Pleasant River Boat Tours

     




          Pleasant River Estuary

     And yet another cruise that Captain Paul offers is a trip through the uppermost reaches of the Pleasant River Estuary from the landing next to the PRBT office in the village of Addison to the picturesque colonial mill town of Columbia Falls. On the way there are many places and views where you see no evidence of mankind. This is a unique ecosystem, as pristine as you can find. All of the upper river valley and marshland has been designated a Resource Protection Area, severely restricting development. It is where upland meets tidewater with a mix of flora and fauna native to both. Moose, deer, bear and coyote are some of the larger animals that inhabit the area. At times harbor seals swim upriver following the schools of alewives that journey into the fresh water to spawn.There is a wide variety of bird life here. We normally see many Bald Eagles here. This cruise is done in a smaller boat and is limited to four people.

     Here at the end of the tidewater is the town of Columbia Falls. The colonists landed here to harness the flow of the Pleasant River  in order to mill lumber. These large old homes show the prosperity the settlers enjoyed. The town has largely been refurbished to it's original splendor. The old mills have long since disappeared. In their place stands an Atlantic Salmon hatchery.  The Pleasant River is one of the few rivers where wild salmon still run.

     Allow me to offer a tribute to my beloved late father-in-law Joe. Here he is on his last river cruise leaving Columbia Falls. Joe knew how to wring more enjoyment out of life than anyone I've known. His company was always a pleasure. The estuary trip was his favorite.