ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL
SEASHORE, MARYLAND
The Maryland end of Chincoteague Bay is ideal for flat-water canoeing. The inner side of the barrier island is protected from ocean swells and storms, and there are wonderful opportunities for beach walking and bird-watching. The best put-in is at the boat launch on Fir Landing. Several public landings outside Assateague are good put-ins as well, and they have access to crabbing and clamming areas. Contact Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 62, Chincoteague, VA 23336; 757-336-6122.MISSOURI RIVER WILD AND SCENIC
WATERWAY, MONTANA
This historic passage is most famous for being part of Lewis and Clark's trail to the Pacific, and it remains as beautiful as it was 200 years ago. The river is broad and flat but moves steadily through country full of sandstone bluffs, small canyons, and natural arches. White pelicans and desert bighorn sheep are some of the more exotic wildlife found here. The most scenic stretch of the river begins at Coal Banks Landing, downstream of Fort Benton, Montana, and ends at the highway bridge known as Judith Crossing. Plan three to four days for the trip and you'll have time to hike and explore. Contact the Bureau of Land Management, Lewistown Field Office, P. O. Box 1160, Lewistown, MT 59457; 406-538-7461.MOUNT DESERT ISLAND
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Mount Desert Island is blessed with some of the most stunning scenery in Maine. Acadia National Park boasts several flat-water canoeing possibilities for beginners. Check out Long Pond, Eagle Lake, and Jordan Pond. Many paddling trips on these lakes can be combined with hikes to peaks or along forest trails. Fall is beautiful in Acadia, and after Labor Day you avoid the crowds. Contact Acadia National Park, P.O. Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-3338.OLYMPIC PENINSULA
PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON
Several large lakes within Olympic National Park are ideal for day-trips or overnight family canoe vacations. The most remote and rewarding for a backcountry experience is Lake Ozette, in the far northwest corner of the park. The best access is from the small town of Sekiu. From the ranger station at the lake, it is a four- to five-mile paddle to the camp at Ericsons Bay. From there you can explore miles of shoreline by canoe or hike 2.2 miles overland to the spectacular ocean coast. Contact Olympic National Park, 600 E. Park, Port Angeles, WA 98362; 360-452-4501 or call the Wilderness Information Center at 360-452-0300.PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
MUNISING, MICHIGAN
Pictured Rocks is located along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The picturesque shore extends nearly 50 miles from Munising to Grand Marais. The most canoe-friendly water is along the eastern half, which is characterized by long stretches of dune and beach. Designated campsites and some nice hiking trails are accessible from the water. For the first outing, plan a three- to four-day out-and-back trip starting at either Grand Marais Harbor or the campground at Hurricane River and stick to the sandy, eastern section. Although the weather is always unpredictable, the most popular month to travel is July (but be prepared to deal with biting flies). Contact Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, P.O. Box 40, Munising, MI 49862; 906-387-3700.
Alan Kesselheim is an adventure writer based in Bozeman, Montana.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
