Katahdin North Peaks & Northwest Basin Trails

Description

Northwest Basin Trail (8.4 miles)
The Northwest Basin is a large, glacial cirque hidden away in a tangle of valleys and ridges at the upper reaches of the Wassataquoik watershed. As its mouth faces northwest, it is hidden from any of the Park’s roads and most other trails. In size, the basin is somewhere between the better-known Great and North Basins. Its sheer headwalls and cliffs rival its bigger brother to the south. Its utter remoteness offers a true wilderness experience.

Lake Cowles and Davis Pond are nestled in the floor of the basin. Lake Cowles is a particularly large pond of the type that is normally formed in the floors of cirques. There is a reservable lean-to (4-person capacity) located near the shore of Davis Pond. The lean-to provides the opportunity to traverse this over two days from Russell Pond, Chimney Pond, or Roaring Brook. Special policies apply to the reservation of this lean-to. 

The preferred way to visit these trails is an overnight trip, though strong hiking parties could manage accessing by very long day hikes. The basin is a 10-mile round trip day hike from Russell Pond; or a more difficult 9 miles, requiring two major ascents, from Chimney Pond. Either route requires a backpacking approach, from Russell Pond or Chimney Pond campgrounds. An overnight stay at Davis Pond is the best option.

North Peaks Trail (5.7 miles)
The North Peaks Trail provides more direct access to the high peaks on the northern part of Katahdin than does the Northwest Basin Trail. It is a more gradual ascent, and is mostly closed in by tree growth until the trail rises above the treeline to spectacular views. The total elevation gain to Hamlin Peak is 3,418 feet. 

The route follows the general line of the old Tracy and Love Trail of 1887. It leaves the Northwest Basin Trail at 1.2 miles from Russell Pond, follows Tracy Brook south, then breaks above tree line and climbs over the long, exposed North Peaks and ends at Hamlin Peak. It can be undertaken as a day hike from Russell Pond, particularly combined with the Northwest Basin Trail to form a loop. However, this loop makes for a very long day (approx. 10 hours round trip) and should be attempted only by strong parties.

Saddle Trail to Baxter Peak (0.9 miles)
From the Northwest Basin Trail, the North Peaks Trail, or a loop formed utilizing both, Hamlin Peak (elevation 4,756 feet) makes a wonderful destination. For those wishing to include Baxter Peak in their hike, the Northwest Basin Trail meets up with the Saddle Trail about a mile south of Hamlin Peak. It is another 0.9 miles from this junction up to Baxter Peak (elevation 5,267 feet).

Other Information

Park Fees: See website for entrance and camping fees. [No entrance fee for Maine residents.]

Park Rules: See a more complete list here.

• All persons entering the Park by road or trail must register their entrance at a gatehouse or self-registration station
• The maximum size of hiking groups is 12 persons
• All groups of five or more persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by at least one adult, responsible for the supervision of a maximum of five youths
• For all trash: Carry-in; carry-out
• Where toilets are not available, human waste must be buried at least 200' from water and trails or carried out
• Pets or other domestic animals are not allowed in the Park, except for service dogs
• Camping is permitted by reservation only
• Fires or other cooking or heating devices are permitted only in designated campsites or picnic areas
• Hunting and trapping are prohibited within the Park (with some exceptions)
• Maine fishing laws apply within the Park
• No person may feed, bait, or disturb any animal within the Park
• Power equipment is prohibited (including generators)
• All vehicles must display an entrance permit while in the Park

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Baxter State Park website, or contact: