Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Saco River Conditions & Weather Forecast

Saco River Tubing & Paddling Report

Water Temp Level Height CFS Notes
68 Medium 3.46- 742-  Watch for changing river levels.   
Conway @ SB Upper/Lower Conway USGS Gauge Cubic Feet Per Second Key: + = rising, – = receding

July 24th & Report for the Weekend
We received some welcomed rain over the past few days.  The river is at a really good level now for tubing & paddling!  Conditions for the weekend look great!  Plenty of beaches and crystal clear water!  The next several days will feature a drying trend and sunny conditions as we go into the weekend with high temps around 80.
Please be advised that parking and programs for “bring your own” tubes or equipment are completely sold out for Saturday. 
There will be no private parking or shuttles for those who are not renting from us.  

Recommendations:

  • 1:1 ratio of strong swimmer to weaker swimmer or child.
  • Recommend minimum age is 7.
  • Wear your PFD!
  • Be alert for hazards. Pull out of the river and scout sections that cannot be seen well.
  • Watch for and avoid strainers (fallen trees) in the river.
  • Know before you go. Check river and weather conditions. We will give you a full river briefing before heading out.
  • Use caution approaching Swans Falls.  Take out on river-right, well above the dam.  Follow the portage trail to the pick up area, (150 yards)
  • Paradise Island trips can be changed to Wesons.
  • All other trips are running normally.

Saco River Valley & Conway, NH WEATHER

Why Saco Bound has the best Saco River Tubing & family trip…

Saco Bound operates on a section of river that is perfect for tubing and family trips.  It’s hard to steer a effectively tube.  So, obstacles like rocks and trees can be a problem.  Our section of the Saco has very few obstacles, especially our 3 mile trip from Saco Bound, (Putin #1) to Weston’s Beach.  This section also “holds” water better and has a reliable flow when the river is at its lowest. Safety, professional service and private, riverside properties further enhance the experience.  So, come tubing with us! We offer the most and very best tube trip on the Saco!  

Saco River Conditions Guide – from Redstone/Saco Bound, NH through Fryeburg, Maine

Level Low  Summer Medium High Very High
Cubic Feet Per Second Below 200 CFS 200 to 1,200 CFS 1,200 to 3,000 CFS 3,000 to 4,000 CFS Over 4,000 CFS
Appx Paddle Times (canoes & kayaks) 1 to 2 MPH Max 2 to 3 MPH 3 to 4 MPH 4 MPH +
Appx Float Times (tubes) Less than 1 MPH Around 1 or 2 MPH
Conditions Slow conditions.  May hit bottom or some waking.  Still mostly passable, however.   Many beaches and easy paddling conditions. Great for Tubing! Most typical in July & August. Good for canoe & kayaks.  Some Sections Too fast for Tubing.  Swimming skills necessary.  Use extra caution with young kids. Swift current, experience necessary.  Not recommended for kids or non-swimmers. Potentially Dangerous Conditions

Please Respect Nature & Leave NO Trace

Wear your PDF  • Know Before You Go • Use This Report Only as a Guide • River Conditions Can Change • Respect Other River Users

Weather Links & Other River Info: