Northern Outdoors: Since 1976

For 50 years, Northern Outdoors has been shaped by the rivers that run through it—and by the people who answered their call. What began as a shared love for whitewater has grown into a community built on adventure, connection, and unforgettable days on Maine’s rivers and trails. From first-time paddlers and lifelong guides to families, friends, and staff who return year after year, every trip has added to the story. As we celebrate 50 years of magic and memories, we invite you to help us honor the moments, the people, and the river days that made Northern Outdoors what it is today.

Share Your Northern Story

Northern Outdoors has always been more than a trip or a workplace— it’s a feeling. As we mark 50 years, we’re celebrating the magic, memories, and experiences that continue to flow through this place. From first descents to first loves, epic snowstorms to flipped rafts, and all of the laughs around the lodge…Help us collect stories from 1976 through today by sharing yours below!

Submit Your Story

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Let's Celebrate

Event Schedule

Check out key rafting and snowmobile dates, high water releases, live music, dance parties, and daily restaurant specials all year long!

50th Anniversary

May 9th, 2026 (and all summer long!)
Northern Outdoors is 50! Join us on May 9th for First Blast on the Dead River, and a night filled with stories, videos, and photos from the past 50 Years of Magic. Dinner buffet and dancing to follow with Live Music from Suzie and the Smelts! Book your cabin and rafting online to join the fun, or call (207) 663-4466.

Facebook Event

50/30 Ale

Kennebec River Brewery Special Release!

50/30 Ale is a one-of-a-kind collaboration brewed to celebrate two milestones: 50 years of Northern Outdoors and 30 years of Kennebec River Brewery. This special anniversary ale brings generations together, with current Northern Outdoors employees joining Head Brewer Kevin to help craft it. Rooted in shared history, hard work, and plenty of stories, 50/30 Ale is a tribute to the people behind the scenes—and the community that has grown up around great rivers, great adventures, and great beer.

Release date: end of June, exact date TBD!

A History of Northern Outdoors

1975

Wayne and Suzie Hockmeyer formed Back Country Outfitters in Rockwood, Maine as a hunting and fishing guide service.

1976

In May, Wayne and Suzie purchased a 20’ raft and did an exploratory descent of the Kennebec River gorge. In June, they established Kennebec Whitewater Expeditions and began offering commercial whitewater rafting trips. In the fall of 1976, they explored the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

1977

First outfitter to run Penobscot River.

Changed name to Northern Whitewater Expeditions.

1978

Ran first commercial trip on the Dead River.

1979

First outfitter to run Hudson and Moose Rivers.

1980

Established first Whitewater Guides School.

1981

Jim Yearwood, (co-owner through 2024) joined Northern Outdoors as river guide

1983

Russell Walters, (co-owner through 2026), joined Northern Outdoors as a kayak instructor

Built main lodge in The Forks and changed name to Northern Outdoors

Added snowmobiling to become year-round resort with year-round staff

1996-2000

Added more cabins to the resort

1996

Co-owner Jim Yearwood founded Kennebec River Brewery

2002

Opened Kennebec River Campground

2008

Connected ATV trail direct to the main lodge

2012

Hosted Untamed Adventure Race in June, the largest adventure race in the U.S.

2016

Celebrated 40 years of river running

2019

Established Katahdin Adventure Base Camp at Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground

2024

Emily Yearwood and Paul Yearwood, along with their spouses Zach and Mona, became the new generation of ownership by purchasing Northern Outdoors from Suzie Hockmeyer, Jim Yearwood, and Russell Walters.

2026

Northern Outdoors celebrates 50 years!