Dead River Summer Rafting

Action is the Name of the Game!

In the summer, the Dead River has a series of dam releases for intermediate, Class III white water rafting. This 16 mile trip is ideal for families with younger children or adults who want intermediate action. The Dead features long, continuous rapids throughout the trip. Rapids such as "Spencer Rips", the chute at "Elephant Rock" and the famous "Poplar Hill Falls" are among the dozens you'll encounter. The Dead in the Summer is a favorite at Crab Apple because it combines 16 miles of whitewater thrills with remote wilderness scenery.
Check out the photo gallery

Trip Overview:

2010 Schedule: See below
Rapid Classification: Class II-III
Miles: 16
River time: 3-4 hours
Minimum Age: 9
Food: Steak, chicken, fish or vegetarian option cookout at base after trip
No. of people per boat: 6-7

Back To Top

Dead River Summer Trip Itinerary

Directions:
I-95 North to Exit 133 in Fairfield, Maine. Follow Rte 201 North 65 miles to The Forks. Pass through Skowhegan and then Bingham (23 miles to The Forks). In The Forks look for our signs and the bridge crossing the Kennebec. Take right turn before bridge and then enter second driveway on right.

Note: GPS and navigation systems are not accurate in our area. Please follow a map.

 

Your Day on the Dead River - Summer Dam Release

Meeting Time and Place:
8:00am at Crab Apple on the Kennebec - The Forks, Maine

Note: Please consult a map along with our directions. It is your responsibility to arrive on time. The trip cannot wait for latecomers.

Trip Itinerary:

• Meet at 8:30am
• Lifejacket and helmet fitting - (all guests must wear a Personal Floatation Device issued by Crab Apple)
• Safety lecture and paddling instruction
• 16 mile ride to put-in
• Raft 8 miles in continuous Class II-III whitewater
• Riverside Snack
• Continue 8 miles in Class III whitewater
• Take out and 1 mile ride back to Crab Apple
• Hot showers, hot tubs and change clothes
• Delicious steak, chicken, fish or vegetarian option cookout
• Slide presentation of your trip
• Departure by approximately 4:00-5:00pm

Waiver:

All rafters will be required to sign a waiver of liability before enjoying one of our trips. Download it here and bring it in completed the day of the trip to save time. Waiver

What to Bring:

For every trip you need:

• Bathing suit or shorts
• Footwear - sneakers or sandals with secure toe and ankle straps (flip flops not allowed)
• Sunscreen
• Towel
• Change of clothes and shoes for after trip

Items for spring and fall & cool or rainy days:

• ***Avoid cotton clothing - it cools the body when wet!
• For feet: wool or fleece socks. Very important in spring!
• For torso and legs: performance apparel (Under Armour), wool, fleece, capilene, polypropylene/li>
• Outer layer: wind jacket and pants are great for shedding water and can be worn over a wetsuit or fleece

Wetsuits:

Clean, comfortable wetsuits and wetsuit boots will always be available for rent. Fleece and synthetics are extra warm under wetsuits and wetsuit boots. Wind jackets and pants can be worn over wetsuits to shed water and add warmth.

$$$$:

Crab Apple on the Kennebec houses a fun store where you may purchase a fine selection of apparel and souvenirs. Our pub and restaurant will also be open for relaxing after trips.

Medications / Physical Limitations:

Always bring medications which you may need on the river i.e. asthma inhaler, bee sting kit, etc.
Pregnant women, persons with a heart condition and anyone with a medical problem that could be affected by the heat, cold, exertion, excitement, etc. of a raft trip may not raft. We reserve the right to refuse anyone the opportunity to participate in any of our adventures because of a medical, physical or size limitation that we feel might expose them to extreme risk. Contact our office with questions concerning these policies.

Accommodations:

Crab Apple on the Kennebec offers you a comfortable, hassle-free stay in our suites, lodge, cabins and campsites. Local campgrounds, B&B's and motels may also be suggested.

Back To Top

Dead River Summer Prices and Schedule

Rafting Price

Adult $96, Children under 16 $76
Group Rates for 12 or more rafters

Includes:

All river access fees, pre-trip safety instruction, licensed guide, PFD and helmet, transportation to and from river, cookout (steak, chicken, fish or vegetarian option)

Schedule

Sunday June 13

Saturday June 26
Saturday July 3
Sunday July 4
Saturday July 24
Sunday July 25
Saturday August 14

Rafting & Lodging Packages*

Each night of lodging includes a hot buffet breakfast - eggs, sausage, home fries, pancakes, fruit, pastries, juice and coffee.

Standard Lodging (Lodge rooms, Deluxe Lodge Units, Spring Cottage)

1 Night: $49pp plus raft trip price
2 nights: $98pp plus raft trip price

Premium Lodging (Snow Cottage, River Cottage, Suites)

1 Night: $60pp plus raft trip price
2 nights: $120pp plus raft trip price

* For photos and details on our lodging options go to Lodging at Crab Apple.

Package Add-Ons

2nd Day of Rafting

• Kennebec River:
  Adult: $75pp Children 9-15: $65pp
• Half-Day Kennebec Funyak trip $39pp

3rd Night Lodging

Save $15pp (some restrictions may apply)

Meal Plan Dinner

At our full service restaurant, Crab Apple on the Kennebec.
Entree, dessert, beverage, tax & gratuity - $24pp.

Menu

Moose Safari

We leave daily May - August around dusk to search for giant Maine moose. We know all of their favorite spots to hang out. Bring your camera! $40pp

Paintball

Nightfall or Half-Day: $40pp
Full Day: $75pp
See Rapid Shot Paintball website for more details and pictures of the fields.

Back To Top