Kennebec., East Outlet, Maine, US

Moosehead Lake Rte. 15 Bridge to Indian Pond

River Description

See also its sister stream, the West Outlet.

The first rapid begins approximately 0.5 mile from the Route 15 Bridge (put-in). It is a long slide (approx 40 yards) filled with rocks and holes. There are eddies on the left at the top, which provide easy boat scouting. The easiest route at summertime water levels is just left of center. On the river right, approx 3/4 of the way down, there is a very wide nasty hole extending across the right side of the river. This rapid is about 3 minus in difficulty at summertime water levels.
For the next 2 miles there are minor rapids and some play holes. Just as the slackwater of Indian Pond comes into view, a horizon line appears which signifies the last rapid. This rapid is a long river-wide, ledge-drop. At low summertime water levels, it is easily run down the center channel. Find the obvious V, and crash thru the large haystacks at the bottom. This rapid is about 2 plus in difficulty at low water levels. On the right side of the ledge is a sharper drop, which has boat-holding potential.

You soon enter Indian Pond and must paddle about 1 1/3 miles past the islands and the loons till you reach the take-out on the left. The take-out is recognizable as a boat launch, beach, and camping area.
To run shuttle from the put-in at the bridge on Rte. 15, it is best to skip the dirt road which runs close to and parallels the river on its south bank. This road has degenerated into an ATV trail and will readily punch the oil pans of most cars. Rather, go south on Rte. 15 for approximately 3 1/2 miles till you reach a graded dirt road on the right. As of 8/2010, it is marked by a Plum Creek Timber Company sign. Follow this good dirt road for almost 4 miles and you will reach an intersection or rather a T. Go left for about 50 feet and take your 1st right. Follow this road down to the shore of Indian Pond. The take-out is a combination boat launch, beach, and camping area.

Additional Notes from Berkshire Jack:

This river apparently runs all summer at a fairly steady cfs, but does not seem to be on the radar of most whitewater boaters. It drains the very large Moosehead Lake and refills Indian Pond, which needs constant refilling because of the daily releases into the Kennebec River.

Part of the reason that this river is infrequently done by whitewater boaters is the relative lack of excitement. It contains only 2 rapids of significance. The first rapid begins approximately 0.5 mile from the Route 15 Bridge (put-in). It is a long slide (approx 40 yards) filled with rocks and holes. There are eddies on the left at the top, which provide easy boat scouting. The easiest route at summer time water levels is just left of center. In river right approx ¾ th of the way down there is a very wide nasty hole extending across the right side of the river. This rapid is about 3 minus in difficulty at summer time water levels.

For the next 2 miles there are minor rapids and some play holes. Just as the slack water of Indian Pond comes into view, a horizon line appears which signifies the last rapid. This rapid is a long river wide ledge drop. At low summer time water levels, it is easily run down the center channel, down the obvious V, and into the large haystacks at the bottom. This rapid is about 2 plus in difficulty at low water levels. On the right side of the ledge is a sharper drop, that would give a boat much more difficulty.
You soon enter Indian Pond and must paddle about 1 1/3rd miles past the islands and the loons till you reach the take-out on the left. The take-out is recognized as a boat launch, beach, and camping area.

I only ran the river at low summer-time water levels, 8/18/2010, so cannot speak to how much more difficult the river is at higher water levels.

To run shuttle from the put-in at the bridge on Rt 15, it is best to skip the dirt road which runs close to and parallels the river on its south bank. This road has degenerated into an ATV trails and will readily punch the oil pans of most cars. Rather go south on Rt 15 for approximately 3 ½ miles till you reach a graded dirt road on the right. It is marked by the Plum Creek Timber Company sign. Follow this good dirt road for almost 4 miles and you will reach an intersection or rather a T. Go left for about 50 feet and take your 1st right. Follow this road down to the shore of Indian Pond. The take-out is a combination boat launch, beach, and camping area.