Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting
5
River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Read more
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
2022
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
(60 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
803 reviews
Excellent
752
Very good
41
Average
3
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Matt E
2 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.
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.
ilawest
Wakefield, RI20 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We had an awesome trip on the Kennebeck river! Our tour guide Sam was skillful, energetic and knowledgeable - the route was beautiful and she did a great job navigating through the rapids. The post rafting lunch was delicious too. We hope to back again soon! 10/10 would recommend!
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
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.
Brian
Glasgow, KY2 contributions
Jun 2021
What can I say that accurately conveys just how perfect our experience was? I took my son for his graduation present and I seriously do not think I could have chosen better. From the stunning scenery that Maine itself provides to the wonderful and warm people who made everything happen, every minute spent with Three Rivers was a pure joy!
I'm sure you can get the same thrills from other guide services in the area as they all run the same river. However, it was certainly the people of Three Rivers that set the experience apart. From April who helped me plan and organize the whole week and took care of reserving other services, to our guides Coplin and Bobby on our trips on the river, to every staff member encountered at Boatmans, The Inn and the giftshop, to even meeting both owners and spending time with them...they are certainly one of a kind! It can't be easy finding employees who ALL love their job, but somehow they have. I'm certain its the family style atmosphere and the culture of fun that they have established. Its very obvious and extremely contagious!
Additionally, the food and entertainment quality were certainly unexpected that far from "civilization"! Our fishing guides were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, although I am sure we entertained them too.
Al-in-all, if you were ever in any doubt as to where to stay or which service to use let me say this once...THREE RIVERS is the only choice. And BTW, my son had so much fun he wants this to become an annual trip. Do you know how hard it is to impress a 19yo boy these days...without internet or technology? Just saying.
I'm sure you can get the same thrills from other guide services in the area as they all run the same river. However, it was certainly the people of Three Rivers that set the experience apart. From April who helped me plan and organize the whole week and took care of reserving other services, to our guides Coplin and Bobby on our trips on the river, to every staff member encountered at Boatmans, The Inn and the giftshop, to even meeting both owners and spending time with them...they are certainly one of a kind! It can't be easy finding employees who ALL love their job, but somehow they have. I'm certain its the family style atmosphere and the culture of fun that they have established. Its very obvious and extremely contagious!
Additionally, the food and entertainment quality were certainly unexpected that far from "civilization"! Our fishing guides were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, although I am sure we entertained them too.
Al-in-all, if you were ever in any doubt as to where to stay or which service to use let me say this once...THREE RIVERS is the only choice. And BTW, my son had so much fun he wants this to become an annual trip. Do you know how hard it is to impress a 19yo boy these days...without internet or technology? Just saying.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Erica R
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Excellent, knowledgeable guides! And the lunch was amazing!
Only complaint was the lack of photos. We were discouraged from bringing our phones, which I understand given the activity. However, the photographer takes photos at 3-4 locations where the bigger rapids are located. So if you’re like me, and love the small, but memorable moments in between, I’d recommend bringing your phone, but putting it in a waterproof bag. The last 90 minutes are fairly mild leaving plenty of time to catch a few close ups! Other than that, great trip overall!
Also, important to note that one photo costs $20, or you can get the whole album for $60.
Only complaint was the lack of photos. We were discouraged from bringing our phones, which I understand given the activity. However, the photographer takes photos at 3-4 locations where the bigger rapids are located. So if you’re like me, and love the small, but memorable moments in between, I’d recommend bringing your phone, but putting it in a waterproof bag. The last 90 minutes are fairly mild leaving plenty of time to catch a few close ups! Other than that, great trip overall!
Also, important to note that one photo costs $20, or you can get the whole album for $60.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
Elsa G
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
This is my second year doing the Saturday all day Penobscot rafting trip with Three Rivers. They have a well oiled machine that makes even the most novice paddler feel comfortable. This year we had some very nervous first timers and they felt comfortable virtually right away with all the instruction given by the three rivers guides. The Three Rivers staff (servers in the restaurant, bartenders, guides and others)are always amazing, and really make it better which is why we keep coming back. They are so personable, funny, warm and welcoming and always interested in improving the customer experience. The Penobscot river is epic and the water levels are dam controlled helping to keep consistency of the rapids. Their guides are very experienced and at no time either year, was there a moment where I could not rely on my guide to be a solid leader and cool confident advisor even in the hairiest situation(big ups to Shawn and Dan for their expertise, sense of humor and helping us understand the area and wildlife more) . Last year we went in September and it was cold and rainy requiring full wetsuits which you can rent from them, and this year it was beautiful warm and sunny, both were a great time showing that this outfit is consistent and always stellar. They have state of the art boats (BEST on the river that I’ve seen) that crush big drops(exterminator, etc), make surfing epic, cut through fluff and glide over rocks in shallows like the horse race with ease. The boatmans restaurant has great food and a full bar and we eat virtually every meal there when off the water. The group site is clean and close to the main building and bathrooms, with lots of flat tenting spaces, a nice fire pit and multiple picnic tables. The bathrooms are clean and the showers have fantastic water pressure. You can buy wood and ice (among other things) at the main building. All these ingredients are what great trips are made of, however, if you are not willing to paddle, do these excellent professionals a favor who LOVE crushing clean lines and go chose an easier river (there are plenty of those). They will never paddle shame you if you are dialing it in though, just make sure you tell your group they will have to pick up your slack. Three rivers is such a great outfit that gives us the very best experience every year, we will just keep coming back-Three Rivers we love you!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
d2
1 contribution
Jul 2022
My friends had a great time surfing the rapids here! Rafting with Three waters is a must for anyone that likes the more extreme whitewater rafting experience. I have got to recommend Dan as a guide, he knows his rafting and is probably the coolest guide for any outdoor adventure I've ever had.
In summary get DAN as a guide!!!!!
In summary get DAN as a guide!!!!!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wkssmiley
Macon, MO
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?
Three Rivers Guide
The Forks, ME5 contributions
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?