Hiking Lobster Mountain and Canoe Camping on Lobster Lake

Maine Hiking Canoeing Canoe Camping Lobster Lake Lobster Stream Lobster Mountain

The View Paddling on Lobster Lake

On Tuesday, Aug.13th, Rob and I got up early and headed to Lobster Lake. Getting there was definitely part of the adventure.

Ragged Stream Falls

Shortly after turning off the Greenville Road onto the Golden Road near Caribou Lake, we stopped to check out Ragged Stream Falls. Then it was onto the gatehouse to check in and pay fees for camping.

Lobster Stream

When we arrived at the parking lot for the boat landing, a large group of kayakers were busy unloading boats and gear. We unloaded our canoe and camping gear as well. All our gear was stored in two large dry bags, except our cooler and a stainless steel cook pot filled with potatoes.

Lobster Lake

After putting in, we paddled on Lobster Stream toward Lobster Lake. Frosty spotted an American bittern which blended in well with the marsh plants on the riverbank.

American Bittern Doing An Impression of Marsh Grass

We paddled by a group of six canoes leaving Lobster Lake, so this area does see a good amount of use even though it is in the middle of nowhere. While still on the stream, a kingfisher flew across the stream in front of us.

Lobster Stream

After awhile, we made it to the lake. Then we paddled across the lake toward Ogden Point where there were several campsites. The waves were starting to pick up.

Campsite on Lobster Lake

After canoeing along the shore, we found an empty campsite. The campsite had a picnic table, an outhouse (which was unbelievably clean), places to pitch a tent, a beach, and a fire pit. The waves on the lake had whitecaps now.

Frosty Watching the Fire at Our Campsite on Lobster Lake

We had a great time relaxing at our campsite. It was great to lounge in the sun on the beach and read. Frosty cooked us steak and potatoes over the fire.

Frosty Started the Potatoes First, Then Used Coals Pulled Over to the Edge to Cook the Steak

The sunset was amazing, and the stars were beautiful. The sound of loons echoed across the water. We had seen loons early in the day. I love loons.

Sunset on Lobster Lake

In the morning, we packed up and paddled over to the Lobster Mountain trailhead on Jackson Cove. There was a fog on the water that burned off after a bit. There is a group campsite adjacent to the trailhead. We pulled the canoe up onto the grass before hiking.

Our Canoe Packed to Paddle out the Next Morning

The two places that had swarms of insects were the boat landing where we put in and the Lobster Mountain trailhead. Luckily, after traveling just a short distance on the trail, we were away from the bugs.

Trailhead Sign for Lobster Mountain

This trail is short and easy. The trail was washed out in places, but paths had developed around the worst spots.

Trail Erosion on Lobster Mountain

The trail continues past the wooded summit to a viewpoint. There is a bench in that spot constructed by an out-of-state boy scout troop. This was a great place to have breakfast and enjoy the view.

View from the Lookout Atop Lobster Mountain

After hiking down, we put the canoe back into the water and explored one of the nearby coves. We passed two rocks in the lake where many seagulls were resting. Then we headed back across the lake toward Lobster Stream.

Seagulls Resting on a Rock on Lobster Lake

The lake was so calm. The reflections were beautiful, and the paddling was a dream. We were so lucky to get across the lake while it was calm!

Calm Waters on Lobster Lake

Just before the met the mouth of the stream, we passed a rock with a couple of cormorants resting on it. Our bird encounters continued on the stream. Nearly the entire way, we were flushing two American bitterns and a blue heron. They would fly away from us and land a bit ahead. We would catch up and they would fly ahead again. It was very cool.