Washington County is one of the largest counties in Maine. Picturesque harbors dotted with fishing boats, meandering rivers, historic sites pre-dating the Revolutionary War, and bustling New England towns create an unforgettable experience for travelers. Saltwater bays and tidal areas provide habitats for many bird species, an dgreat fishing! Ocean vistas abound on hiking trails in the area, and boating and kayaking are popular water sports. There is a public reserve in the area where visitors and locals alike can take a hike or enjoy oceanside backcountry camping. Rogue Bluffs State Park is situated just a little southwest of Machias and covers over 300 acres which has many places to picnic and relax. It is also a great place to swim. In Machias, you will also find diverse small accommodations, restaurants, unique shops and various attractions. All of the towns on Mount Desert Island have boat-launching areas for saltwater excursions near town docks and municipal piers. You can also rent boats within Acadia National Park to tour the many waterways within the Park. Kayaks, canoes, sailboats and motorboats are available for rent in many of the local communities. There are also a number of commercial ventures, which offer ferryboat service, fishing excursions, nature cruises, simple sailing and even whale watching. Heading north along Route 1 from Machias will bring you to the Machias Boat Ramp. This facility is located next to Helen's Restaurant and provides public access to Machias Bay. This site has a cement boat ramp serviced by a float and limited daytime parking.