This book encompasses the region’s six major lakes — Aziscohos, Kennebago, Mooselookmeguntic, Rangeley, Richardson, and Parmachenee — as well as the mountains, ponds, and rivers that surround them. It is presented one lake at a time, interspersed with side trips to the sights and activities you find, or do, around a Rangeley region lake, mountain, or stream. It’s an eclectic journey, taking things as they come, expected or unexpected, which is the best way to explore the Rangeleys.

Maneskootuk Island lies prominently in the eastern part of Maines ten-square-mile Rangeley Lake, in one of the state's most beautiful vacation regions, the western mountains. The pristine island has had a colorful, lively history that is lovingly-and candidly-recounted by the woman who holds the current deed, Carolyn Garrigues Scofield. The Island Maneskootuk includes accounts of the historic island's flora and fauna, its various boats, old and new structures, gardens, and countless resident and local characters. There are colorful accounts by the author and her family and visitors, as well as the descendants of early Maneskootuk residents, describing life on the island through many decades, llustrated throughout by fifty pages of historic and family photos. Setting the tone for The Island Maneskootuk is the author's heartfelt approach to the island treasure that has meant so much to her, her family and now her grandchildren. "The Dicksons built their big house and lived in splendor, the public rented accommodations on the island when Dr.Clough invited physicians, the Persians turned the island into a mini-principality, and then we, the Scofields stepped ashore. "We stepped foot on our Maneskootuk in late afternoon. The grass was at least a foot high, and the dandelions blazed at their peak. The sun was still hot and everything was still. We marveled at this place, this magical land, and began immediately to bask in the peace and serenity of our island home. "Our Maneskootuk adventure was about to begin."

Pursuit of the fabled wild brook trout has for generations attracted anglers to the western mountains of Maine. This phenomenon has, over the course of two hundred years, transformed the town of Rangeley from a settlement of farmers and woodsmen to a popular outdoor sporting destination where the names of Carrie Stevens, Herb Welch, and Fly Rod Crosby still echo along the streams and lakes. Rangeley Lakes Region examines the region's rich heritage and provides an intimate glimpse of the past, people, and places that make Rangeley special.

Rangeley, Maine, was settled in 1817 when Luther Hoar brought his family from Madrid to a log cabin he had built on the shore of Rangeley Lake. Several others families soon arrived, cleared land, and began farming. It was a small farming community only until the 1850s though. Lumber barons had arrived in the late 1840s, built dams, and started logging the vast timberlands. Soon after, fishermen from Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington arrived to fish the multitude of lakes, ponds, and streams. By 1900, Rangeley was a bustling town with several hotels and two railroad lines. The big hotel era ended after World War II, and secondary residences began to dominate the scene. Today, thousands of visitors come to Rangeley annually to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and crystal clear waters and participate in numerous outdoor activities.