I took advantage of the long trip down to Boothbay and stopped in at two day/camp sites on the MITA trail to get closer to setting foot on 30 islands this summer. I had always heard good things about Muscle Ridge, and wanted to check out the camping options on Birch and Nettle. They are a bit far for on overnight, but a great option for a cruising stop when travelling between Muscongus and Penobscot Bay.

Birch is a really nice day use island, so nice you wish there was a MITA campsite. There is a protected cove on the southeast side with OK anchorage. The bottom is very grassy, so be sure the anchor is secure because it can be deceiving. Once anchored, exploring the island is easiest from the other (west) side. It was mid-tide so I could go around either way, but at low I think you’d have to go around to the East. The whole area is very shallow, with sandbars, mudflats and boulders, mostly covered at high tide, but challenging to navigate at dead low. Once you reach the North side of the island, there is a long beach that extends to a barred island to the East. You can climb the bank and walk through a field of low brush and wildflowers, but there aren’t any paths and it is not easy walking. I stayed mainly on the rocks below the meadow and walked around to the south shore of the island. It is a very pleasant place, and a nice spot for a picnic. If there were a path and a clearning it would be great camping, but the island is designated for day use.