Kennebec., East Outlet

See also its sister stream, the West Outlet.

Jack Gill (Berkshire Jack) shared in August 2010:

East Outlet of Moosehead Lake to Indian Pond.

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

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 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 reco

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