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Dead, ME

Spencer Falls to West Forks

Class II-III(IV)

13.3 Miles

Avg Gradient 31 fpm

Max Gradient 47 fpm

Busy day on the Dead

Busy day on the Dead
Photo by Mark Lacroix taken 5/26/02

River Description

The river is mostly boulder type rapids with lots of holes and pourovers. There is simply too many features and rapids to describe. Only the highlights have been documented here.

The descriptions are for a summertime release level of about 2000 cfs. At these levels the river is mostly class II-III. There are several releases scheduled for 5500 cfs and higher during May, early June, September, and October. At these levels the river becomes class III-IV with continuously long rapids in an isolated region of New England. The shoreline and river bed are totally different from the neighboring Kennebec river. There is little shear wall cliffs on this river but thick vegetation grows right up to the rivers edge. This makes it very difficult to rescue swimmers and equipment.

Technical info

Put in elevation........1000'
Take out elevation......591'
Total drop..............409'
Average drop/mile.......31'
Distance................13.35 miles
1st mile drop...........22'
2nd mile drop...........26'
3rd mile drop...........43'
4th mile drop...........27'
5th mile drop...........9'
6th mile drop...........19'
7th mile drop...........37'
8th mile drop...........33'
9th mile drop...........34'
10th mile drop..........38'
11th mile drop..........35'
12th mile drop..........32'
13th mile drop..........47'
13.3 mile drop.... .....7' (20' average)
River width average.....120'
River geology...........small to medium granite boulders 
River water quality.....Good, clear except for higher water releases.
Scenery.................Excellent mountain and forest scenery.   
Wildlife................Occasional deer, moose, hawks,

Map of The Forks

The Forks, Maine.

Map by Mark Lacroix

Map Key

1. Webb's Dead River Campground & Shuttle Service: Shuttles to the Dead put in, campground with showers. To book a site at Webb's campground or shuttle call River Drivers to make the reservations. That phone number is: 207-663-4475. The cost is $8.00 per person, per night, plus 7% State tax.
2. Appleton�s restaurant: Pizza, subs, ice cream, breakfast (207) 663-2114 .
3. River Drivers: Rafting, etc 207-663-4475.
4. Paddling shop: Dead River Outfitters
5. Berry�s General Store: Gas, Beer, food, supplies, pizza, subs
6. The Ball field campground: Primitive campsites, porta-poties, no showers. Take out for Lower Kennebec.
7. Crab Apple Camping Rafting, hot tub, bar, food.
8. Public Picnic area: also used as Lower Kennebec take out.
9. The Marshall Hotel (Hotel Cocktails): Food, bar, horse shoes, pool table.
10. Dead River takeout.
11. Majic Falls Rafting: Raft trips, camping
12. Three Rivers Whitewater & Kelly Brook campground
13. Northern Outdoors Camping, Rafting, restaurant, hot tub, bar, entertainment
14. North Country Rivers Rafting, etc.
15. Professional River Runners: Rafting, etc.
16. New England Outdoor Center: Rafting, paddling shop, etc.
17. Indian Pond campground
Not on map:
Moxie Gore cabins: : $30 per night
Moxie Outdoor Outfitters: 866-663-2646 Large cabins $75 per night

StreamTeam Status: verified

Last Updated: 2007-02-23 21:17:25