Major city · United States
Rangeley
Visit Rangeley for 2–3 days to ski Saddleback or enjoy the lake; one night works if you only want a quick outdoor stop.
Rangeley is a small resort town in western Maine, the hub of the Rangeley Lakes region. It offers lake recreation in summer and ski terrain in winter, with most activities reachable by car. A short stay covers the main sights; longer stays let you explore surrounding trails and towns.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug for lake activities; Dec–Feb for skiing
- avoid Late winter storms on Rt 4; July can be busy on the lake
- Airport
- PWM
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Rangeley911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rangeley, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyRangeley is safe for tourists; main risks are weather‑related road conditions and fast logging trucks.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPWM Portland International Jetport (about 2 h drive via US‑302 and Rt 4).
- Getting aroundCar is the most practical way to reach ski lifts, lake launches and nearby towns.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$3–$5
- Budget bedLakefront cabin, a night, per roomUS$180
- Mid-range bedInn room (double), a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedInn room (double), a night, per roomUS$300
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$150 · High US$250
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PWM Portland International Jetport (about 2 h drive via US‑302 and Rt 4)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Feb
Best
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Care
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun, Aug, Dec–Feb. Mixed: Jul. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rangeley: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
8 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
7 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
9 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
8 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is the most practical way to reach ski lifts, lake launches and nearby towns. A monthly reservation‑required Western Maine Transportation bus runs between Farmington and Rangeley; otherwise no regular public transit.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Saddleback Mountain
goDoor to door: ≈15 min
Drive 5 min north on Rt 4; parking at ski‑area base
Ski in winter, hiking in summer
Smalls Falls
goDoor to door: ≈10 min
Drive 2 mi south on Rt 4; short walk to trailhead
Picnic area with 50‑ft waterfall
Kingfield (Sugarloaf ski area)
cautionDoor to door: ≈30 min
Drive 20 km (12 mi) east on Rt 4 then ME‑27Drive 12 mi (20 km) east on Rt 4 then ME‑27
Larger resort, may need extra day
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Horsefeather Inn
Historic inn downtown, walk to shops and lake
Rangeley Inn
Historic inn + modern motel on Haley Pond, year‑round
Lakeside Rentals
Cabin rentals near the lake, good for families
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn room (double)1 × 2 nights × US$200 | US$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$150 | US$600 |
| Western Maine Transportation bus round‑trip2 × US$30 · check | US$60 |
| Ski lift ticket (day)2 × US$80 · check | US$160 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × US$25 · check | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$127 |
| Trip total≈ US$349 per person per day, bed included | US$1,397 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car‑rental not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $3–$5 |
| Meal at The Red Onion | $12–$25 |
| Ski lift ticket (day)check | $80–$120 |
| Boat rental on Rangeley Lake (hour)check | $30–$50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Snowstorms can make Rt 4 treacherous; allow extra travel time.
- Large logging trucks travel fast on the main road; give way safely.
- Parking downtown fills quickly in summer; arrive early.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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RangeleyRangeley
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s’il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulates are in Portland (ME) and Boston (MA).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Portland (PWM) → Rangeley by car: ≈2 h, about $30 fuel (check)
- Western Maine Transportation bus: ≈$30 round‑trip, reservation required (check)
Say or show
- Excusez‑moi / Pardon — Excuse me / Sorry (excusez‑moi)
- Merci — Thank you (merci)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (combien ça coûte)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the restroom? (où sont les toilettes)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rangeley. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug for lake activities; Dec–Feb for skiing · avoid Late winter storms on Rt 4; July can be busy on the lake · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental guide for winter tire requirements.
- Map of ITS snowmobile trails with trail‑pass info.
Sources
Ask about Rangeley
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