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Bring Your Own Inflatable, Kayak or Canoe

While Saco Bound offers shuttle services for guests with their own equipment, we strongly recommend using our rentals and trips for a superior experience. Here’s why our rental programs offer a much better excursion: Effortless Logistics: We handle all the planning and timing, ensuring a smooth trip. With over 50 years of experience navigating the ever-changing river conditions, we’ve got it all figured out. Limited Availability and Parking: Please note that our “Bring Your Own” programs are not recommended for Saturdays in July & August due to limited shuttle and parking space. Our facilities are primarily for our rental customers. For public river access, we suggest using local public put-in/take-out points, as we are not a public access facility or parking lot. Superior Equipment: Our commercial-grade tubes often feature a backup chamber for added safety, making them far more durable…

What to do if You’re Outdoors in a Thunderstorm

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors Policy & What to do in a Thunderstorm   First,  Know Before You Go!   Check weather & river conditions before heading out and plan accordingly. We normally operate rain or shine.  Only a severe circumstance will cause cancellations.   If a thunderstorm appears to be imminent, we may hold trips until the storm passes.  Usually these storms are over quickly.   Keep a “Watchful Weather Eye” to the sky.  Some thunderstorm warning signs include large, puffy clouds that darken.  Winds that change direction quickly.  Sudden cooling in air temperature are a few signs.     If you are already on the river   Consider heading to shore or the next takeout if you notice any combination of the signs. If you aren’t convinced that a storm will begin, you can stay near a landing while you…

Late Summer River Conditions & Tips for Low Water

Saco River – Low Water Conditions >200 CFS Most trips are still running and are very enjoyable.  Due to the lack of rain, however,  the Saco is running below average for this time of year.  Trps are taking longer, especially in tubes.  Here’s some info to help make your outdoor excursion more enjoyable. Tips & Recommendations Arrive 30 minutes earlier for most trips, 1 hour earlier for Reststone trip.  All trips beginning at 9 & 10AM can arrive at the regular time. If you’re tubing, use your hands and feet, maneuver into the section of river where it’s flowing the most.   Avoid the corners & edges of the river where it’s shallow or not moving well.  Reduce stopping. Do not tie into big groups.   Don’t take too much stuff. Consider a shorter trip, like Weston’s from the Pines or PI.  …

Potential for High Water

HIGH WATER WARNING River levels are rising and may become very high  and potentially dangerous, or become more dangerous with additional rain or runoff.   Rising river conditions cam pose additional hazards and increased danger.  An extreme danger is getting swept into fallen trees (strainers), and being pinned there and drowning as well as obvious dangers associated with deep, swift water. We are also concerned with your carry at Swan’s Falls dam.  You should land well above the dam on the right shore to avoid being in the current going over the dam.  (Going down river) With any significant amount of rainfall, I understand the river could rise as much as 5 to 10 feet vertically, covering all low areas, including sandbars.  This is especially true since the watershed is saturated from recent rains.   Be alert and aware of water conditions….

Old Town Canoe & Kayak Factory Sale! at Saco Bound

We have over 400 Kayaks & Canoes in stock!  Many more accessories too including paddles, PFDs, Thule racks and more.  Sale going on NOW at Saco Bound in Center Conway.   Click Here to Rerseve Your Purchase Pay at Pick Up, (use code FS15 or discount will be applied at pick up) or Call Us at 888 447-2177 15% Off All New Kayaks & Canoes in Stock! Use code FS15 20% Off Leftover, Blemished Models & Demos 40% Off Used We’ll help you load, (with any reliable system).  Some purchase my apply.    Free local delivery.  Delivery to other areas may also be available. A $200 deposit holds your canoe or kayak at our special price for pick up, (within 30 days).  No sales tax!  Offers may not be combined.  In stock items only. Free delivery within 20 miles. …

All Saco River Trips good to go

All Saco River Trips good to go! We are in full operation today and through Labor Day Weekend. River conditions are very good. River temps are in the 60s and the flow is moderate for late summer. Reserve today! We plan to run river trips through October, river and weather conditions permitting. Book Here

Where did Summer 2019 go?

Where did summer go? Wow, it sure was a great one but there’s still much more fun on the Saco River to be had. Late summer & early are awesome times to be on the river! River temps are in the 60s right now and the water from Saco Bound to Hiram is good. We are expecting rain tonight, some of which may be heavy. If you have a trip planned, be careful and keep in contact with us to make sure conditions are reasonable to be on the river. As we get into late summer and early fall the average water level is typically lower. The best section of river for tubing, kayaking and canoeing is the Section from Saco Bound and continuing for the next 42 miles to Hiram, Maine. River levels are more consistent and even during…

The forecast is for sun and temps in the 80s

The forecast is for sun and temps in the 80s. What could be better you ask? Summer is in full swing! The forecast is for sun and temps in the 80s and the following week looks just as good! We operate on the best segment of the Saco River for families, tubing, and novice paddlers. The current is about 3 MPH and the average depth is about 3′. The are almost no obstructions just miles of sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Old & Wilderness Systems SALE at Saco Bound …SAVE! … Don’t Pay Retail … Get an Outfitter Price! Saco Bound has been an outfitter since 1972. We don’t sell at the margins regular retailers do, and buy in much higher volume, taking full advantage of manufacturer specials.

Friday, summer arrives!

Friday, summer arrives! We are in full operations! Great river conditions too! Come float the best segment of the Saco.

Saco River Rentals

This is our 53rd season in operation as the Premier Outfitter in the White Mountains and on the Saco River! We operate on the best Segment of the Saco River for Tube Trips & Family Outings.

April rains are helping to dissipate the snowpack

The Saco crested at about 2′ above flood stage this past weekend after some heavy rain and snow-melt. There remains a lot of snow in our campgrounds and much more at the higher elevations, spring is taking hold in the Mount Washington Valley. It has been a cold and snowy winter that started early. The April rains are helping to dissipate the snowpack. Now, let’s look ahead to some nice, warm days and good paddling conditions. They’re not too far away! For now, get you best deal on a new, used or demo canoe or kayak at Saco Bound …SAVE! … Don’t Pay Retail … Get an Outfitter Price! Saco Bound has been an outfitter since 1972. We don’t sell at the margins regular retailers do, and buy in much higher volume, taking full advantage of manufacturer specials. Visit our…

River trips in the fall are awesome

River trips in the fall are awesome! The colors are starting to change nicely right with several maple trees in a blaze of color. The days are usually warm with cool nights, great for sandbar camping. There are no bugs and a few other people compare to summer. Most attractions and lodging properties are on off season rates as well. Some leaves are starting to change ever so slightly and there’s a certain calmness that you feel when you’re out on the river. The section of the Saco from our Main Base and continuing for the next 43 miles is some of the best paddlings around. There are almost no rocks and few obstructions, especially on our day trip sections. When the water gets low, it receded onto a channel that easy to navigate. Also, a tradition that comes with…