The Machias River is one of Maine's most scenic rivers and it offers some excellent paddling trips of varying distances and difficulties. The river runs through mostly wilderness terrain with excellent scenery and wildlife viewing opportunity. This trip begins on the river just downstream from 5th Machias Lake. The river between the put-in and take-out on 4th Machias Lake consists of some quickwater with multiple class II-III rapids and ledge drops that will need to be scouted. The water calms almost completely as it nears 4th Machias Lake where there is miles of shoreline to explore.