TIMES RECORD • June 27, 2023
My initial descent of the Dead River was in June 1986. It was love at first paddle. In the intervening years, I’ve returned with friends and family over 200 times. The excitement and allure of the Dead never gets old. Beginning in small lakes and ponds in western Maine, the north and south branches of the Dead converge at Flagstaff Lake in Stratton. What currently constitutes the lake was once a calm section of the Dead River that meandered circuitously for 20 miles, hence the name “Dead.” In 1950, Long Falls Dam was built, forming the lake. 18 planned releases from the dam varying from 1,300-6,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) provide whitewater throughout the dry summer months. As a result, the Dead has become a mecca for enthusiastic boaters in search of paddling thrills and spills. ~ Ron Chase