Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Three Rivers Whitewater runs 1 and 2 day trips on the Dead, Kennebec or Penobscot Rivers Daily. We use state of the art equipment and put the most time and money into training professional guide staff of any outfitter in Maine. All of our trips include home made meals that are second to none. But most importantly, our staff is here to make your trip fun. They are exceedingly friendly and take the time to make your trip what you want it to be. No request is too difficult to accomplish. If it is possible, we will do it to show you a good time. So look at the different trips we have to offer, gather your friends or family and join us for some serious fun!
The Forks, Maine
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
878 reviews
Excellent
825
Very good
41
Average
3
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Ben A
1 contribution
Aug 2020
Three Rivers is truly the home of serious fun. As a group leader I travelled to Three Rivers with 11 teenage boys and our experience was extraordinary all because of the team at Three Rivers. Prior to attending the staff at Three Rivers were able to answer very specific questions about their COVID-19 preparedness and procedures to reduce risk. Upon arriving to Three Rivers we were greeted by friendly and outgoing staff members. A huge shout out goes to Bobby the restaurant manager at Three Rivers. He was constantly ensuring that we were having a positive experience and if we needed anything throughout our trip he was right there and ready to help. More so, Bobby was personable and even enjoyed a meal with our group. The boys loved hearing his stories and spending time with him. We had a fantastic time tubing the lower Kennebec our first day. Our second day was spent rafting with two incredible river guides. I have rafted with Three Rivers before and will always return to Three Rivers because they take safety seriously while also knowing how to have fun. If you have a chance to raft with Reid and Scotty as your river guides you will not be disappointed. These guys were so fun, so knowledgable, and knew just how to engage the boys in our group. They told great jokes, shared a ton of knowledge about the river, and most importantly made sure that everyone was safe. We truly had the best time with Reid and Scotty. Our final day was spent hiking and our guides continued to be beyond expectation. They had fun with the kids while teaching them a lot about Maine. Travel during a pandemic is a significant risk, but Three Rivers attention to detail and protocols made us feel quite comfortable. Our lodging (bunkhouses) were clean and so were the bath houses that we used. If you're looking for safe and serious fun Three Rivers is definitely the place for you.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mefitzsi
Osterville, MA3 contributions
Aug 2020
Our extended family had rafted the Kennebec River about 15 years ago (a gaggle of kids then), and had always wanted to return! We found Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting online, and after seeing the great reviews and talking through logistics with the helpful staff over the phone, we booked for our group of 6. Checking into our beautiful cabin was easy, and the check-in staff so welcoming.
The next morning we all met at the base, got outfitted with our gear, and were introduced to our guides. Each of them were knowledgable, safety oriented, and easy to talk to. It was clear they had been well trained and knew their way around the river. Once we arrived at the dam where you enter the river, our guide Spaulding got us oriented with our boat and the commands we would use on the water. Any nerves you may have will be soothed by your guide's confidence, experience, and encouraging nature.
As soon as we were underway, Spaulding tried a few rowing commands on us and tested our listening skills (I admit that our laughter and screeching sometimes made it hard to hear him). Our faces hurt from smiling so hard! The river was incredibly warm, and the rapids exhilarating but manageable (I hear you go to Penobscot for the crazy stuff!). After a good length of rougher water, the river calmed and we had the opportunity to relax, admire the gorgeous scenery, eat some snacks and let Spaulding do all the work! In addition to non stop fun, we were also given a natural history lesson! Spaulding was full of facts about the river, geology, flora, and fauna! He has through sheer passion and curiosity retained more information than any professor, and even better, he delivers with humor and Maine charm. Fate gave us the perfect guide for our group!
Afterwards, we all went back to the base to have lunch and look at the great photos that were taken along various points of the river. Our guides were there every step of the way, and even served us our lunch! You quickly realize that the river guides are responsible for all of Three River's operations, from check in, to kitchen duty and bartending! They work so incredibly hard, and really seem to love every single second of it. Three Rivers has a kick ass team, and we appreciated everyone's hard work, and how welcome we felt. It is a close knit community, and it's instantly felt by all who visit Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting. We even made a new friend- hi Spaulding! We plan to go back, but next time with the whole family!
The next morning we all met at the base, got outfitted with our gear, and were introduced to our guides. Each of them were knowledgable, safety oriented, and easy to talk to. It was clear they had been well trained and knew their way around the river. Once we arrived at the dam where you enter the river, our guide Spaulding got us oriented with our boat and the commands we would use on the water. Any nerves you may have will be soothed by your guide's confidence, experience, and encouraging nature.
As soon as we were underway, Spaulding tried a few rowing commands on us and tested our listening skills (I admit that our laughter and screeching sometimes made it hard to hear him). Our faces hurt from smiling so hard! The river was incredibly warm, and the rapids exhilarating but manageable (I hear you go to Penobscot for the crazy stuff!). After a good length of rougher water, the river calmed and we had the opportunity to relax, admire the gorgeous scenery, eat some snacks and let Spaulding do all the work! In addition to non stop fun, we were also given a natural history lesson! Spaulding was full of facts about the river, geology, flora, and fauna! He has through sheer passion and curiosity retained more information than any professor, and even better, he delivers with humor and Maine charm. Fate gave us the perfect guide for our group!
Afterwards, we all went back to the base to have lunch and look at the great photos that were taken along various points of the river. Our guides were there every step of the way, and even served us our lunch! You quickly realize that the river guides are responsible for all of Three River's operations, from check in, to kitchen duty and bartending! They work so incredibly hard, and really seem to love every single second of it. Three Rivers has a kick ass team, and we appreciated everyone's hard work, and how welcome we felt. It is a close knit community, and it's instantly felt by all who visit Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting. We even made a new friend- hi Spaulding! We plan to go back, but next time with the whole family!
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan B
1 contribution
Aug 2020
Had a very good experience with 3 rivers. Went with my GF and we camped out in late AUG on a high release day. The guides were very well trained and made everyone in the raft feel comfortable but at the same time maximized the thrill of hitting the rapids. I am 100P going to go back next summer and hopefully every summer after that because I got the itch .. This was also during COVID and the team took all the appropriate precautions and followed the guidelines. This would be a good trip for a group of buddies trying to get away, couple, or family vacation. Also the guide we had wrote us a hand written note thanking us, which i appreciated greatly.
The only negative I can think of is how far north it is. but legit other than that dont have a bad thing to say!
The only negative I can think of is how far north it is. but legit other than that dont have a bad thing to say!
Written October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susaz2022
New Haven, CT2 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
I want to begin by saying my daughter and I almost drowned! If iit wasn’t because we were yelling for help and another group of guests helped us to safety I would not be writing this review. There were 10 of us that had to help eachother get to the left side of the river and climb up a wooded area up by the highway, where we we left stranded for about an hour until they came with a shuttle to get us. Apparently this happens often. There was no apologies by staff. Be very careful this place does not give you a heads up about when the damm is released and this caused the water to have dangerous conditions. The Dead river releases are 8 times a year so please check when those days are and I do mot recommend doing this on those days. The workers are not helpful at all, once they have your money and you sign a waiver you are on your own!!!
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt E
17 contributions
Jul 2021
I have been white water rafting a number of times in different parts of the country and this was hands down the best experience I've ever had. The company is professional and the river exciting (more to follow), but I have to give the most credit for our experience to our group's guide, Corey.
I think most Three Rivers guides do this, but Corey gauged our group and gave us an experience tailored to our sense of adventure and, yes, risk. He explained how, considering a number of factors, he could choose lines down the more exciting or smooth parts of the river based on both the desires and abilities of the group in the raft. We wanted everything and Corey gave it to us expertly and in large part to his abilities and knowledge, safely.
Like any river, the Penobscot River has stretches of calm water and then drops of exciting rapids. One REALLY creative thing Three Rivers Whitewater did was attach a 3-ish hp motor (from a coordinated shore crew) to one of the 5 rafts with us, using it to tow us all through the longest stretch of wide river - slow water. Corey explained that in Maine, this was no small feat due to the legal requirements of turning a raft (and then rafts) into a motored "vessel". They hung a registration number from the lead raft and everything! Legally saved our party a chunk of time and less-exciting effort we really appreciated!
Corey was highly complimentary of the other guides in our party of 5 rafts and we watched them all have great experiences too. We did have one unique opportunity OUT of the raft with Corey and if you get him as your guide, ask him about it!
Corey also went above and beyond in other ways, most notably taking just a few pics of our group on his phone at different places, including a few great group shots after the ride (see the "party" shot in the attached pics). His personal touches made the day especially memorable!
I've not experienced any other company's day on the Penobscot river, but I cannot imagine a better "group tailored" experience being available from a different outfit. Tell Three Rivers what you want, and to the extent that they can give it to you safely, you'll get it!
I think most Three Rivers guides do this, but Corey gauged our group and gave us an experience tailored to our sense of adventure and, yes, risk. He explained how, considering a number of factors, he could choose lines down the more exciting or smooth parts of the river based on both the desires and abilities of the group in the raft. We wanted everything and Corey gave it to us expertly and in large part to his abilities and knowledge, safely.
Like any river, the Penobscot River has stretches of calm water and then drops of exciting rapids. One REALLY creative thing Three Rivers Whitewater did was attach a 3-ish hp motor (from a coordinated shore crew) to one of the 5 rafts with us, using it to tow us all through the longest stretch of wide river - slow water. Corey explained that in Maine, this was no small feat due to the legal requirements of turning a raft (and then rafts) into a motored "vessel". They hung a registration number from the lead raft and everything! Legally saved our party a chunk of time and less-exciting effort we really appreciated!
Corey was highly complimentary of the other guides in our party of 5 rafts and we watched them all have great experiences too. We did have one unique opportunity OUT of the raft with Corey and if you get him as your guide, ask him about it!
Corey also went above and beyond in other ways, most notably taking just a few pics of our group on his phone at different places, including a few great group shots after the ride (see the "party" shot in the attached pics). His personal touches made the day especially memorable!
I've not experienced any other company's day on the Penobscot river, but I cannot imagine a better "group tailored" experience being available from a different outfit. Tell Three Rivers what you want, and to the extent that they can give it to you safely, you'll get it!
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chanda F
North Scituate, Massachusetts3 contributions
Jul 2020
We just got back from one of the most amazing weekends thanks to Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting! From booking, through our stay, rafting, dinner at the restaurant, and checkout it was a 5 star plus experience! We are a family of 5 and went with our friends, another family of 5 with kids ranging from 10 - 16. We stayed in the cabins and they were fabulous! Super clean, linens and towels provided, roomy, air conditioning, and our own bathroom. The restaurant and the property was super yummy, and the staff were just so amazing and sweet. Rafting the Kennebec was Amazing, Awesome, Beautiful, and just seriously so much fun! The guides are so knowledgeable, cool, friendly, and you feel 100% safe with them. I wish I could whitewater raft every weekend! We smiled, laughed, yelled with excitement so much our faces hurt from a permanent grin. Social distancing was taken very seriously as well which was greatly appreciated during this uncertain time of COVID. If you're looking for something exciting to do this summer, next summer, anytime, I can't say enough positive and amazing things about our experience. I travel all the time for work and personal and they have got the magic that rivals the best of them out there. They provide their guests with a wonderful, positive, fun, attentive, fun, safe, fun, wanna stay there all summer type of fun experience. Thank you to the entire staff and guides. Can't wait to come back and do the Penobscot next time! Chanda from Boston, MA
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B1041MV
Connecticut3 contributions
Aug 2020
We had the most incredible time rafting with our guide Bobby this past week with our 2 kids - age 11 and 10. We were VERY nervous and made that known to our guide but from the moment we got on the water, we felt excited and safe. I even ended up falling out of the raft during one of the Class IV rapids, but I grabbed the boat as instructed in the safety briefing and within 10 seconds, Bobby was pulling me out of the water while simultaneously guiding the rest of the crew and the boat through the water. The whole experience was exhilarating and UNFORGETTABLE! We are so glad we chose Three Rivers.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon Best
2 contributions
Aug 2020
It’s been almost a week since my family and I have come home from our epic overnight trip with Three Waters and we’re still riding the high!….it truly exceeded our expectations.
Bill (our incredibly skilled and confidence building river guide) and Clayton (our cook/meteorologist/sherpa/personal 'MacGyver’) took our family of self proclaimed 'condo campers' out of our comfort zone and we had a blast! Although we know they do this river stuff every week, it felt like we were their only ones in such a genuine way. It was awesome.
They were so easy and friendly and knowledgeable and skilled and calm even in the most serious times. Normally I am nervous with 'dangerous' stuff (I struggle with the kiddie coaster at the amusement park…I’m pitiful) but had every confidence in Bill on the big water day…especially after our family spent the whole day before with him.
In addition, EVERY single person we encountered with Three Rivers was patient, friendly, cool (like gnarly cool), and joyful in every accommodation they made for us. Patty greeted and helped us out when we checked in on day one. When we saw her two days later and got to spend part of the day with her on the river it was like meeting up with an old friend she’s so cheerful!
Our only regret for the whole trip was I sadly did not think to get a real picture of our family together with Bill and Clayton at dinner (an awesome steak dinner with a pineapple upside down cake cooked over a campfire!)...we loved these guys.
With a genuine heart, thanks so much to Bill, Clayton and everyone at Three Rivers for allowing our family this extraordinary experience! We can’t wait to get back to Maine and the big water.
Bill (our incredibly skilled and confidence building river guide) and Clayton (our cook/meteorologist/sherpa/personal 'MacGyver’) took our family of self proclaimed 'condo campers' out of our comfort zone and we had a blast! Although we know they do this river stuff every week, it felt like we were their only ones in such a genuine way. It was awesome.
They were so easy and friendly and knowledgeable and skilled and calm even in the most serious times. Normally I am nervous with 'dangerous' stuff (I struggle with the kiddie coaster at the amusement park…I’m pitiful) but had every confidence in Bill on the big water day…especially after our family spent the whole day before with him.
In addition, EVERY single person we encountered with Three Rivers was patient, friendly, cool (like gnarly cool), and joyful in every accommodation they made for us. Patty greeted and helped us out when we checked in on day one. When we saw her two days later and got to spend part of the day with her on the river it was like meeting up with an old friend she’s so cheerful!
Our only regret for the whole trip was I sadly did not think to get a real picture of our family together with Bill and Clayton at dinner (an awesome steak dinner with a pineapple upside down cake cooked over a campfire!)...we loved these guys.
With a genuine heart, thanks so much to Bill, Clayton and everyone at Three Rivers for allowing our family this extraordinary experience! We can’t wait to get back to Maine and the big water.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol Miller
1 contribution
Aug 2020
In an effort to not travel and social distance what does one do when they already live in Maine on the coast. You go inland and find a river and a few waterfalls and float seemingly slowing down the lazy river, tethered to friends. 4 of us stayed in a cabin that could sleep 6 so we didn't need to mask up while we slept and could be far enough away in the cabin. The tubing wasn't scary, I'm intimidated by white water rafting, a bit to fast for me. This was a fun alternative and great way to hang out with friends. Thank you for making this possible and affordable.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cquirk91
1 contribution
Aug 2020
Please for the love of god.. can someone at this place change their protocols when speaking with guests? I spent MONTHS planning my vacation, hiked Katahdin (What an incredible hike I might add), day after float down a river... sound serene, right? Guess again my friends! I booked this after planning and planning, explained to the woman over the phone what our plan was, told her land marks (Mt Katahdin, Lincoln ME) You would think at this point she would have told me that the place I was booking was 2+ hours away from their other location. NOPE! LOL. So I go into their location in Millinocket, which to my knowledge, is their only location. Here's the info on google Address: Rice Farm Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462 Phone: (207) 723-3200 which is what I typed into google when I spotted this fine establishment to book my rafting venture!
I show up day of our reservation only for the poor girl at the front desk to catch my wrath (I'm so sorry still, I was another human in my fit of rage). She literally said "OH this happens aaallllll the time, I'm sorry to tell you but your reservation is about 2 and a half hours away". If this happens "AAALLLLL the time" Why don't we collectively decide to make a change? Perhaps?
Now, they ultimately ended up refunding my card which is my reason for 2 stars but that wasn't without a snarky response from the woman on the other end of the phone. I truly loved the restaurant here and the fact that they have bonfires, white water rafting, etc but I sadly will not be returning due to this.
Sorry Three Rivers but people can spend their money in several other places surrounding you. Think smarter! Hopefully this changes or at the very least my review can save someone the disappointment upon arrival!
I show up day of our reservation only for the poor girl at the front desk to catch my wrath (I'm so sorry still, I was another human in my fit of rage). She literally said "OH this happens aaallllll the time, I'm sorry to tell you but your reservation is about 2 and a half hours away". If this happens "AAALLLLL the time" Why don't we collectively decide to make a change? Perhaps?
Now, they ultimately ended up refunding my card which is my reason for 2 stars but that wasn't without a snarky response from the woman on the other end of the phone. I truly loved the restaurant here and the fact that they have bonfires, white water rafting, etc but I sadly will not be returning due to this.
Sorry Three Rivers but people can spend their money in several other places surrounding you. Think smarter! Hopefully this changes or at the very least my review can save someone the disappointment upon arrival!
Written October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wkssmiley
Macon, Missouri
Hello there my 20 yr old daughter and I (58) are looking to go rafting, but I can not swim and would like some whitewater but not the really big ones....how are your tours for that?
Written June 26, 2018
Hey there,
The best river in Maine for someone like you would be the Kennebec River. It is a class 4 river but as a guide I have taken plenty of people down the river who didn't know how to swim. You'll be wearing a life jacket with 27 pounds of floatation so in the event you do fall out of the boat your head will stay above the water.
Need anything else?
Written June 27, 2018
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