Rangeley Rendezvous

Below are descriptions of trips taking place during the Rangeley Rendezvous. You can register for them here.

Short Guided Trips (half day)

(These trips last roughly 3 to 4 hours. Participants are asked to bring snacks and water, in addition to basic clothing and gear needed on a wilderness trip.)

Wildlife Photography Tour on Saddleback Lake: Enjoy a leisurely tour on a 358-acre waterbody while looking for loons, moose and other wildlife. During this tour, professional photographer and guide Nick Leadley will provide tips on how to take nature photos. In addition to potential wildlife sightings, there will be views of Saddleback Mountain from the water. Guide: Professional photographer Nick Leadley. $100

Kennebago River Tour:  Flowing through the Kennebago, a 3,000-acre conservation area, the river winds its way through dense forest to meet the Rangeley River in Cupsuptic Lake. There is a good chance of seeing moose, eagles, loons, and trout. Look for the trout “nests” in the river bed. The trip starts at the Kennebago River Road Bridge put-in and continues to the lake at Indian Rock. While here, you’ll explore the cove and look for the teepees and old wooden boat tucked in the woods. This cove is a good place for an invigorating dip in the lake. The trip finishes with going upstream against a gentle current to the take out at the Rte. 16 bridge. Will have to negotiate a few, small riffles along the way. Guide: Jeff McCabe. $100

South Bog Tour: Beginning at Rangeley Lake State Park, we’ll paddle west to the South Bog area of Rangeley Lake. Surrounded by conserved land by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, this is a quiet area of the lake and is a popular place for loons and other wildlife. Guide: Dano Archibee. $100

Cupsuptic River: Put in at boat launch on Rt. 16 bridge, paddle upstream into the woods against a very slow, gentle current.  Rounding several bends in the river, the chances of seeing wildlife are many. Guide: Jeff McCabe. $100

Long Guided Trip (all day)

(Participants are asked to bring lunch, snacks, and water, in addition to basic clothing and gear needed on a wilderness trip.)

Leisurely Loon Tour on Aziscohos Lake/Magalloway River: The beauty of this lake is truly breathtaking. Imagine paddling on crystal-clear water nestled between thousands of acres of protected lands and a ring of mountains. Eagles can frequently be seen flying overhead, loons calling to each other, and moose standing in the shallows. Start and end points may be modified to optimize for weather and wind.  The group will put-in at the top of the lake for a leisurely guided paddle for 6 miles, exploring the Magalloway and Little Magalloway rivers, with a break for lunch. Easy/moderate, depending on wind conditions. 5-6 hours. Guides: David Butler and Seth Laliberte. $150

Sunset Paddle  

Paddle west into the sunset on Rangeley Lake on the last day of spring. Meet in Rangeley Town Park at 8 p.m. Free.

Summer Solstice Sunrise Paddle

Celebrate the summer solstice with us as we paddle to the sunrise on the longest day of the year. Beginning at the bridge over Hunter Cove on Mingo Loop Road, we’ll paddle out of the cove into Rangeley Lake taking in the sunrise as we paddle east to the town park. Feel free to bring a thermos of coffee. 5-7 a.m. Free

Skills Clinics

(1-2 hours)

Self-Rescue Clinic: Learn to get back into your canoe if you find yourself in the water. $100

Poling Clinic: Learn the basics of this technique for navigating shallow or upstream water. $100

Paddle Strokes: Forward Stroke, sweeps, J-stroke – what do you want to work on? $100

Sunday Race 

TIATIAGNMR (The informal Around the Island Anything Goes No Motors Race): This lighthearted event featuring a variety of watercraft will consist of two races on Rangeley Lake, both starting at Rangeley Town Cove Park. There will be a 4-mile loop to and around Maneskootuc Island (also known as Doctor’s Island) and a 10-miler around South Bog Island. Participants are welcome to use any type of non-motorized boat including canoes, kayaks, sailboats and SUPs. Creativity is encouraged. Participants are asked to show up at 7:30 for an 8 a.m. start.  Wind alternatives are being planned depending on direction and severity of the gusts. This race is a reincarnation of an informal race held in Rangeley more than a decade ago. Nancy Kettle, then a local business owner and avid paddler, would invite friends on summer Sunday afternoons to paddle the four-mile loop from the town park out and around Maneskootuk Island and then back to the start. The tour would include a variety of non-motorized boats. One year, a participant even entered a raft. Participants ended their trip by “ringing the bucket,” which entailed rapping a long spoon against the inside of a metal bucket on a park picnic table. $35 Register here. 

Jeff McCabe

Jeff McCabe is the Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. He has worked for more than 20 years in Maine’s outdoor economy and is a registered Maine Recreational Guide and Whitewater Guide. His experience also includes working as Outreach Coordinator for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Director of Lake George Regional Park, and Executive Director of the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District. A graduate of Unity College, he resides in Skowhegan with his wife, their three children and dog Chaga. The family maintains a 13-acre woodlot adjacent to their home for recreation.

Danielle Archibee

Danielle (Dano) Archibee has been an avid outdoors woman for years.  Her passion for adventure and nature inspired her to get her Maine Guide’s License in 2022 and began guiding part-time.  As one of the two guides for Magalloway Outfitters, her skills are in hiking, cycling, xc skiing, snowshoeing, kayak and canoeing. Dano is known for guiding trips during the full moon.  Leading several women only trips, she has a devoted following.  Dano is an enthusiastic leader for the Junior Guides program sponsored by the Rangeley Region Sportsman and Guides Association.

Seth Laliberte

Seth Laliberte has been exploring his native Maine all his life.  Moving to Rangeley 25 years ago, his focus has been on the woods and waters in western Maine.  While previously focusing on fishing, he has been leading canoe and kayak trips with the local kids and adults.  The principal of Rangeley Lakes Regional School he has long supported the idea that kids should be outdoors.  The owner of Rangeley Adventure Co. with his wife Michelle and his three children, he runs guided trips from the business and supports local programs for conservation and outdoor education.

Nick Leadley

Nick Leadley is a professional photographer who loves to be on the water and anywhere else outdoors.  Nick frequently guides his clients on the water for purposes of teaching photography skills from a canoe or kayak.  Living in Rangeley has blessed the locals and visitors with captivating prints of the landscape and wildlife native the area.  His collection of up close loon photos resulted in the publication of his book Gavia.  Most known for his bird photography, Nick leads birding trips to exotic places like Costa Rica.  His own travels include New Zealand, Africa, Iceland, and Svalbard.

Carl Blondell

Carl Blondell, a native New Englander living in Rangeley, Maine, has been a guide for over 40 years.  His experience began in whitewater rafting in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Alaska.  Returning east, he got his Maine guide’s license in the ‘80’s for whitewater rafting and recreation.  As a paramedic, working for Wilderness Medical Associates in Portland, he travels teaching wilderness first aid throughout the US as well as internationally. He’s worked as a paramedic for more than 30 years, serving in Iraq for 2 years and Nicaragua several times supporting an orthopedic surgical team.  A frequent traveler with a passion for skiing, his goal is to ski every continent.  To date he’s skied 5 continents, more than 20 countries and 138 ski areas.

David Butler

David Bulter is a Master Recreation Guide who has lived in Maine for over 30 years. He has a Forestry degree from West Virginia University. He now lives in Windham, Maine with his wife, Tracey, a retired 5th grade school teacher. He and Tracey have two adult children, Amanda and Doug, both have a keen interest in the outdoors. Amanda hiked the AT from March to September 2013 and Doug has spent summers as a Maine Sea Kayaking Guide.  As a boy, David learned his outdoor skills in the Boy Scouts with canoeing and camping trips that included special trips to Maine. Throughout college and as a young adult, David continued to explore the outdoors, camping, canoeing, and willing to experience almost any outdoor activity. Arriving in Maine in 1986 to start a professional career in the computer industry, he was eager to get outdoors. Maine is a big state, with almost an endless list of places to paddle, camp and explore. Around the campfire he is sure to tell stories of the highlights of those early trips with family and friends. David’s many interests include mountain biking, sea kayaking, rafting, fly fishing, ice fishing, and anything to do with canoeing and camping.

Kyle LaRochelle

Kyle LaRochelle grew up in the Rangeley Lakes Region where his family has owned a campground for 25+ years. He grew up helping his father guide, which created his own love for the outdoors. His passion is aiding people with their outdoor aspirations.

The Rangeley Inn: Our partners and ROAR sponsors at The Rangeley Inn are offering a 15% discount to folks coming for Rangeley Rendezvous. Booking for 2026 is now open! The discount code is PADDLE. Click here to visit their website and book your stay!

Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals is pleased to offer a 20% discount at participating properties. This discount applies to stays of at least two nights, is valid on the nightly rate only, and does not include taxes or fees. When guests enter arrival/departure dates, the discount will automatically apply and display as slashed pricing, and the booking page will show “ Rangeley Rendezvous Discount Applied.” Click here to view rentals.

Rangeley Lakes Trails Center: The Trails Center is offering camping for Rangeley Rendezvous participants. These options include primitive tent camping (no water, nor fires, pit toilets and RV parking (no hookups). Cost is $30/night and proceeds support the Trails Center. Click here to learn more and book your site!

Rangeley Lake State Park: Located 15 minutes from town on the south shore of Rangeley Lake … with hot showers! Click here to learn more and reserve your site.

Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground: Located 15 minutes from town on the shores of Cupsuptic Lake. Tent sites and full hookups. Click here to learn more and inquire about availability.

Black Brook Cove Campground: Located 25 minutes from Rangeley on Aziscohos Lake. Tent sites, full hookups, and cabins. Click here etc learn more and reserve your spot.

The Rangeley Rendezvous is brought to you by our generous sponsors and partners. If you’d like to support the event, please contact Karrie Thomas at karrie@northernforestcanoetrail.org.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
Rangeley Adventure Co.
The Rangeley Inn
Rangeley-Oquossoc Chamber of Commerce
Maine Sports Commission
Maine Lakes & Mountains Tourism Commission
Saddleback Mountain
NRS
Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals
Sarge’s Pub
Franklin Savings Bank
Lakeside Convenience
Snowsource
Oquossoc Grocery
Brackett’s Portable Toilets

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Rangeley Lakes Region chosen as the host site?

The Rangeley Lakes Region is home to a beautiful collection of lakes and rivers, a multitude of wildlife, and scenic landscapes both privately and publicly owned. Because of this wild setting, there are a number of experienced licensed guides working locally, including those who will be offering their services for this weekend. The town of Rangeley offers amenities for visitors including lodging and restaurants.  

Where do proceeds from the event go? 

Money raised during this event will be used by the NFCT for community programing and stewardship projects. In 2026, the NFCT’s stewardship team plans to complete 20 projects across the Northeast, including many in Maine. The NFCT’s Roving Crew will be visiting Rangeley in July to replace bog bridges on the Gull Pond Stream Carry. Meanwhile, our Allagash Crew will spend two months working on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.   

How much experience do I need to join a trip? 

The tours are being done on flatwater and can be enjoyed by paddlers of all levels. If you have questions, please reach out to us. Contact info is at the bottom of this page. 

Do I need my own boat? 

People are encouraged to bring their own boats. If you need to rent one, you can do so at the Rangeley Adventure Company.

Can I sign up for just one activity? 

Yes, you may sign up for just one or more activities or the package that includes the full weekend. 

Will I see wildlife?
There is a good chance of seeing animals on these trips, including loons, bald eagles, and other birds. Moose, otters, and other animals are frequently seen in this region. 

What should I bring with me on the trips?  

People should be prepared for a wilderness experience and bring basic gear and supplies for a day trip. Paddlers should bring food and water, extra clothes including a fleece and raincoat, sunscreen, bug spray, and water shoes. PFDs are required. Optional items include sunglasses and a hat. 

Additional questions can be directed to .