In 1976 we ran the very first rafting trip on the Kennebec River, and the first rafting trip in the state of Maine. We dodged a few logs that year, as active logging continued through 1976 on the Kennebec. We didn’t wear helmets; we didn’t have self-bailing rafts; we had unsightly life jackets, and we fell in love with the river, the rafting, the excitement, and the beauty. Folks thought we were crazy at the time. Rafting was in its infancy in the US, with just a handful of outfitters opening their doors from 1969 through the 1970s in the West and Southeast.  We changed our name from Kennebec Whitewater Expeditions to Northern Outdoors in 1983 to reflect the company's new year-round direction.

When we say we set the standards of whitewater rafting in Maine, we did! There was no-one else on the river! Today we continue to set the standards and raise the bar for excellence in outdoor recreation and adventure, on and off the river. Our professional and dedicated staff members are the reason for our continued excellence and innovation.