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 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...
Name: Chris Russell Hometown: West Gardiner, ME Age of First Rafting Trip: 17 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 1989 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, Hunting, Snowmobiling What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? My 'workday' is all about showing our guests a great time doing outdoor...
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...
Name: Luke DiSilvestro Hometown: Caratunk Age of First Rafting Trip: 8 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2007 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting, Leadership Programs What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? The People What is your favorite river to guide, and your favorite rapid on that river? The Penobscot River,...
Name: Trevor Donoghue Hometown: Freeport, ME Age of First Rafting Trip: 12 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2009 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? The family vibes...
"We, as a staff, depend on each other in a big way. We know we have each other's backs, and we trust each other. We really are a family." Meet Northern Outdoors whitewater rafting guide Emily...
Name: Diamond Mark Schaub Hometown: Newtown, PA/Points Unknown Age of First Rafting Trip: 9 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 2006 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? The friends and family I've made along the way, the perpetual party it's been over the...
Name: Kimberly Lyman Hometown: Caratunk Age of First Rafting Trip: 17 Year you started guiding at Northern Outdoors: 1998 What type of guiding do you do? Whitewater Rafting What do you enjoy most about working at Northern Outdoors? I love the feeling of 'family'. Every year when the new guides come, they are drawn into the fold...