwater lakes and bogs, the Machias River runs 75 miles through Washington County to tidewater. The upper 20 miles connect the lake chain through wetland corridors before the river picks up gradient. Third Lake to Whitneyville covers 30 miles of Class I-II water through wilderness sections that see few paddlers. Below Whitneyville, the final 25 miles to Machias encounter tidal influence and active Atlantic salmon restoration efforts that have earned the river Critical Habitat designation. At 680 CFS average with an optimal range of 300-1500, the Machias responds to snowmelt and spring rains but holds fishable flows through most seasons. USGS gauge 01021500 tracks conditions above the tidal reach. Sunrise Canoe and Kayak provides outfitting services for the wilderness sections where portages around blowdowns and beaver dams require local knowledge.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.