Russell Pond campground and Russell Pond are in T4 R9 Township and in Baxter State Park. It is a 7.2 mile hike from Roaring Brook campground, also in Baxter State Park , the location for nearest automobile access. Hikers may choose to begin on the Sandy Stream Pond trail, which, northwest of the Pond, links to the Russell Pond Trail. Another “Russell Pond” outside and west of Baxter State Park in Township T15 R16 WELS is also known as “Russell Pond Township.”
Mount Katahdin from Sandy Stream Pond (1996)
The trail follows a valley and some low ridges populated by moose who seem to resent human intrusion but move only slowly, if at all, to give way to hikers. At 6.5 miles from Roaring Brook, Wassataquoik Stream must be forded (be careful of high water) just downstream from a nearby lean to.
Moose at Sandy Stream Pond (1996)
Wassataquoik Stream (1996)
Views from “behind Katahdin” are spectacular and interrupted by only a few hikers willing to make the trip that seems much longer than seven miles with a full pack. Facilities include lean-tos, tent sites, and an eight-person bunkhouse. No showers. Again, moose seem to own the pond itself, sharing it grudgingly with campers in canoes. Other Park campgrounds.
Lean-To on Russell Pond Trail at Wassataquoik Stream (1996)
Russell Pond Bunkhouse
Moose Near Canoes at Russell Pond (1996)