Northwoods Experiences

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We’re excited to be partnered with Chris Young of Young’s Guide Service to offer a full range of moose and wildlife safaris, local boat tours, guided fishing and once in a lifetime Northwoods experiences. Chris Young is a Registered Maine Guide and has spent much of his life exploring the north woods and waters and learning the habits and “language” of the local wildlife. That intimate knowledge of the local wildlife earned him the title of National Moose Calling Champion. We can’t wait for you to meet him to create lifetime memories of your own.

EXPLORE THE HISTORIC GHOST TRAINS AND ICE CAVES

This is a full day, 8 hours, land-based tour with your own personal Northwoods expert. You’ll depart before sunrise and look for Moose on the way deep into the Northwoods in search of the historic Ghost Trains. As you visit these gigantic train engines and explore the abandoned grounds of logging years gone by, Chris will educate you on the rich history behind the Ghost Trains and the several million acres of wilderness in which they sit. From the Ghost Trains you will head cross country through the Northwoods to the Debsconeag Ice Caves—caves that hold ice right through the hot summer months. Prior to the hike into the Ice Cave you will stop to enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic locations along the way. Once you arrive at the Ice Caves you will have the opportunity to climb down inside the cave and cool off by the chill of the ice. If time allows and the desire is still burning; you can also have your guide, Chris hike you to the shoreline of Debsconeag Lake where you will experience its raw beauty. PLEASE NOTE: This trip is designed for individuals who can comfortably hike 4-5 miles.

~8 Hour Tour departing at 5 am: $1100 / 2 people
$50 each additional person
June—Mid-Oct.  Includes light breakfast and lunch

MOOSE SAFARI WITH CHRIS YOUNG

In partnership with Young’s Guide Service, we’re pleased to offer another exceptional opportunity to see and photograph moose in their natural habitat. Chris has been navigating the Northwoods for more than 20 years, and during your four-hour moose tour he will share his extensive knowledge of moose, the woods and the area.  Chris is a Registered Maine Guide and has spent much of his life learning the habits and “language” of the Maine moose and earned the title of National Moose Calling Champion.  Chris will guide you to the best spots at the best viewing times (the first and last 4 hours of daylight) and has an over 90% viewing success rate for his private tours. Chris’ tours begin May 30, when the bulls have just started their annual growth of moose antlers, and the cows have calved one or two baby moose.  July is the period of rapid antler growth for the bulls.  By mid-September they have shed the velvet covering and sport the hard moose antlers for the breeding season, which lasts through early October.  At this time, the bulls often aggressively respond to calling. Many consider this one of the most unique things to do in Maine and a high point of outdoor recreation. Morning tours depart between 4:15 am and 5 am depending on season, afternoon tours available from May 30 – July 31 only and depart at 6 pm.

3-4 Hour Tour: $500 / 2 people
$50 each additional person
May 30 – Oct 11.  Includes light breakfast or snack

BALD EAGLE TOUR

Due to the fabulous habitat around the Moosehead Lake Area, Bald Eagles, which were once near extinction, have come back in healthy numbers and continue to return to the area each year to nest and raise their young. Come along with Young’s Guide Service as we take you by boat to view one of the many Bald Eagle nests that are located along the waterways of Northern Maine. Eagles’ are most active June through August sitting on their nest, fishing for food, feeding their young or training them to fly.

3-4 Hour Tour: $450 / 2 people
$50 each additional person.  Includes light breakfast or snack

LOON TOUR

To hear this lonely sound is an experience in itself, but image paddling through the fog on a still quite morning when out of the mist in front of your canoe appears a family of loons with newborn chicks cradled upon their backs. As you watch the parents stealthily move through the water hunting for small fish to feed upon your Guide, Chris will be gently paddling the canoe continually placing you in the perfect spot to capture the whole event.

Whether you are looking to photograph loons on the nest, loons with chicks or just loons in general Young’s Guide Service can help you make these dreams come true. Depending on the time of year you will be visiting will dictate where the loons will be and what the loons will be doing.

3-4 Hour Tour: $450 / 2 people
$50 each additional person.  Includes light breakfast or snack

MAINE FREIGHTER CANOE TOUR

Experience the Northern Waterways of Maine in a 21ft. Maine Freighter Canoe. This extremely stable motorized canoe has cushioned seating for up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Your Registered Maine Guide, Chris will navigate the pristine waterways where larger boats cannot go; giving you the opportunity to see wildlife and spectacular views that can’t be seen from a vehicle.

HISTORY OF THE MAINE FREIGHTER CANOE: Freighter style canoes have traversed Moosehead Lake for well over 100 years.  Old time local guides paddled these canoes to carry large amounts of gear and clients safely and quietly through the Northern Maine Waterways.  Although we cannot go back in time to the simpler life, we can experience and explore the wilderness much as they did by freighter canoe!

3-4 Hour Tour: $600 / 2 people
$50 each additional person.  Includes light breakfast or snack

moosehead lake hotels
moosehead lake hotels

PRIVATE LAKE TOURS

Climb aboard Chris’ fully equipped 27′ Weldcraft Ocean King, ‘The High Lonesome’. The craft is setup with your comfort in mind, offering a spacious heated cabin and plenty of room on the deck to sit and enjoy the sounds of nature and soak up the summer sunshine. Comfortably accommodates up to 5 adults.

Touch of Kineo: Mount Kineo is a prominent geological feature located on a 1,150-acre peninsula that extends from the easterly shore of Moosehead Lake. Chris, your guide will take you up close to view the 700’ shear rock cliffs that rise straight up from Moosehead Lake. You will not only see the awe of Kineo, but Chris will educate you on the history behind this iconic mountain and its peninsula.
2 Hour Tour: $600 / 2 people
$50 each additional person
June—Mid-Oct. Includes light breakfast or snack

R&R on Moosehead: Settle in for a relaxing 6-hour tour of the most remote and breathtaking parts of Moosehead Lake. Enjoy the views of the many spectacular mountains that surround our 75,451 acre fresh water lake, aboard ‘The High Lonesome’. Along your travels your Guide will educate you of the areas rich history. There is always the possibility of getting to see an eagle and/or loons. This tour includes a shore lunch and bottle of wine on one of Moosehead Lakes pristine beaches.

6-Hour Tour—Adults only: $1000/ 2 people
$50 each additional person
June—Mid-Oct. Includes picnic lunch and wine

Foliage from the water: Take in the magnificent autumn color palette as it cascades down the mountain sides and reflects upon the waters of Moosehead Lake.  There is no need to be concerned about the cooling temperatures that come with the autumn season as you travel aboard ‘The High Lonesome’, which not only has comfort seating, but a heated cab. There is always the possibility of getting to see an eagle and/or loons.

2-Hour Tour: $600/ 2 people
$50 each additional person
Late Sept—Mid-Oct. Includes light breakfast or snack

MOOSEHEAD LAKE FISHING

Half Day Lake Fishing Adventure: Climb aboard Chris’ fully equipped 27′ Weldcraft Ocean King, ‘The High Lonesome’ for a day fishing and fun. The craft is setup with your comfort in mind, offering a spacious heated cabin and plenty of room on the deck to sit and enjoy the sounds of nature and soak up the summer sunshine. Comfortably accommodates up to 5 adults. With Chris’s forty years of fishing experience on Moosehead Lake he will take you to the best spots to target lake trout, brook trout and salmon. Using the newest technology and “old school” know how, Chris will strive to make your time on Moosehead Lake successful and memorable. We generally practice catch and release, but if desire to keep fish to eat Chris will clean your fish for easy cooking. Beginners are welcome no experience is necessary. You bring your fishing license and Chris will bring the fishing gear.

4-Hour Tour: $500/ 2 people
$50 each additional person.  Includes light breakfast or snack

Maine Smallmouth Bass Fishing:  Enjoy either a morning or full day of smallmouth bass fishing on one of Moosehead Lake Areas pristine smallmouth bass fisheries with your Guide, Chris. With over 35 years of smallmouth bass fishing knowledge, Chris knows what it takes to have you and your family in the best spots at the best times to fish for hard fighting smallmouth bass. Our new 21-foot Lund bass boat is setup with a casting platform, removable pedestal seats, electric motor and all the necessary accessories to make your day safe, comfortable, and productive. We generally practice catch and release. Two adults and two children are the limit. Beginners are welcome, no experience is necessary. You’ll only need a fishing license, the remaining essential gear will be supplied, but if you have some favorites bring them.
4-Hour Tour: $500/ 2 people
$50 each additional person. Includes light breakfast or snack

Kids Fishing Fun:  Want to watch your kids get “hooked” on fishing? This trip is it! Kids of all ages and levels love this adventure because it targets fish that give lots of action throughout the trip. Parents can sit back, watch and relax while Chris gives your child tips and pointers on fishing that will last them a lifetime.
4-Hour Tour: $500/ 2 people
$25 each additional child. Includes light breakfast or snack

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