North Country Rivers
North Country Rivers
4.5
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Discover the Maine Outdoors with North Country Rivers. Maine Outdoor Adventure Vacations that include - White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Wildlife Tours, ATV Tours and Rentals, Snowmobile Tours and Rentals, Hiking, Biking, Fishing and more. Packages at our Bingham, Maine resort include deluxe cabins, tent camping, RV Camping and meals at our renown Patrick's Restaurant and Pub. Call today, let's start planning your Maine Outdoor Vacation.
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North Country Rivers
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
268 reviews
Excellent
205
Very good
39
Average
10
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Corben B
4 contributions
May 2022
The whole entire trip from start to finish was amazing! I have been with another rafting company in the past, but this one truly has been and will always be my favorite.
From the very beginning (In fact it was November of 2021) when I planned my trips up with North Country Rivers I was met with extremely wonderful customer service. I switched up my reservations and plans so many times. The owner Jim Murton was there every step of the way to ensure that my plans met with what I asked for. I asked for a meal plan, as well as other requests and he was on top of everything.
Once I arrived to North Country Rivers the weekend of the 13th of May this year (2022) I was blown away. I did not realize how big the campground was. For as affordable as North Country Rivers was I did not expect our cabin to be nearly as wonderful as it was. I booked a Premium Bunkhouse for me and my mom. Once we checked in we were blown away. 2 double beds and 4 twin beds. Of course we did not use all of them, but they were very comfortable and the room smelled amazing (the wood smell was amazing).
The morning of my trip I had a delicious breakfast (Only $12 for an all you can eat buffet). We then met as a whole and were told about everything we would expect for our trip on the Dead River. This wasn't my first time on the Dead, but it was my favorite.
We took a bus ride up to the river and were told about all of the basic paddling commands, safety, etc. This was where I was introduced to my raft guide, Logan. He truly enjoyed his job and made that apparent when he took us through all of the more fun routes of the rapids. He spun us around while we surfed, as well as other fun parts that I did not get on my other trip to the Dead with the other outfitter.
Once we got back to the base we had a delicious lunch and got to see our photos from the day. I was sad leaving, but not super sad because I have 3 more trips planned this year with North Country Rivers! I can't wait!
From the very beginning (In fact it was November of 2021) when I planned my trips up with North Country Rivers I was met with extremely wonderful customer service. I switched up my reservations and plans so many times. The owner Jim Murton was there every step of the way to ensure that my plans met with what I asked for. I asked for a meal plan, as well as other requests and he was on top of everything.
Once I arrived to North Country Rivers the weekend of the 13th of May this year (2022) I was blown away. I did not realize how big the campground was. For as affordable as North Country Rivers was I did not expect our cabin to be nearly as wonderful as it was. I booked a Premium Bunkhouse for me and my mom. Once we checked in we were blown away. 2 double beds and 4 twin beds. Of course we did not use all of them, but they were very comfortable and the room smelled amazing (the wood smell was amazing).
The morning of my trip I had a delicious breakfast (Only $12 for an all you can eat buffet). We then met as a whole and were told about everything we would expect for our trip on the Dead River. This wasn't my first time on the Dead, but it was my favorite.
We took a bus ride up to the river and were told about all of the basic paddling commands, safety, etc. This was where I was introduced to my raft guide, Logan. He truly enjoyed his job and made that apparent when he took us through all of the more fun routes of the rapids. He spun us around while we surfed, as well as other fun parts that I did not get on my other trip to the Dead with the other outfitter.
Once we got back to the base we had a delicious lunch and got to see our photos from the day. I was sad leaving, but not super sad because I have 3 more trips planned this year with North Country Rivers! I can't wait!
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barry N
13 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Fav bit about the trip was all the below
Kids had a 🐎 of a time all weekend 🏅for that, our guide Jimmy was brilliant funny fooker😜 kept the wee ones in mind and us entertained on the River .
Jimmy the owner was like a cup of tea and a scone with jam & butter on it (bloody lovely).
The cabins were great and Patrick’s pub 🍺 was only 2 doors away double boom 💥 .
Banged out the atvs as well that was a savage time did 4 hrs would do longer next time
The staff were great and place is dog friendly so that was a big plus as well so I guess we were extremely happy 😊 and would go back ASAP
Recommend the blueberry beer on the deck in the evening time it was the balls
Need to sell fly nets for ur head for when u get off bus to walk to river, once rafting they are gone but those little shites eat u good⛄️🇺🇸
Kids had a 🐎 of a time all weekend 🏅for that, our guide Jimmy was brilliant funny fooker😜 kept the wee ones in mind and us entertained on the River .
Jimmy the owner was like a cup of tea and a scone with jam & butter on it (bloody lovely).
The cabins were great and Patrick’s pub 🍺 was only 2 doors away double boom 💥 .
Banged out the atvs as well that was a savage time did 4 hrs would do longer next time
The staff were great and place is dog friendly so that was a big plus as well so I guess we were extremely happy 😊 and would go back ASAP
Recommend the blueberry beer on the deck in the evening time it was the balls
Need to sell fly nets for ur head for when u get off bus to walk to river, once rafting they are gone but those little shites eat u good⛄️🇺🇸
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bill S
Somersworth, United States3 contributions
Jul 2021
The Guide Staff is awesome; every guide is professional, safety conscious and very entertaining as the trip down the river progresses.
I have been rafting with North Country Rivers for almost 20 years bringing my family, church groups and always 1 or 2 trips a year with customers.
It's a great way to spend quality time with others!
The campground is flat with plenty of open space and the cabins are excellent and always clean.
Patrick's Pub is a special treat because everyone who works at the Pub is a guide! I recommend you go up the night before and you'll have an opportunity to learn about your upcoming rafting trip.
Thank you North Country for always delivering a great experience!!!
I have been rafting with North Country Rivers for almost 20 years bringing my family, church groups and always 1 or 2 trips a year with customers.
It's a great way to spend quality time with others!
The campground is flat with plenty of open space and the cabins are excellent and always clean.
Patrick's Pub is a special treat because everyone who works at the Pub is a guide! I recommend you go up the night before and you'll have an opportunity to learn about your upcoming rafting trip.
Thank you North Country for always delivering a great experience!!!
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jcpg2016
Skanderborg, Denmark5 contributions
Jul 2022
Great river. I would definitely go for another trip on this location.
We really enjoyed the high pace and the close proximity of the rapids a real rush, even for reasonably experienced rafters.
I would also go with North Country Rivers again. Overall the staff and the equipment is great and well functioning and the bus drivers are fantastic 😁👍.
I would recommend a little better info on the website though. We booked full wetsuits for 5 people and prepaid for it. When we got there, we were informed that we didn’t really need the suits, since the water was warm (and it was). However, the prepaid amount was non-refundable. We were informed that we could use the 100 $ as credit towards purchasing merchandise or future bookings. When we pointed out that we had paid for two suites for minors (which is included in the initial booking), we were refunded the suit fee for those who didn’t actually have to pay it….
As for the rafting guide. The less said the better and no names should be spoken. Two points should be mentioned though:
1) don’t go on the water with what appeared to be hangovers, it does not improve your decision making, your leadership or your skills as a guide.
2) when you have one group of physically strong people with rafting experience and one group of people with no experience and questionable physical abilities. Don’t put the strong group in the back of the boat, just because the the inexperienced ones got to the boat first. It will make us more likely to miss the good surf spots and the good rapids (and we missed every single one of them…). Show some leadership and give the entire boat a good day.
I would give 5 stars to the river and four stars to the company. But I choose to give one star over all, because in the end, the guide can make or break the experience.
We really enjoyed the high pace and the close proximity of the rapids a real rush, even for reasonably experienced rafters.
I would also go with North Country Rivers again. Overall the staff and the equipment is great and well functioning and the bus drivers are fantastic 😁👍.
I would recommend a little better info on the website though. We booked full wetsuits for 5 people and prepaid for it. When we got there, we were informed that we didn’t really need the suits, since the water was warm (and it was). However, the prepaid amount was non-refundable. We were informed that we could use the 100 $ as credit towards purchasing merchandise or future bookings. When we pointed out that we had paid for two suites for minors (which is included in the initial booking), we were refunded the suit fee for those who didn’t actually have to pay it….
As for the rafting guide. The less said the better and no names should be spoken. Two points should be mentioned though:
1) don’t go on the water with what appeared to be hangovers, it does not improve your decision making, your leadership or your skills as a guide.
2) when you have one group of physically strong people with rafting experience and one group of people with no experience and questionable physical abilities. Don’t put the strong group in the back of the boat, just because the the inexperienced ones got to the boat first. It will make us more likely to miss the good surf spots and the good rapids (and we missed every single one of them…). Show some leadership and give the entire boat a good day.
I would give 5 stars to the river and four stars to the company. But I choose to give one star over all, because in the end, the guide can make or break the experience.
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barbara S
6 contributions
Jul 2020
My family of 6 took this tour hoping to see a moose in the wild - the only thing we got was our money taken for a van with a guide that no one could hear and a picture of a beaver. There was no sound system so the teens in the back couldn't hear him and the air wasn't great either. He gave no facts about the moose - an antler was sitting next to him and he never showed it to us or passed it around. He did tell stories about other tours he gave that were not successful. As someone wrote in another review we could have driven around in the back woods and been more successful seeing one. We also noticed there was no moose merchandise to be purchased. When we asked the girl she said because of covid-19 they had not ordered any. Amazingly the walls were filled with white water rafting items. We wanted to get food before the tour (had 25 mins. to spare) and the same girl said no but the bartender was willing to take our order and said there was plenty of time to eat. They argued in front us. Very unprofessional. The tour guide was about 10 minutes late because he was telling stories at the bar so we could have gotten food! (I don't think he was drinking) The guide told us he had to work a 14 day because the boss needed him to pick up people that return each year so we felt that they were more important and he couldn't take time to find any moose because he had to get back. Upon our return he jumped out of van, never locked van and left. No sorry. Don't waste your $59 for an adult and $39.00 for a child on this tour. I had asked about the success rate and was told about 80%. I know you don't have any control over wild animals but just go to the Wildlife Zoo in Gray, Maine and see a moose and have a great day with your family for a lot less.
The only positive that I have is the person, Mary, that I spoke to a few times. Professional.
The only positive that I have is the person, Mary, that I spoke to a few times. Professional.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SportyFam
Boston, MA15 contributions
Jul 2021
On the way to the Penobscot River, we had an engaging and informative safety lesson from Derek, who expertly captured our attention with humor and charisma! Then, 11 of us (ages 12-52) had an absolute blast with JJ and Heather as our guides! On the occasion that we went, the river water was quite low, so we ended up doing the upper river twice to maximize time in the class V rapids and our guides led us in and out of the excitement with expertise and enthusiasm! It was awesome!
All of the "kids" hopped in the water to luxuriate during the calm waters as the adults enjoyed the magnificent scenery first and then jumped in, too.
Our delicious meal was prepared and waiting when we got back on land, and included a choice of delicious haddock, steak, chicken or veggie burgers, three-bean salad, "house fried rice," and a thick slice of homemade bread with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. There were leftovers for those with big appetites, and our guides continued to chat and socialize with four boats worth of rafters.
Jim Murton communicated in a considerate and conscientious manner ahead of time, to thoughtfully accommodate our large party, and the few changes from our original plan as family members were added and subtracted. He runs a wonderful operation, and we highly recommend North Country Rivers!
All of the "kids" hopped in the water to luxuriate during the calm waters as the adults enjoyed the magnificent scenery first and then jumped in, too.
Our delicious meal was prepared and waiting when we got back on land, and included a choice of delicious haddock, steak, chicken or veggie burgers, three-bean salad, "house fried rice," and a thick slice of homemade bread with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. There were leftovers for those with big appetites, and our guides continued to chat and socialize with four boats worth of rafters.
Jim Murton communicated in a considerate and conscientious manner ahead of time, to thoughtfully accommodate our large party, and the few changes from our original plan as family members were added and subtracted. He runs a wonderful operation, and we highly recommend North Country Rivers!
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary S
Killington, VT3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
We had Jim as our guide and I am so glad we did. We went on turbine test day and the river was cranking. A few of us were scared. He kept us focused and secure with his obvious experience and knowledge. We had a BLAST! Check off the bucket list - crazy level 4+ whitewater.
The whole team did a great job at delivering all safety information and the distribution of gear. I loved how they turned almost everything into a comedy skit. Lunch was surprisingly good with options for the strictest dietary needs. Just overall well done.
We also stayed in the cabins. I considered lowering the rating a tad because of the “quality” of the cabins, but then I remembered my expectations. This isn’t the Ritz Carlton, so don’t expect it. I imagine it’s small business owned. The place was clean, the basics were there. Could they use a little TLC and updating? Maybe. Anywho…All of us had a fantastic time. Everyone was smiling ear to ear. There was plenty to do in our “off time”. Super loved the game room hiding off the bar.
One last thing, cheers to the photographers, the pictures came out amazing!!!
The whole team did a great job at delivering all safety information and the distribution of gear. I loved how they turned almost everything into a comedy skit. Lunch was surprisingly good with options for the strictest dietary needs. Just overall well done.
We also stayed in the cabins. I considered lowering the rating a tad because of the “quality” of the cabins, but then I remembered my expectations. This isn’t the Ritz Carlton, so don’t expect it. I imagine it’s small business owned. The place was clean, the basics were there. Could they use a little TLC and updating? Maybe. Anywho…All of us had a fantastic time. Everyone was smiling ear to ear. There was plenty to do in our “off time”. Super loved the game room hiding off the bar.
One last thing, cheers to the photographers, the pictures came out amazing!!!
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles G
1 contribution
Aug 2022
August, employees were friendly and helpful. Cabin was in great condition. I would not recommend the meal packages that we paid for. You are better off paying as you order since we over paid (what we paid was more than the menu price) ahead of time. We paid ahead of time for the dinner and breakfast. Our breakfast food was cold, which we left on the table and went down the street.
We booked here for the Wildlife tour which was a disaster. We sat in a 10-passenger van throughout a rainstorm for 3 hours and didn't see not one animal.
We booked here for the Wildlife tour which was a disaster. We sat in a 10-passenger van throughout a rainstorm for 3 hours and didn't see not one animal.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tug C
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Went with North Country on the Penobscot and Kennebec. Fantastic time!
Request Chris Howe on the Penobscot and Dana DiBiase on the Kennebec. Amazing guides and fantastic whitewater. I live in WV and have rafted the New & Gauley with ACE Adventure Resort. North Country lived up to the hype and professionalism I have come to expect in a whitewater outfitter. I will make the 18 hour drive again!
Request Chris Howe on the Penobscot and Dana DiBiase on the Kennebec. Amazing guides and fantastic whitewater. I live in WV and have rafted the New & Gauley with ACE Adventure Resort. North Country lived up to the hype and professionalism I have come to expect in a whitewater outfitter. I will make the 18 hour drive again!
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michele C
Manchester, NH1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
I scheduled a rafting weekend for my husband's 50th birthday party for 60 people. We stayed in various cabins (Flagstaff, bunkhouses and tent cabins) and 50 of us rafted. Our overall experience was top notch. Jim and his staff worked with us every step of the way from booking accommodations, dinner in the restaurant and of course rafting. The Kennebec rafting trip was so awesome - class three and four rapids with very experienced guides who were so knowledgeable and fun (shout out to Aaron and Chris)! Every single one of our guests said the weekend was just perfect and can't wait to go back for another trip soon - so glad we picked North Country Rivers!!!
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin R
Guangdong, China6 contributions
I rafted here 30 years ago and the top part was really scary- death defying. Now, this summer, I wanted to take my 12 year old daughter so where did you put in ? We put in at Little Eddy by mistake, right after the gorge. I cannot see a 12 year old doing the Cribworks. The rest of the river Class 4 etc.. would be great. Any help would be great. Thanks
JMurton
Bingham, ME1 contribution
We put-in in the lower half of the river, run the lower half, have lunch and then do the upper half. Your 12 year old could sit out the upper gorge and cribworks (class 5), then get back in the raft at Big Eddy, not Little Eddy. This would avoid all class 5 rapids.
Dawn H
Plaistow, NH63 contributions
How long a ride is it to the Kennebec from your facility?
JMurton
Bingham, ME1 contribution
45 drive from our base in Bingham, Maine to the put-in on the Kennebec River. We meet at 8:30 AM, leave at 9:00 AM and return around 2:30-3:00 PM. The drive to the put-in in the morning is beautiful, we drive up Rt 201 (National Scenic Byway), beautiful views and excellent cultural heritage.
Epc1767
Boston, MA14 contributions
Is it worth the extra hour ride to raft the Penobscot versus the Kennebec?
patrick04989
Vassalboro, ME
Absolutely! It is also a wonderful drive with great scenic views.