Your Base Camp
Adventure in Every Direction
Machias sits at the heart of one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline in the entire Northeast. The Bold Coast, puffin colonies, wild blueberry barrens, Revolutionary War history, and some of Maine's best paddling are all within reach. The Machias River Inn puts you right in the middle of it.
This part of Maine isn't overrun with tourists. That's exactly the point. Downeast Washington County rewards travelers who go looking — and what they find is a region that feels genuinely wild, genuinely local, and genuinely unlike anywhere else.
Ready to start planning? The Bold Coast Trip Planner builds a personalized Downeast Maine itinerary in seconds. Or browse the Visit Bold Coast directory for local businesses, services, and attractions across Washington County.
Outdoor Adventure
Get Outside
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Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
The signature Bold Coast hike. Dramatic cliffs, remote rocky beaches, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Maine. The full loop is about 10 miles — most hikers walk the coastal route out and back until they've had their fill of the views. Pulpit Rock overlook is under a mile from the trailhead.
~35 min from the Inn · Cutler, ME -
Jasper Beach — The Singing Beach
One of Maine's geological wonders. Jasper Beach in Machiasport is made entirely of smooth, polished stones — no sand. When waves roll over them, they produce an eerie, beautiful "singing" sound. A short walk and an unforgettable experience.
~15 min from the Inn · Machiasport, ME -
Sunrise Canoe & Kayak
Maine canoe trips and kayak tours on the Machias River and surrounding waters since 1996. Guided sea kayak tours of Machias Bay and the Bold Coast, as well as multi-day river trips. One of the best ways to experience the river you're sleeping next to.
Minutes from the Inn · East Machias, ME -
Machias River Preserve
A nature preserve along the Machias River with miles of forest and river frontage trails. Great birding, wildlife, and evidence of the region's logging history throughout. The 5-mile trail connects directly to the Down East Sunrise Trail.
Minutes from the Inn · Machias, ME -
Down East Sunrise Trail
85 miles of multi-use trail running through the Downeast coastal area — open to hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers, ATVers, and equestrians. The trail crosses the street directly from the Inn, giving you immediate access without ever getting in a car.
Directly across the street -
Bad Little Falls Park
Named after the Passamaquoddy word "machias" — bad little falls — this small downtown park features dramatic river falls, rugged rocky terrain, and a scenic riverwalk. Perfect for photography, a picnic, or a morning stroll. Eagles have been spotted diving for breakfast here at sunrise.
~15 min walk from the Inn · Downtown Machias -
Great Wass Island Preserve
A natural gem near Beals Island and Jonesport. The 4.5-mile trail winds through unique coastal forests and wetlands. At the shore, exposed granite drops steeply into the sea above the Fundian Fault — a crack in the earth's crust that extends from the Bay of Fundy to New Hampshire.
~45 min from the Inn · Beals, ME -
Roque Bluffs State Park
A rare Maine beach with both saltwater and freshwater swimming. Sand beach, picnic areas, and stunning views. Popular with families and surprisingly uncrowded even in peak summer.
~15 min from the Inn · Roque Bluffs, ME