Need a peaceful mountain escape with lakeside charm and outdoor adventure? Head to Rangeley! Nestled in the western Maine mountains, Rangeley offers scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and year-round recreation. Whether you're fishing, leaf-peeping, or snowmobiling, Rangeley is a classic four-season getaway in the heart of Maine’s wilderness.
Rangeley, ME Highlights:
- Rangeley Lake: Kayak, fish, or simply relax by the shores of this glacial lake surrounded by mountains.
- Height of Land: Stop for a jaw-dropping panoramic view along Route 17, especially stunning during foliage season.
- Rangeley Lakes Trail Center: Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails in a peaceful woodland setting.
- Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum: Learn about the region’s fly fishing legacy, outdoor culture, and early guides.
- Rangeley Town Cove Park & Boardwalk: Stroll the lakeside path and look for loons, ducks, and mountain reflections.
Best Time to Visit Rangeley, ME
The best time to visit Rangeley is late spring through fall (May–October) for warm-weather hiking, paddling, and foliage. Fall (late September–early October) is especially breathtaking. Winter is also popular for snowmobiling, skiing, and cozy cabin stays.
How to Get to Rangeley, ME
- If you are traveling by car: Rangeley is located along ME Route 4 and Route 17, about 2.5 hours from Portland and 3.5 hours from Boston.
- By Air: Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Augusta State Airport (AUG), then rent a car for the scenic mountain drive.
- By Bus: There is no direct bus service—Rangeley is best accessed by car.
Where to Stay in Rangeley, ME
- The Rangeley Inn – Historic hotel offering charming rooms and lake views in the heart of downtown Rangeley.
- Loon Lodge – Cozy lakeside lodge with rustic elegance, a private beach, and dining with a view.
- Rangeley Lake Resort – Family-friendly log cabin rentals with modern amenities and year-round access to outdoor activities.
Best Things to Do in Rangeley, ME
⮕ Rangeley Lake State Park
Explore forested trails and paddle calm waters on an affordable outdoor trip.
© Mark/stock.adobe.com
Rangeley Lake State Park is spread out across more than 850 acres of land in the heart of the Western Mountains of Maine. Visitors will find many different outdoor recreational activities throughout the park, such as fishing, hunting, photography, winter sports wildlife viewing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. The clear, cool waters of the lake extend around nine miles and are home to trout and salmon. There is also a boat launch featuring finger docks for campers and day guests, playground, and picnic area in Rangeley Lake State Park, and the campground consists of fifty well spaced campsites.
1 State Park Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970, Phone: 207-864-3858
⮕ Mooselookmeguntic Lake
Admire sweeping lake views and watch for loons on a peaceful summer escape.
© haveseen/stock.adobe.com
Mooselookmeguntic Lake lies in both Oxford County and Franklin County in Maine, near the town of Rangeley. The fourth largest lake in the state, Mooselookmeguntic is considered by many to be a gem of Maine’s Rangeley Lakes region. Visitors can find boating, camping, and hiking opportunities on and around Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the lake, with many different fish calling the waters home, such as brown trout, yellow perch, white perch, brook trout, and salmon. Mooselookmeguntic Lake can also be seen from the Height of Land overlook along Route 17.
⮕ Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum
Discover Maine’s sporting traditions and see vintage gear on a fascinating family visit.
© Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum
The Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum brings the outdoor sporting personalities, traditions, and history of Rangeley to life in this unique museum in the quaint village Oquossoc, Maine. The Yankee Magazine has called the museum the “Best Sporting Museum in New England.” Situated in the heart of one of the premiere outdoor destinations in the state, the rustic Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum is a place where the history, present, and future of outdoor sporting in Maine come together. Along with many different exhibits, there is also a gift shop selling fly fishing supplies, apparel, glassware, and many gift ideas.
ME-4 & Rt 17, Oquossoc, ME 04964, Phone: 207-864-3091
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Maine Forestry Museum
Explore logging history and view exhibits showcasing Maine's forestry sights.
© Maine Forestry Museum
The Maine Forestry Museum, previously named the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, is a non-profit organization established in 1979. Situated among the beautiful natural surroundings of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls in the heart of Rangeley, the area is where logging operations took place since the 1800’s. The museum is home to an extensive artifact collection with items from throughout the Northeast region, including hundreds of artifacts representing the state’s logging operations, such as chain and crosscut saws, sleds, an original forerunner of the skidder, and snubbing machines. Many hand-carved objects and other traditional art can be seen as well.
221 Stratton Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970, Phone: 207-864-3939
⮕ Wilhelm Reich Museum
Visit Reich’s unusual mountaintop retreat and walk wooded paths with scenic views.
© Wilhelm Reich Museum
Serving as the research center, laboratory, and home of Wilhelm Reich, M.D., who was a pioneering scientist, psychoanalyst, and psychiatrist, the center is now open to the general public in Rangeley as the Wilhelm Reich Museum.
- The grounds consists of approximately 175 acres of forests and fields, a series of woodland trails, two rental cottages, a bookstore, the office and conference building, and the Orgone Energy Observatory.
- The observatory introduces guests to the life and work of Reich, featuring scientific apparatus and inventions, exhibits, a 30-minute film, personal memorabilia that includes his sculpture and paintings, and his study and library.
- Where You'll Find it:19 Dodge Pond Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970, Phone: 207-864-3443
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
Drive winding roads and admire fall foliage on a breathtaking seasonal trip.
© assja_sav/stock.adobe.com
The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway follows along Route 4 and Route 17 around Rangeley Lake, traveling from Madrid, Maine to Township E. Noteworthy stops along the often picturesque byway include the Appalachian Trail, Saddleback Mountain, areas for possibly viewing wildlife, lakes, the town of Rangeley, and the Height of Land. Rangeley Lake, however, serves as the centerpiece of the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway. A popular activity for people traveling down the byway is to search for wild moose that are often seen along the roadside. The roadway is also great for viewing the colorful and beautiful fall foliage.
⮕ Loon Lodge Inn
Savor lakefront dining and relax by the fire on a romantic weekend.
© Loon Lodge Inn
The Loon Lodge Inn is situated along the eastern shores of Rangeley Lake, set perfectly for viewing amazing sunsets. Built originally back in 1899, the lodge has been very carefully restored and now offers pub fare, fine dining, guest rooms, and more. During the winter months, the boat slips along the lake invite guests to stop at Dock and Dine, while ramps are put out during the winter to provide visitors with the ability to snowmobile from Rangeley Lake to the door. The Loon Lodge Inn and Restaurant also features expansive grounds for relaxing strolls and private function rooms for events.
16 Pickford Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970, Phone: 207-864-5666
⮕ Classic Provisions
Enjoy fresh sandwiches and browse local goods during a quick lunch stop.
© Classic Provisions
Classic Provisions is a unique, specialty food store in the lakeside mountain town of Rangeley, Maine. The family-owned and operated store and eatery is run by Joanna and Payson, a couple with a culinary background. The one-of-a-kind shop specializes in prepared meals, fresh produce, seafood, meat, gourmet finds, gifts, wine, and beer. The vision of Classic Provisions is one that creates a consumer experience in which customers have access to quality products and food while also having a resource for treating that food right. Offerings change with the season or when the owners come across new favorites.
2455 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970, Phone: 207-864-2717
⮕ Moose Alley
Go bowling, play arcade games, and enjoy fun stuff with the kids.
© Moose Alley
Moose Alley
is your go-to venue for indoor family fun. The center offers 10 new state-of-the-art bowling lanes with electronic scoring and bumpers for younger players. Shoe rental is available on site. Moose Alley also has a popular billiards lounge where you will find 3 large 9-ft tournament pool tables, dart boards, a foosball table and air hockey. When you feel like a change of pace you can take on the video and games arcade, where you can redeem your winning tickets for great prizes. Spirits Café, Bar and Grill is open daily to ensure you never play on an empty stomach.
2809 Main Street, Rangeley, ME 04970, 207-864-9955
More Places to Eat in Rangeley, ME
- Parkside & Main – Classic American dishes, lakeside views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- The Shed – Relaxed eatery known for burgers, pizza, craft beer, and live music nights.
- Forks in the Air Mountain Bistro – Elevated seasonal cuisine in a cozy, upscale dining room on Main Street.
If you are interested in local events:
- Rangeley Lakes Heritage Days (July) – Celebrate the town’s history with parades, crafts, food, and live music.
- Rangeley Moose Lottery Festival (June) – A quirky celebration of all things moose with games, vendors, and music.
- Rangeley Trail Town Festival (September) – Honors Appalachian Trail hikers with food, storytelling, and outdoor-themed fun.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Rangeley, Maine:
- Oquossoc (10 min) – Visit the Outdoor Heritage Museum, dine by the lake, and enjoy small-town charm at the western end of Rangeley Lake.
- Mooselookmeguntic Lake (15–20 min) – Paddle or picnic along this quiet, expansive lake often dotted with loons and canoes.
- Small Falls (25–30 min) – A scenic stop along Route 4 with swimming holes, waterfalls, and rock ledges perfect for a summer afternoon.
- Saddleback Mountain (10–15 min) – Ski in winter or hike in summer at one of Maine’s premier alpine destinations.
- Kennebago River (30 min) – Fly fish for brook trout and enjoy remote forest scenery along this classic northern river.
- Height of Land (15 min) – One of the most photographed views in Maine, especially during autumn foliage season.
- Rangeley Lakes State Park (15 min) – Camp, kayak, swim, and hike along the southern shore of Rangeley Lake.
- Coos Canyon (30 min) – Pan for gold, photograph waterfalls, or picnic at this roadside gorge along the Swift River.
- Bemis Mountain Trail (30 min) – A less-traveled hike offering solitude, rugged views, and a touch of the Appalachian Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Rangeley, Maine located?
- The town of Rangeley, Maine is situated on the shores of Rangeley Lake.
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What is the natural setting of Rangeley?
- Rangeley is surrounded by forests, providing a scenic and serene environment for visitors and residents alike.
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What outdoor activities are available in Rangeley?
- The town offers a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Rangeley is 2 hr 30 min from Portland (131.3 miles via I-295 N, ME-27 N and ME-4 N):
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