For the most part, a Maine summer means sun and warm (not hot!) temperatures. But, on the days when the mercury climbs it can feel like real effort to do anything that requires physical activity. Even things like kayaking down a river are too much effort when all you want to do is relax. This season, when you’re feeling called to the water but would really rather relax, think about doing a little bit of both! These rivers make for some great, chill tubing in Maine!
- Stroudwater River, Portland
vastateparksstaff / Flickr If you’re based in Portland, this is a great option for enjoying the water without devoting an entire day. Drive about 20 minutes from the city and make your way to the Portland Trails parking lot. You’ll put your tube in here and go about a mile and a half toward the Tate House Museum. Plan to get out at the River’s Edge Drive trailhead by mapping things out before you leave. Stroudwater River, Portland, ME 04102, USA
- Bullfrog Adventures, Caratunk
Julie B / TripAdvisor Bullfrog offers three different tubing options for those who want to have someone else plan the logistics. Choose between a self guided or group tubing trip down the Kennebec River. Another group trip also takes place on the Dead River. Bullfrog Adventures, B#65 745, US-201, Caratunk, ME 04925, USA
- Ogunquit River, Ogunquit
nolnd / TripAdvisor While short, this might be the most well-known lazy river on the list. Most of the time a visit to this area will reveal a calm body of water. Not great for tubing at first glance. But, show up halfway between high tide and low tide and you’ll find this river picking up its pace as it heads to the ocean. While not fast, a ride here will take you around the bend to the beach where you’ll then jump out and start all over again!
- Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting, West Forks
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting / Facebook If you’re not interesting in doing any of the planning for a lazy river trip, consider booking through a tour company. Three Rivers offers a variety of river adventure, from tubing to whitewater to inflatable kayaks. Tubing trips run down Kennebec River, while inflatable kayak options also include the Dead River and the Seboomook. Three Rivers Whitewater, 2265 US-201, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
- Royal River, Yarmouth
almostsummersky / Flickr The Royal River is a good option for people who have a little extra time as this lazy river is VERY lazy. In fact, some people plan on coming with a kayaker who can add some pulling when necessary. Head to Route 9 near Old Town House Park to put in. The float is about five miles heading to the town boat launch near East Elm Street. If you don’t have a kayak or canoe, someone in your group can rent one in town for about $10. Royal River, Maine, USA
- Saco River, Fryeburg
sara r / TripAdvisor This river comes with some differing opinions. Some feel it’s a great multi-hour trip on a nice river, while others feel it’s been overrun by beer-guzzling partiers. Both are probably true depending on when you go. If you choose to make the trip, you can put in at Swans Falls and get out at the Canal Bridge. This will take about four hours. Bring plenty of sunscreen as you’ll be in the direct sun for the majority of the trip. Saco River, United States
- Androscoggin River, Bethel
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook In addition to fun kayak trips and a campground, Bethel Outdoor Adventure rents tubes for a trip down the Androscoggin for about $10. If you’d like to arrange for a shuttle to drop you off and pick you up, they’ll handle that too for an additional cost. Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground, 121 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217, USA
- Presumpscot River, Portland
Flickr/Jack Flanagan This river has a few different options depending on how far you’d like to travel in your tube. To start, head to the Hannaford located in the Riverside neighborhood. Then enjoy the ride down to the Sebago to the Sea trailhead on Blackstrap Road. If you’re looking for something longer there’s another trailhead where you can hop off on Overset Road. Whatever you choose, be careful to get out before the falls!
- Crooked River, Waterford
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook Despite the fact that this photo was taken in the winter, the Crooked River is definitely best in summer! Put in near Melby’s and make your way down river. If you book yourself a stay at the Crooked River Tiny House, you can access it directly behind the house and make your way back home in about two hours.
And, once you’re done spending time on these Maine lazy rivers, think about a meal overlooking one. Check out our previous article to read about our favorite riverfront restaurants in Maine.
vastateparksstaff / Flickr
If you’re based in Portland, this is a great option for enjoying the water without devoting an entire day. Drive about 20 minutes from the city and make your way to the Portland Trails parking lot. You’ll put your tube in here and go about a mile and a half toward the Tate House Museum. Plan to get out at the River’s Edge Drive trailhead by mapping things out before you leave.
Stroudwater River, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Julie B / TripAdvisor
Bullfrog offers three different tubing options for those who want to have someone else plan the logistics. Choose between a self guided or group tubing trip down the Kennebec River. Another group trip also takes place on the Dead River.
Bullfrog Adventures, B#65 745, US-201, Caratunk, ME 04925, USA
nolnd / TripAdvisor
While short, this might be the most well-known lazy river on the list. Most of the time a visit to this area will reveal a calm body of water. Not great for tubing at first glance. But, show up halfway between high tide and low tide and you’ll find this river picking up its pace as it heads to the ocean. While not fast, a ride here will take you around the bend to the beach where you’ll then jump out and start all over again!
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting / Facebook
If you’re not interesting in doing any of the planning for a lazy river trip, consider booking through a tour company. Three Rivers offers a variety of river adventure, from tubing to whitewater to inflatable kayaks. Tubing trips run down Kennebec River, while inflatable kayak options also include the Dead River and the Seboomook.
Three Rivers Whitewater, 2265 US-201, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
almostsummersky / Flickr
The Royal River is a good option for people who have a little extra time as this lazy river is VERY lazy. In fact, some people plan on coming with a kayaker who can add some pulling when necessary. Head to Route 9 near Old Town House Park to put in. The float is about five miles heading to the town boat launch near East Elm Street. If you don’t have a kayak or canoe, someone in your group can rent one in town for about $10.
Royal River, Maine, USA
sara r / TripAdvisor
This river comes with some differing opinions. Some feel it’s a great multi-hour trip on a nice river, while others feel it’s been overrun by beer-guzzling partiers. Both are probably true depending on when you go. If you choose to make the trip, you can put in at Swans Falls and get out at the Canal Bridge. This will take about four hours. Bring plenty of sunscreen as you’ll be in the direct sun for the majority of the trip.
Saco River, United States
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground / Facebook
In addition to fun kayak trips and a campground, Bethel Outdoor Adventure rents tubes for a trip down the Androscoggin for about $10. If you’d like to arrange for a shuttle to drop you off and pick you up, they’ll handle that too for an additional cost.
Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground, 121 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217, USA
Flickr/Jack Flanagan
This river has a few different options depending on how far you’d like to travel in your tube. To start, head to the Hannaford located in the Riverside neighborhood. Then enjoy the ride down to the Sebago to the Sea trailhead on Blackstrap Road. If you’re looking for something longer there’s another trailhead where you can hop off on Overset Road. Whatever you choose, be careful to get out before the falls!
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook
Despite the fact that this photo was taken in the winter, the Crooked River is definitely best in summer! Put in near Melby’s and make your way down river. If you book yourself a stay at the Crooked River Tiny House, you can access it directly behind the house and make your way back home in about two hours.
Do you have a favorite lazy river to go river tubing in Maine? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Tubing in Maine May 18, 2022 Katie Lawrence Where can I go river tubing in Maine? As soon as the weather starts to warm up here in Maine, all we can think about is jumping into the nearest body of water. It’s hard to beat the float trips offered by Three Rivers Whitewater in The Forks when it comes to river tubing in Maine! From May through October, you can hop in a tube for a relaxing, 2-3 hour adventure on the beautiful Lower Kennebec River. Although Maine does have whitewater rapids, this trip is leisurely, so anyone aged five and above can participate. We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer day in the Pine Tree State! Are there any lazy rivers in Maine? Tubing on lazy rivers in ME is a great way to enjoy the gorgeous scenery we have here, and there are plenty of opportunities across the state to do just that. One of our favorites is the Stroudwater River just outside of Portland. Beginning in the Portland Trails parking lot, this quick, 1.5-mile float takes you toward the Tate House Museum before stopping at the River’s Edge Drive trailhead. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that you can easily squeeze into a summer afternoon, this is the one! What are the best waterparks in Maine? Maine summers are rarely unbearable, but some days are definitely hotter than others. When you need to cool down, one of the best waterparks in Maine is Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco! Part waterpark and part amusement park, this family-friendly destination has been a statewide favorite since 1967, and we don’t foresee that changing any time soon. Between the thrill rides, water slides, and kid-appropriate attractions like a splash pad and wave pool, Funtown Splashtown USA knows how to keep the fun going all season long.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tubing in Maine
May 18, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Where can I go river tubing in Maine? As soon as the weather starts to warm up here in Maine, all we can think about is jumping into the nearest body of water. It’s hard to beat the float trips offered by Three Rivers Whitewater in The Forks when it comes to river tubing in Maine! From May through October, you can hop in a tube for a relaxing, 2-3 hour adventure on the beautiful Lower Kennebec River. Although Maine does have whitewater rapids, this trip is leisurely, so anyone aged five and above can participate. We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer day in the Pine Tree State! Are there any lazy rivers in Maine? Tubing on lazy rivers in ME is a great way to enjoy the gorgeous scenery we have here, and there are plenty of opportunities across the state to do just that. One of our favorites is the Stroudwater River just outside of Portland. Beginning in the Portland Trails parking lot, this quick, 1.5-mile float takes you toward the Tate House Museum before stopping at the River’s Edge Drive trailhead. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that you can easily squeeze into a summer afternoon, this is the one! What are the best waterparks in Maine? Maine summers are rarely unbearable, but some days are definitely hotter than others. When you need to cool down, one of the best waterparks in Maine is Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco! Part waterpark and part amusement park, this family-friendly destination has been a statewide favorite since 1967, and we don’t foresee that changing any time soon. Between the thrill rides, water slides, and kid-appropriate attractions like a splash pad and wave pool, Funtown Splashtown USA knows how to keep the fun going all season long.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As soon as the weather starts to warm up here in Maine, all we can think about is jumping into the nearest body of water. It’s hard to beat the float trips offered by Three Rivers Whitewater in The Forks when it comes to river tubing in Maine! From May through October, you can hop in a tube for a relaxing, 2-3 hour adventure on the beautiful Lower Kennebec River. Although Maine does have whitewater rapids, this trip is leisurely, so anyone aged five and above can participate. We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer day in the Pine Tree State!
Are there any lazy rivers in Maine?
Tubing on lazy rivers in ME is a great way to enjoy the gorgeous scenery we have here, and there are plenty of opportunities across the state to do just that. One of our favorites is the Stroudwater River just outside of Portland. Beginning in the Portland Trails parking lot, this quick, 1.5-mile float takes you toward the Tate House Museum before stopping at the River’s Edge Drive trailhead. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that you can easily squeeze into a summer afternoon, this is the one!
What are the best waterparks in Maine?
Maine summers are rarely unbearable, but some days are definitely hotter than others. When you need to cool down, one of the best waterparks in Maine is Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco! Part waterpark and part amusement park, this family-friendly destination has been a statewide favorite since 1967, and we don’t foresee that changing any time soon. Between the thrill rides, water slides, and kid-appropriate attractions like a splash pad and wave pool, Funtown Splashtown USA knows how to keep the fun going all season long.
