Mistake Island offers one of the most beautiful small anchorages in true Downeast Maine. Nestled amongst islets and ledges, you can feel alone on the edge of the Gulf of Maine. It is an easy stopping point on this wild section of the coast with good protection, seals, and a lighthouse walk.
Mistake Island
Last edited by:
- Bill Barton
- April 7, 2022
- 10:38 am
- 0 comments
Region:
Photo: Bill Barton
Approach & Cautions
Photo: Bill Barton
The best way to approach Mistake Harbor, whether heading east or west along the coast, is to turn up the “Main Channel Way” with Steele Harbor Island to starboard and leave Mistake Island and Knight Island to port. Proceed up and around the northwest end of Knight Island. Continue turning counterclockwise around the tip of Knight Island and then proceed on a southeasterly course into the harbor. Watch for one ledge to starboard and another smaller one to port; stay between them.
Docking, Anchorages, or Moorings
This is a small and protected spot that can fit two or three boats at best. Once in the harbor, you can either anchor in about 15 feet to the northwest of the two small ledges off the northeast end of Knight Island or proceed a bit further in and anchor in about ten feet southeast of the ledges between Mistake and Water Island. Beware of the underwater cables shown on the chart when anchoring. Holding ground is generally very good. If the weather turns ugly or the harbor is full, make for Cows Yard on Head Harbor Island, just a mile farther up the coast from Mistake Island.
Getting Ashore
Photo: Bill Barton
Once anchored, be sure to row to the head of the cove on Mistake Island, where you will find an old Coast Guard landing. You can follow the path and boardwalk from here out to the island’s southeastern tip, where you will find Moose Peak Lighthouse and the old oil house that kept supplies until the light was automated around 1970. The vistas from the lighthouse are splendid, making it a good picnic spot. On the way back, watch for birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. Chances are good, you will be the only boat here for the night, and it will make for a memorable stop.
OUR REVIEWS
What CCA Members are saying:
