We’ve been guiding whitewater rafting trips at Northern Outdoors in The Forks, Maine for over 40 years, but somehow Maine’s three rivers — the Kennebec River, the Dead River and the Penobscot River — are more fun every season! It must be you guys. Read your whitewater rafting trip reports, get some Maine travel tips, and meet our Registered Maine Whitewater Guides below. Post your rafting photos and other Maine adventures on Instagram with #NorthernOutdoors to be featured in our taproom.
We had an awesome time on the river. Ted was great, made the trip fun & entertaining. He really knew how to run the rapids. I would like to give a shout out to the rescue kayaker, Luke. I fell in & he was right on top of me to...
Name: Alec "Meats" Curran Hometown: Keene, NH Age of First Rafting Trip: 23 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2016 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? Being able to work and play on the amazing rivers of Maine every day. It never...
We camped with Northern Outdoors for our first visit to Maine. It was a great base camp for the hiking and rafting that we did. Check in was simple, staff was welcoming and helpful at all times. The pool was great for the couple of super hot...
It was a rainy May all over New England. But that didn't stop us from having fun on the river or hiking to Maine's beautiful waterfalls. Here's the crew from Advertise 4 America, a marketing firm that mentors students, enjoying some rainy day rafting on the Kennebec River and hiking...
What It Takes to Become a Registered Maine Whitewater Rafting Guide...
We stayed at the Partridge lodge for the May 13th Dead river release. The lodge was simple, quaint, and adequate. The Kennebec river was right next to the cabin, which was an added bonus. We had trouble directing some of our folks to the cabin due to lack of cell...
I have forged some incredible friendships with the people I work and play with at Northern. The energy that our guests and guides bring to the table makes this such a special place....
Favorite rapid? "THE FALLS!! There is nowhere in the world where you can run a drop that exciting over and over until you’re too tired to go on!" Meet Ted, one of our full-time Penobscot River raft guides...
I grew up in Bucksport Maine, watching the Penobscot River drain into the ocean. As a child my father brought me on fishing trips to places like Saboomook and Caucomgomoc in the upper reaches of the West Branch of the Penobscot River drainage basin and I watched the river...
Registered Maine Guide Chris Russell has been guiding white water rafting trips, fly fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling for 25+ years. His workday is all about showing our guests a great time doing outdoor adventures...
Hiking, biking and Honey Badger Rye...
Name: Suzanne Hockmeyer aka The Queen of the Kennebec Hometown: Andover, MA Age of First Rafting Trip: 25 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 1980 (Learn more about Suzie and Northern Outdoors pioneering Maine's rafting scene.) What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting What do you enjoy most about working at Northern...
Name: Brent Arsenault Hometown: Freeport, Maine Age of First Rafting Trip: 18 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2002 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Leadership Programs What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? I'm so fortunate to work and play outside in the mountains and rivers with...
Name: Ryan Roderick Hometown: Peabody, MA Age of First Rafting Trip: 12 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2010 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, Leadership Programs What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? The pride we all carry in whatever it is we do. I think everyone...
Name: Sandi Howard Hometown: Windham, Maine Age of First Rafting Trip: 20 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 1997 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Leadership Programs What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? Northern has a great philosophy that centers on great adventures, exploring beautiful rivers and...
Name: Zach Davis Hometown: Smithfield, Maine Age of First Rafting Trip: 14 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2011 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, Leadership Programs What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? Having a job that doesn't feel like a job. Living, working, and playing within...