Salmon Brook Lake Bog 8/5/2026

On our way back from Madawaska last Wednesday, we went for a hike at the eloquently named Salmon Brook Lake Bog Public Land. Located in Perham, this public land largely consists of an ecological reserve encompassing much of the bog.

Trailhead Kiosk

Boardwalk

Sampson at a trail junction

From the trailhead on Tangle Ridge Road, we started down the narrow, but easy to follow trail. The blue-blazed trail wound it's way through mature forest, crossing multiple wet areas on bog bridging along the way. At the first trail junction, we went right, going counterclockwise around the loop. After a bit of easy walking on the rail trail, we reached the picnic shelter and boat launch on Salmon Brook. 

Walking along the Bangor & Aroostook Rail Trail

Another boardwalk

Picnic Shelter next to Salmon Brook

After having lunch at the picnic area, we made our way back along the other side of the loop. Along the way, we stopped at the observation deck in the bog. We returned to the first trail junction and retraced our steps along the first section of trail back to the trailhead. We had the entire trail system to ourselves, and it was a great scenic hike for a hot day!

Bog bridging

Observation deck in the bog

AllTrails Activity

Vining Lake Overnight 5/30–5/31/26

Over the weekend, we headed Downeast for some hiking and a short backpacking trip at Vining Lake Community Preserve in Cooper. 

On the way, we stopped at the short trail to Patrick Lake in Rocky Lake Public Land. At only about a quarter mile in length, this blue-blazed trail leads to a picnic area and a beautiful beach on the south shore of Patrick Lake. Sampson visited with another dog on the beach for a bit, before we headed back to the car.

Trail to Patrick Lake

Beach on Patrick Lake

AllTrails Activity

After arriving at the trailhead for Vining Lake, we were glad to see no other cars in the parking lot. We loaded up our packs and started the short hike in to the campsite near the outlet of the pond. Upon arriving, we found it unoccupied, so we set up camp. It was a beautiful spot on a point with great views across the pond. After setting up camp, we hiked the trails leading around the lake. The well-constructed loop trail is a mix of discontinued logging roads and narrower footpaths with some nice boardwalks and bog bridging. After the hike, we enjoyed an evening by the fire before heading to bed a bit early.

At our campsite on Vining Lake

Vining Lake from our campsite

On the trail around the lake

AllTrails Activity

We awoke to a beautiful, but chilly, morning. We broke camp, ate breakfast, and headed back to the car. Our first stop of the day was at Beaverdam Stream Preserve in Wesley. There, we went on a nice short hike through the forest along the stream. The lollipop loop doesn't seem to see very much traffic, but it is seemingly well marked and maintained as it passes through mature forest.

Beaverdam Stream Preserve trailhead

Beaverdam Stream Preserve

Beaverdam Stream Preserve

AllTrails Activity

Then, we headed over to Lead Mountain in T 28 MD. The road in was a bit rough, but totally doable with mid-clearance. The hike up on the jeep trail passed the old fire watchmans' cabin on the way to the summit where the former fire tower has been replaced by a cell tower. The fire tower footings remain, along with the fire tower itself, now toppled onto its side in the forest. On the south side of the summit, a short trail leads to a rocky outcropping with the base of another tower still standing; this spot is where we ate lunch. Although there wasn't much in the way of views, it was still a good hike with interesting historical sites on the mountain. 

Collapsed fire watchmans' cabin on Lead Mountain

Old telephone wire insulator along the trail

NGS marker on the summit

Old fire tower footing

Base of an old tower near the summit

Toppled fire tower in the woods at the summit

AllTrails Activity