Lat/Longitude, mileage data are _very_ approximate.
See also the
Deblois to Cherryfield reach.
## Description of lower half from Route 9 to Deblois
The ~10 mile run from Rt. 9 to Deblois comprises a beautiful mixture of water and river bank features. With the exception of Beddington Lake, the river is almost entirely secluded, with only a few camps visible closer to Deblois. Beavers are very active along this stretch of river and in the meandering inlet portion of Beddington Lake. Some evidence of past logging activity is obvious at the lake outlet, where a cribworks still exists. There appear to be no other man-made hazards.
Rapids along this section are typical of the region and similar to the more regularly traveled and raced Machias, consisting of shallow riffles, small boulder fields, and scout-as-you go class I, I+/II rapids. A single ledge drop around the 7 mile mark is easy to carry around at low levels.
Put-in for this section is off Rt. 9 (Airline Rd.) on the upstream side of the bridge on the western bank, or slightly more upstream off the recreational trail on the eastern shore. There is limited room for vehicles to stage along Rt. 9 with good visibility for oncoming traffic. Vehicles are able to turn around after dropping boats off the rec trail, which is also used by fishermen. Bicycle staging is a very pleasant 8 mile strip back along hwy 193, though the road has no paved shoulder and the grade is loose sand.
Take-out is on river right in Deblois immediately upstream of the bridge (Class IV-V below bridge!), again with limited vehicle parking and decent visibility along the side of the rode on each side of the river.
Mile 0: A small level marker is located on the downstream bridge abutment river-right. 1'7" here is roughly 550 CFS downstream at the Cherryfield gauge. At and below this level the first mile is very shallow riffles and bumpy, causing tandem boats to bottom out frequently. "Rock paddles" are a very good idea at low levels, especially for canoes.
Mile 1-3.5: Beddington Lake - As the shallow river enters into Beddington Lake, Beaver lodges can be seen frequently bordered by beautiful distant stands of Birch and evergreens. Take the right leg first, then the left as the river meanders past some coves before joining the main lake. The outlet is at the far end of the lake and is not visible behind three islands in the middle of the lake. Either side of the islands will be about the same distance so the wind may play a role in which side they are passed. Tuck to the east of the peninsula at the end of the lake and the river outlet will be straight ahead. The lake essentially ends where some old cribworks lie diagonally across the river. This obstruction can be crossed at most of the openings.
Mile 3.5 - 6: After the lake, the river is markedly deeper, though shallow spots may still be frequently encountered. The scenery changes often and includes high mossy banks, inlet streams, and more beaver activity. Old cedar trees abound. River features are limited to Class I. Bog Brook adds to the river flow slightly at mile 5.
Mile 6: Class I+/II rapid. The river makes a bend to the left near a few large boulders and marks the point where rapids become quite enjoyable. River left offers an opportunity to pause and scout if needed, or just stretch your legs. The left line easily negotiates a few rocks before the river turns 90 degrees to the right. Stay far left as the river flushes out of the rapid.
Mile 7: Class II+/III ledge. A river-wide ledge drops approximately 3 feet here with the bulk of the flow running over the ledge river right. A narrow chute left of center sends most of the remaining flow immediately up against a boulder. The river levels out again shorty after the ledge, so at higher volumes the river-right line (may) produce a tongue for an easy exit. At any level the ledge can be scouted and is best avoided by carrying or lining your boat down on river-left.
Mile 7.1: Level-dependent rapid. On satellite, there appears to a possible class II rapid maybe 100 yards downstream of the ledge, which has the potential to build standing waves. At low levels this is not apparent. A large boulder marks the end of this pinch point. Start left and move toward the middle, past the boulder.
Mile 7.2 - 10: Class I / I+. Enjoy the remainder of the river as the scenery again changes frequently. Take-out just above the bridge, river right.
\*This was the first descent of the river by the group, which comprised one ww kayak and one tandem touring canoe. The description of the river was created after a run Sunday April 26, 2020 when the Cherryfeild gauge read 550 cfs/9.23'. The level at Rt. 9 read 1'7". This level was considered by the group to be at the low end of runnable, based on the very shallow first mile. The run occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bikes were used for staging to encourage social distancing. Due to the low economic activity and travel restrictions at this time, traffic on hwy 193 was likely less than normal. The group is looking forward to running the river at higher levels and reading additional contributions to the river description.