Wikimedia Commons (File:2017-07-26 14 37 54 View west across Caribou Spring at the junction of Mount Katahdin's Hamlin Ridge and Northwest Basin trails in Baxter State Park, Piscataquis County, Maine.jpg)
Caribou Spring — Springs 8.1 Miles WSW of Chapman Inn
Oxford County, Maine · USGS Speckled Mountain Quadrangle · GNIS 580967
One of only 11 springs catalogued within the 80 km reach of Chapman Inn, Caribou Spring lies on the USGS Speckled Mountain quadrangle in Oxford County, Maine — 8.1 miles west-southwest of the Inn.
Wikidata short description: “spring in Oxford County, Maine, United States of America”
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Oxford County, Maine, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Caribou Spring as a spring on the Speckled Mountain topographic quadrangle (FIPS 23/017), under Feature ID 580967. Catalogued in GNIS since 09/30/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Caribou Spring sits at 44.34229° N, 70.92702° W (DMS 44°20′32″ N, 70°55′37″ W).
Features on the USGS Speckled Mountain Quadrangle
The Speckled Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 37 catalogued natural features alongside Caribou Spring. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribou Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Gammon Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Kees Falls | Waterfalls | Oxford County, ME | 1 mi |
| Haystack Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Tyler Notch | Gaps | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
| Haystack Notch | Gaps | Oxford County, ME | 1.4 mi |
| Tyler Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.7 mi |
| Peabody Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.1 mi |
| Butters Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 2.3 mi |
| Mud Brook | Streams | Oxford County, ME | 2.4 mi |
Ranking & rarity
- Among the 11 springs catalogued within 80 km of Chapman Inn, Caribou Spring ranks #1 by proximity to the Inn (closer than 91%).
- This is one of only 11 springs catalogued within Chapman Inn’s 80 km reach — a rare classification in the local landscape.
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing WSW out of Bethel for 8.1 miles (west-southwest) and you reach Caribou Spring; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 14 minutes.
Best time to visit
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible. At this latitude (44.342°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. The 8.1-mile drive from Chapman Inn makes it practical for a half-day outing — you can check conditions in the morning and still turn back if the weather closes in. Conditions at Caribou Spring track the nearby Caribou Mountain summit (0.2 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Caribou Spring
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribou Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 0.2 mi |
| Gammon Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 0.4 mi |
| Kees Falls | Waterfalls | Oxford County, ME | 1 mi |
| Haystack Mountain | Summits | Oxford County, ME | 1.1 mi |
| Tyler Notch | Gaps | Oxford County, ME | 1.2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Caribou Spring located?
Caribou Spring is in Oxford County, Maine, approximately 8.1 miles west-southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS Speckled Mountain topographic quadrangle.
How far is Caribou Spring from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 14 minutes, 8.1 miles west-southwest (bearing WSW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Caribou Spring?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Caribou Spring as a spring, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 580967 on the Speckled Mountain quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Caribou Spring?
Best observed in late spring and early summer when flow is strong and banks are visible.
How rare is springs as a classification near Chapman Inn?
Only 11 springs are catalogued within the 80 km radius of the Inn — a comparatively rare classification.
Wikidata: Q34960549.