The Moose River Bow Trip is one of the finest canoe routes in the eastern United States — a 34-mile loop through the wilderness north of Jackman in western Maine that combines flatwater lake paddling, river travel, a short portage, and some of the best moose watching country in North America. The route forms a bow shape on the map, beginning and ending at the same put-in on Attean Pond without retracing any water. No significant rapids — accessible to canoeists with basic flatwater skills.
The Route
The standard loop (clockwise): Put in at the Attean Pond boat launch in Jackman. Paddle across Attean Pond (about 2.5 miles) past the Attean Lake Lodge. Exit via the Moose River inlet heading northwest through classic North Woods country — boreal forest, beaver flowages, and extensive wetland habitat. The river widens into Sally Mountain Pond and continues through small ponds and connecting river sections to Long Pond — a remote 3-mile lake with no road access, wild brook trout, and consistent moose activity. A single portage of approximately 0.5 miles connects back to Attean Pond. Total: approximately 34 miles. Typical duration: 3-4 days.
Attean Pond
Attean Pond is a beautiful wilderness lake of about 3,000 acres with numerous islands, rocky points, and mountain backdrop. Attean Lake Lodge on an island in the middle of the pond has been operating since 1900 — a family-run wilderness lodge accessible only by boat offering cabins, meals, fishing guides, and canoe rentals. Staying at the lodge adds authentic Maine sporting camp hospitality to the paddling experience. On a clear morning, the reflection of surrounding mountains in the still water of Attean Pond is one of the finest wilderness scenes in western Maine.
📌 Staying at Attean Lake Lodge? Read our complete Maine Sporting Camps guide — what to expect, what’s included, and tips for first-time sporting camp visitors.
Wildlife
The Bow Trip passes through some of the finest moose habitat in Maine — most paddlers see multiple moose over a multi-day trip. The wetland sections, beaver flowages, and marshy shores of Long Pond are prime feeding areas at dawn and dusk. Wild brook trout inhabit the remote ponds and river sections — a Maine fishing license is required. Loons nest on the remote ponds. Bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons are regular sights throughout the route. See our Maine moose watching guide and Maine fishing license guide.
Camping
Primitive campsites on Long Pond shores and other points along the route — first-come, first-served, no reservations. Basic fire rings and cleared tent pads. Pack out all waste. Depending on the access route, a North Maine Woods camping fee may apply — see our North Maine Woods road permit guide.
Logistics
Put-in: Public boat launch at Attean Pond, Jackman. Canoe rentals: Attean Lake Lodge (lodge guests) and Northeast Whitewater in Jackman. Guided trips: Several Maine guide services offer guided Bow Trip packages — strongly recommended for first-time paddlers. Find registered guides at maineguides.org. Season: Mid-June through September. Maps: Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Maps 39 and 40. Download offline maps before departing — cell service is nonexistent along the route.
Getting to Jackman
Jackman is on US Route 201 approximately 75 miles north of Skowhegan — about 2.5 hours from Portland. See our Things to Do in Jackman Maine guide for more on the area.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to paddle the Moose River Bow Trip? Contact Northeast Whitewater or Attean Lake Lodge for rentals and guided options. For more western Maine wilderness, see our Jackman Maine fishing guide, our fly fishing in Maine guide, and our North Maine Woods road permit guide.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.