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A direct route to the Wassataquoik Lake shelter with views to the south.


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Map Key

22.5

Miles

36.2

KM

Lollipop

1,755' 535 m

High

1,250' 381 m

Low

1,360' 414 m

Up

1,360' 414 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The shelters are very large and make a good place to make the kids feel safe. The trail is mostly gravel and grass along this route.

The park closes in the fall. You must reserve an itinerary to enter the park. You have to use their shelters or tent platforms which must be reserved day-by-day.

Overview

This hike takes you to a new shelter on the north end of Wassataquoik Lake. This site has a canoe as well as a shingled shelter lean-to and a fire ring. A short hike from the shelter takes you to the upper ridge overlooking the lake where there is a beautiful view looking south through the valley.

Need to Know

At mile 6 from Roaring Brook Campground, you'll need to cross Wassataquoik Stream to continue on. This is the only obstacle along the trail. The trails are mostly gravel and grass along this route. Water is not scarce along this route either, but be sure to bring a filter or other purification system. There is a water crossing at mile 6 at the Wassataquoik Stream crossing where you must cross to continue. Permits are needed to stay in the park. Contact the Baxter Park ranger's office: 207-723-4636

Description

Park your vehicle at Roaring Brook Campground and proceed to Russell Pond Trail. Here you can choose to stay one night at Wassataquoik Stream or the Russell Pond shelters. Beware that this it is a moose infested area here.

The next day, proceed to the shelter at the north end of Wassataquoik Lake using the Wassataquoik Lake Trail. This shelter is new as of 2016. Spend a day or two of solitude in this area. Listen to the loons at night. I consider this to be one of the better hikes in Baxter State Park in the lower elevations.

You can also proceed to a higher elevation at the north end of the lake and look down the valley to the south. In one of the pictures uploaded, it shows the peninsula where the shelter is located. You'll find lots of water and animals along this route—namely moose! The Knife Edge is second to none.

Flora & Fauna

Fern and blueberries are along most of the trails in August. Moose are the biggest animals on the trail. September is the best time to see moose here as they are here in large numbers.

History & Background

Once this was a lumber/farming community in years past. You can still find old saws and other farm equipment here and there.

Contacts

Land Manager: Baxter State Park

Shared By:

Brad Willis

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#1576

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#24

in Maine

#1,576

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3,546 Since Aug 22, 2017
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Photos

Looking south on Wassataquoik Lake from the shelter.
Aug 22, 2017 near Patten, ME
Katahdin from Whidden pond
Mar 27, 2015 near Patten, ME
A view of Russell Pond on the way to Wassataquoik Lake.
Oct 21, 2017 near Patten, ME
Along the trail
Aug 30, 2017 near Patten, ME
Natural rock outcropping along the trail serves as a temporary shelter.
Oct 21, 2017 near Patten, ME
Wassataquoit Stream crossing near Wassataquoit Stream shelter.
Aug 30, 2017 near Patten, ME
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