Dead River Rafting: New England's Biggest Whitewater!
Dead River Rafting Provides Incredible Whitewater Rafting Action
With more continuous whitewater than any other river in the East, rafting with Northern Outdoors on the Dead River puts you smack in the middle of river-running excitement! This dam-controlled river has limited releases a season with heart-pounding Class III, IV, and V whitewater from below Grand Falls to the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers.The trip builds in intensity with great warm-up rapids at the top, and culminates in the Class IV-V Poplar Hill Falls at the end. The wilderness and scenery are outstanding, if you have time to look! The trip ends just 5 miles upstream of our Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort at The Forks Resort Center.
Plan Early For 2013 Dead River Whitewater Rafting Vacations!
Opening Day of Dead River Rafting is Saturday May 4th
Only 8 Chances to Raft the Dead River in 2013.
New for 2013! High Adventure Sport rafts are now available on
ALL Dead River trips at no extra charge.
Books yours early, limited supply.
Learn more about these smaller rafts, and how they MAX your whitewater experience!
Only 8 Chances to Raft the Dead River in 2013.
New for 2013! High Adventure Sport rafts are now available on
ALL Dead River trips at no extra charge.
Books yours early, limited supply.
Learn more about these smaller rafts, and how they MAX your whitewater experience!
The Dead River Is New England's Biggest Whitewater
Watch our 2013 Dead River Release Dates Showcase Video
and see what this awesome river has in store for you.
and see what this awesome river has in store for you.
- Insider's Tip: Save BIG on rafting and lodging with Value Season Pricing in spring and fall.
- Enjoy the Kennebec River Brewery Raft 'n Brews weekend with Dead River Rafting.
- Dead River Hike and Raft Package: Combines the best of trail, river, and accommodations. Stay at Northern Outdoors and Maine Huts & Trails.
- PLANNING TIP: There can be EPIC high water in Spring on the Dead. Sign up for our enews or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay up on water level alerts for 2013.)
- Read what guests had to say about their trips here on our blog. Wow.
Why You’ll Love This River Trip
- More continuous white water than any other Eastern river, with huge Class V action!
- This river happens FAST, enjoy gorp on the river and a classic hot grilled lunch back at the Forks Resort Center and Kennebec River Pub & Brewery
- Very short shuttle from takeout back to Northern Outdoors: five minute bus ride!
- Six person High Adventure Sport Rafts option gets you even closer to the action. Ask for them when you make your reservation!
- Pick a Dead River Rafting package and save on your adventure getaway vacation.
Still not sure if the Dead is right for you? Email us or call us via phone @ 1-800-765-RAFT (1-800-765-7238). We're here to help!
| Trip Details | Description |
| What's Included | Lunch, first class equipment (paddle, helmet, lifejacket, self-bailing raft), Professional Registered Maine Guide in every raft, transportation to/from the river. Full use of facilities at The Forks Resort Center. Post trip video and slide show. Want a complete Dead River rafting getaway Package? We offer rafting, lodging, and even a hiking trip combo package. |
| Minimum Ages | Age 15 for the Dead River |
| What to Bring | Please see our Rafting FAQ. Wetsuits, booties, and paddling jackets are available for rent in cooler weather. |
| Meeting Location & Time | The Forks Resort Center, 7:30am |
| Season Dates | Only 8 releases - 2013 Dates Now Published below |
| Major Named Rapids | Spencer Rips, Humpty Dumpty, Elephant Rock, Mile Long Rapid, and Poplar Hill Falls (the final rapid of the trip and the climax to the day's adventures) |
| Trip Length/Duration | 15 miles /Full day |
| Trip Departure | A minimum of 12 people required for trip departure |
2013 Dead River Release Schedule
| 2013 Release Schedule | Planned CFS Release Volume |
| Saturday, May 4th | 7000+ cfs* (HUGE water) |
| Saturday May 11th | 7000+ cfs* (HUGE water) |
| Sunday , May 26th (Memorial Weekend) | 5500+ cfs Spring Raft 'n Brews Weekend |
| Saturday, June 1st | 5000 cfs |
| Saturday, June 8th | 3500 cfs (Standard: High Adventure Sport Rafts) |
| Sunday, September 1st (Labor Day Weekend) | 5500 cfs |
| Saturday, September 14th | 3500 cfs (Standard: High Adventure Sport Rafts) |
| Saturday, October 5th |
6000 cfs (BIG BIG water!) Fall Raft 'n Brews Weekend |
What's CFS Mean?
- Cfs = cubic feet per second, a measure of release volume.
- * Potential for HUGE Water with additional runoff.
- On all Dead River trips, six person High Adventure Sport Rafts (Diablos) are available at no extra charge.
Where is the Dead River?
Find out with our area map!
Pricing:
- View Pricing Rates Calendar for Dead River Rafting prices on your desired trip date
- A user fee of $12.50 per person to cover road access to the river and a levy paid to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife will be added to each rafting guest.
- Check out our Web Specials
- Download our Participation Waiver Form
For an Extra Value Getaway: Raft a Second River For 1/2 Price
- Combine a day of white water rafting on the Dead River with a Kennebec River or Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting Adventure and save 50% per person on your second (and third day of rafting).