Friday, August 9, 2024 - Sunday, August 11, 2024
West Forks, ME,
Maine, Inland,
ME
The Dead is one of the longest continuous sections of whitewater in the Northeast. With approximately thirty rapids along a fourteen mile stretch it is an incredibly popular summer whitewater run. The shoreline and river bed are totally different from the neighboring Kennebec river. There are few shear wall cliffs on this river. but instead it is rather flat with thick vegetation right up to the rivers edge. This can make it very difficult to rescue swimmers and equipment. The river is primarily release controlled, although it also runs after periods of heavy rain. The difficulty of the river changes greatly depending upon release level. At lower levels (1200-1800) it is primarily class II (except for the very first, and last couple of rapids). At medium levels (2000-3500) it is class III; and at higher levels (4500-8000) class IV, premier for rafting. See this 7-minute video of paddling at 1300 cfs to get a feel for the river experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYftMkDccmk&ab The river is mostly boulder type rapids with lots of holes and pour overs. There is simply too many features and rapids to be completely described. See https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/787/main for details. Only the highlights have been documented, including the last major rapid, Upper and Lower Poplar, which ramps up to Class 3+ and can be a trial for exhausted paddlers at the end of a long day. The good news is that Webbs campground is on the riverside take-out. You can literally drag your boat to your tent and collapse! ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED to secure a tent site at Webbs Campground Fri and Sat nights and limited to the first 10 paddlers. Cost is $50 for two nights (required). Extended stays and independent camping arrangements are optional for all participants. More information regarding trip details and carpool arrangements will be shared as the date approaches.
Free
