Spring &
Early Summer
at Mt. Chase Lodge
Late spring through early summer is one of the most rewarding and overlooked times to visit the North Maine Woods. As the region comes back to life, trout and salmon fishing heats up, migratory birds return in force, and wildlife becomes more active than any other time of year. With fewer visitors on the landscape, you’ll experience quiet waters, empty trails, and a true sense of solitude that’s hard to find during peak season.
Wildlife Viewing
Moose & Wildlife
Spring in the Mt. Chase Lodge area is one of the best times to experience moose and wildlife. As the woods come alive after winter, animals are on the move and young wildlife begins to appear. Moose are frequently seen feeding in wetlands and along quiet roads.
- Frequent moose sightings
- Young wildlife and spring behavior
- Wildlife photography opportunities
- Guided moose and wildlife tours available
Guests of Mt. Chase Lodge enjoy comfortable lodging and hearty meals, with excellent nearby opportunities for wildlife photography. Guided moose and wildlife tours are available to help you make the most of every excursion.
Mt. Katahdin Scenic Flights
Floatplane tours over Baxter State Park
Take to the skies and explore Mt. Katahdin and Baxter State Park from above on a scenic floatplane flight departing from Lower Shin Pond. You’ll take in sweeping views of the Knife Edge, glacial basins, remote lakes, and miles of untouched forest.
Flights are $305 per person with a two-person minimum and are perfect for couples, families, and small groups. Each flight is arranged in advance through Mt. Chase Lodge, making it easy to plan a seamless and unforgettable experience during your stay.
Trout & Salmon Fishing
This is what the season is all about. Cold, clean water and active fish make for some of the best fishing of the year.
- Brook trout and landlocked salmon fishing
- Rivers, streams, remote ponds, and lakes
- Peak conditions in late spring and early summer
- Fly fishing and spin fishing opportunities
- Guided fishing trips and instruction available
As ice leaves the water and temperatures begin to rise, trout and salmon become highly active. Whether you’re casting dry flies on a quiet stream or working deeper pools for salmon, this is a prime window for consistent action. Remote waters see little pressure, giving anglers the chance to fish undisturbed and experience true North Woods solitude.
Fishing
Guided Outdoor Experiences
Enhance your stay with a guided trip tailored to your interests. Whether you’re new to the area or looking to deepen your experience, our guided outings offer local knowledge of a Registered Maine Guide and access to the best spots.
- Guided fishing and Fly Fishing instruction
- Moose Watching Tours
- Wildlife and birding trips
- Seasonal availability
Birding
Bird Watching
The Mt. Chase Lodge area sits at the edge of Maine’s expansive and undeveloped boreal forest, offering exceptional birding in a rich mix of spruce, fir, wetlands, and highlands. Nearby Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provide access to rare boreal habitat where species like Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, and the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush can be found. These northern specialists rely on dense conifer forests.
Spring and early summer bring peak activity, with migration, nesting, and opportunities to observe warblers, thrushes, vireos, and waterfowl. Wetlands and quiet backroads create ideal viewing conditions for both birds and wildlife. Guided birding excursions can help visitors locate hard-to-find species and prime birding locations. With minimal crowds and vast wilderness, this region offers a truly immersive birding experience.
Nearby Destinations
Visit Baxter State Park
The North gate to Baxter State Park is located just 15 miles from Mt. Chase Lodge. In addition to Mt. Katahdin there are over 40 peaks and ridges in the park. The trail system features over 215 miles of trails popular with hikers, mountain climbers and naturalists. You will also find many spectacular rivers, streams, and ponds for canoeing, fishing and swimming.
Baxter State Park
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Katahdin Woods & Waters
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Mount Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies. All of the monument lands border the eastern side of Baxter State Park and the North Entrance is located just down the road from us here at Mt Chase Lodge.
Katahdin Woods & Waters
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Penobscot River Trails
Penobscot River Trails are a newly-developed trail system alongside the East Branch of the Penobscot River. They have 15 miles of biking trails surfaced with crushed gravel. They also offer mountain bike, snowshoe, and x-country ski rentals, with two warming huts and visitor’s center. In the winter, trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing with designated snowshoe trails.
Penobscot River Trails
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