Umbagog Lake National Wildlife Refuge Whitewater Rafting

This river and lakes region is part of the Rangely Lakes Region. This area is heavily forested, mountainous and largely undeveloped. Lakes and rivers are numerous. This region is widely acknowledged as one of Maine's most treasured assets "where wildlife from moose to eagles have space to roam, where wild trout and land-locked salmon thrive". Much of the shoreline of the major lakes is owned by the State of Maine or by local land trusts and the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. This combination of publicly preserved lands and lands subject to forest management has meant that the Rangely Lakes region is minimally developed.

The upper reaches of the the Rapid and Magalloway rivers feeding the Umbagog Lake National Wildlife Refuge offer some of New England's most sporty whitewater runs and the most exciting wildlife viewing and scenery. These runs are now more exciting due to settlement agreement in hydro licensing that will provide large whitewater flows each weekend all summer.

Located in scenic Errol, NH, about an hour from North Conway, Rapid River Rafting Co. bases at Northern Waters which is set on the Androscoggin River. In the immediate vicinity, There are remote interconnecting rivers and lakes offering the most exciting rafting, canoeing, camping, and outdoor recreation possibilities in the Northeast. Our center contains an outfitting store, rental campground, shower, rec. hall and equipment rentals program. Motels, restaurants and stores are nearby.

This is the place to come to raft in a pristine, uncrowded setting with excellent fishing and camping. This area is about one hour and fifteen minutes north of North Conway, NH on Rt.16,or 35 minutes from Bethel, ME on Rt 26. Compared to the southern White Mountains it is a wilderness frontier.

Want us to email or snail-mail you some more information? CLICK HERE

The Rapid River

New Hampshire Rafting at it's Best!

$115.00 per person

The Rapid River is by far the steepest and fastest river run by Rapid River Rafting, Inc. Located in Errol, New Hampshire, this river is fast becoming everyone's favorite summer trip as the water is always warm and scheduled releases fall in the peak of the summer season. Rafted on the last two weekends in July and the first two in August, space is very limited, no more than 40 people are booked daily and because of lease agreements Rapid River Rafting, Inc. is the only company on the river. Our trips leave at 8 AM from our Northern Waters outpost in Errol, and return in the afternoon around 5 PM.

Rapids known as Elephant Rock, Island Rip, Jaws of Death and the Devil's Hopyard ensure a day full of thrills on this difficult class IV river trip. The highlight of this trip is the remote location of the river and the fast pace of the rapids. On the return trip in the afternoon, our shuttle out is by pontoon boat through the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife sightings of moose, bald eagles, osprey and loons are spectacular. Combine your rafting adventure with a day or two of canoeing the refuge for an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Available Dates for the Rapid River in 2004 are:

July 16, 17 and 18 July 24, 25 July 31 and Aug. 1 August 6, 7 and 8
Combine a package with the world famous Balsam's Resort Hotel.

Call for additional information and reservations. Camping and lodging is available locally. Please refer to the list below for information on rates and availability.

Magalloway River

On the weekends just prior to and after the Rapid River trips, Rapid River Rafting Inc., runs New Hampshire rafting trips on the Magalloway River also in Errol NH. These class III day trips are perfect for first time rafters and anyone vacationing in New Hampshire. Families with children 12 and older will find this trip a wonderful introduction to the world of whitewater rafting.This river also runs into Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge so, when in this area be sure to rent a canoe or take a pontoon tour of the refuge. For lodging or camping info please refer to the listings for the Rapid River.

Scheduled Releases for 2004:

June 26 and 27
July 3 and 4
July 10 and 11
August 14 and 15
August 21 and 22
September 4 and 5

Accommodations:

Camping:
LOG HAVE CAMPGROUND: (603) 482-3294
This campground features full facilities with complete bathhouses, bar, restaurant and RV camping.

TEEPEE CAMPGROUND: (603) 482-3475
Riverfront sites on the Magalloway River. Accessible by Rt. 16. A great place to spend a second night on the Magalloway River before touring Leonard Pond and Lake Umbagog.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE: (603) 271-3628 (formerly Umbagog Lake Camps)
All (W & N) sites on our map (W14, W18, W25, W27 are group sites) Base Camp at South Shore of Umbagog Lake; sites at Leonard Campground, Moll's Rock. W and N sites on the map. If making reservations within one week of your trip, call (603) 482-7795

CLEAR STREAM NATURAL CAMPING: Family Campground (603) 482-3737
P. O. Box 131, Errol, NH 03579 Wilderness sites and sites along Clear Stream. Located one half mile west of Errol village, off Rt. 26.

AZISCOOS VALLEY CAMPING AREA: (207) 486-3271
Route 16, Wilson's Mills, ME 04293 Based in Wilson's Mills on the Magalloway River.

MOLLIDGEWOCK CAMPGROUND: State of New Hampshire (603) 271-3628
Base Camp at Four Mills, South of Errol (on Route 16) on the Androscoggin River; sites at Culvert Camps (N1, N2 and N3) and Seven Islands.

CAMPING IN THIS AREA IS BY PERMIT ONLY AND ONLY IN DESIGNATED SITES!!!

Lodging:
Errol Motel (603)482-3256
Motel rooms and cabins located in Errol, NH

Magalloway River Inn (603)482-9883
A quaint bed and breakfast near the Magalloway River

Lakewood Camps (207) 243-2959
Premier fishing and sporting camps on Lower Richardson Lake