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SUPPORT LOCAL MAINE COMMUNITIES!

Live a unique Maine lifestyle.


Welcome to The Dead River Collective, where our deep-rooted heritage fuels our adventurous spirit! As proud descendants of the founding families of the Forks and West Forks in Maine, we’re thrilled to share our rich history and create an unforgettable experience just for you.

Get ready to be swept away as you discover our extraordinary collection of custom Maine apparel, accessories, outdoor gear, home and kitchen furnishings, and so much more. Our expert guides, mouthwatering family recipes, captivating local history, and valuable resources will delight Maine residents, visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and home/professional cooks alike.

Our unique tagline, #madebythedead, is more than just a catchy phrase – it’s a testament to our ancestors’ sacrifices and our dedication to living life to the fullest. We bring a playful, lighthearted vibe to your shopping experience while staying focused on our mission to support local Maine communities, nourish families, protect the vulnerable, and preserve Maine’s breathtaking outdoors.

As your fun-loving, community-driven collective, we’re all about excitement, laughter, and strengthening our local communities. So, come on in, let your hair down, and explore our offerings with a beaming smile. Remember, when you choose The Dead River Collective, you’re not just snagging an awesome product – you’re joining a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts.

WE ARE DIFFERENT


guides for every adventure in Maine

Building the Perfect Campfire in Maine: A Comprehensive Guide

A well-built campfire is not only a source of warmth and light during a camping trip in Maine, but it...
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Fiddleheads in Maine: A Comprehensive Guide to Foraging, Identification, and Cooking

Fiddleheads, the young, coiled fronds of certain fern species, are a cherished springtime delicacy in Maine and throughout New England....
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When Nature Calls in Nature: A Humorous Guide to Peeing Outside in Maine

When Nature Calls in Nature A Humorous Guide to Peeing Outside in Maine Venturing into the great outdoors of Maine...
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Maine Magic: Unleash Your Inner Pro Camper in the Pine Tree State

From the rugged coastline to the lush forests, Maine offers a captivating landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping in this stunning...
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Cooking With Fire: Ignite Your Culinary Adventure

Picture this: the sun is setting over a serene campsite as you gather around a crackling campfire with friends and...
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The Art of Cooking to the Perfect Temperature: Ensuring Delicious and Safe Food

Cooking to the perfect temperature is a critical aspect of creating delicious, safe, and enjoyable meals in the kitchen. It...
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How To Camp Like A Pro

choose a campsite Maine offers a variety of campgrounds and campsites, so pick one that suits your preferences. You can...
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The Art of Campfire Cooking: A Fun and Exciting Guide

Cooking over an open fire is not only a necessity during camping trips, but it can also be a truly...
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The Significance of Mastering the 2-Hour Rule for Food Safety in the Kitchen: A Comprehensive Guide

Food safety is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy and hygienic kitchen, and one key component of food safety...
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The Magical Experience of Moose Watching in Maine

Maine, affectionately known as the Pine Tree State, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. One of its most...
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Taming the Wild Kitchen: A Fun Guide to Safe Food Handling

Welcome, food lovers and culinary adventurers! Today we'll embark on a thrilling journey into the wild world of safe food...
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Cooking With Fire

choose Your Cooking Method There are several way to cook over a campfire, including using a grill grate, a Dutch...
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1820: The Birth of Maine

A Detailed Look at the State's Founding Year 1820: The Birth of Maine The year 1820 holds paramount importance in...
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Ticks in Maine: A Fascinating and Cautionary Tale

Maine is home to stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and countless outdoor activities. However, with these natural wonders comes the presence...
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The Crucial Importance of Keeping Cold Food Cold in the Kitchen

Food safety is of utmost importance in both professional and home kitchens. One of the key aspects of food safety...
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The Art of Selecting the Perfect Campsite in Maine: A Comprehensive Guide

Maine, with its diverse landscapes, pristine forests, and picturesque coastline, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable...
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Types of Campgrounds in Maine

Embracing the Great Outdoors Types of Campgrounds in Maine Maine, often referred to as the 'Pine Tree State,' offers a...
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The Importance of Hand Washing in the Kitchen: A Comprehensive Guide

Hand washing is a crucial habit that can significantly improve the overall hygiene and safety within your kitchen. This seemingly...
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DELICIOUS recipes to master your maine KITCHEN!

Indian Spiced Scrambled Eggs (Bhurji)

Get ready for a flavor-packed breakfast with this delicious Egg Bhurji recipe! This dish pairs perfectly with lightly toasted bread,...
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Homestead Sandwich

Are you ready for a steak sandwich that's out of this world? Go ahead and take a bite, and let...
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Cheesy Spinach and Bean Quesadillas

Are you ready for a side dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Get ready for a...
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Herbalicious Avocado Dream Spread

Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure as we craft the most delectable and vibrant herb-infused avocado cream cheese spread that...
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This chicken sandwich recipe will leave your taste buds singing with joy. 1 pound...
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Irish Potato Farls

Are you ready to experience a taste of Ireland? Then get your apron on and let's make some delicious potato...
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Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheese Biscuits

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering caramelized onion and cheese biscuits! The combination of sweet caramelized...
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Bacon ‘n’ Eggs Rancheros

This mouthwatering and festive dish combines crispy bacon, tender onions, and zesty tomatoes, all topped with perfectly cooked eggs. It's...
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Turkish (Manti) Dumplings

Are you ready for a delicious adventure in dumpling-making? Let's get started! Get ready for a delicious burst of flavors...
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Spiced Sunset Carrot Chutney

With its exciting mix of sweet and savory flavors, this chutney will elevate any meal to a gastronomic delight. This...
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Small Batch Crusty Bread

Are you tired of store-bought bread that just doesn't hit the spot? Do you want to create a loaf that's...
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Rockin’ Roasted Pork Loin Sandwich

Get ready for a flavor extravaganza! Because we're about to create a sensational pork loin sandwich that'll have your taste...
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Mississippi Meltdown Sloppy Joes

Get ready for an epic flavor adventure with these Mississippi Meltdown Sloppy Joes! Perfectly seasoned and loaded with tantalizing ingredients,...
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Roasted Eggplant & Pepper Dip

Are you ready for a dip that will take your taste buds on a wild ride? Get ready to be...
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Savory Bacon Carbonara Risotto

Unleash your inner culinary maestro and embark on a journey that will leave your taste buds tapping to the rhythm...
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Crispy Rice & Potato Fingers

Get ready to take a bite of crispy heaven with this delectable Potato Fingers recipe! With every crispy crunch, your...
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Moroccan Spice Blend (RAS EL HANOUT)

Hold on to your taste buds, because we're about to spice things up with this homemade spice blend! Get ready...
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Gram’s Graham Rolls

Are you ready to create a scrumptious homemade bread? Get your apron on and let's get started! 4 tbsp sugar2...
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Sautéed Cabbage

Fasten your aprons and buckle up, because we're about to turn ordinary cabbage into a flavor-packed powerhouse that'll have your...
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Arugula Pesto Potato Salad

Get ready for a salad sensation! This warm potato salad is sure to impress. 2 lbs small potatoes (halved*)olive oilkosher...
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Places to stay in the area

The Sterling Inn Bed & Breakfast

CARATUNK THE STERLING INN BED & BREAKFAST Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the...
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Hawk’s Nest Lodge

Experience Maine’s world class white water rafting, fishing, ATVing, and hiking during the spring, summer and fall. Enjoy spectacular Maine...
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Three Rivers Whitewater

Since 1997, Three Rivers Whitewater has been offering unforgettable experiences for Kennebec River Rafting, Dead River Rafting, and Penobscot River Rafting.
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Northern Outdoors

The Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort located in The Forks, Maine is home of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Our flagship resort features...
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Moxie Outdoor Adventures

The Camp is just minutes from Moxie Falls, Wyman Lake, Moosehead Lake, Greenville Maine and the Appalachian trail. Staying with...
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West Forks Family Campground

Our goal: provide an eco-friendly, low-impact, family friendly and safe camping experience while promoting all the opportunities that the area...
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Riverdrivers Camping & Lodging

Seasonal camping and lodging which is available year round!  Call to reserve your winter seasonal lodging.
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North Country Rivers

So what are you waiting for? Why not experience an unforgettable Maine adventure vacation? You’ll want to come back too...
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15 Mile Stream Lodge & Outfitters

Our Lodge features a full service restaurant, recreation room with a full service bar, pool table, satellite TV, and large...
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C. Moxie Gore Outfitters

Thank you for your interest in C. Moxie Gore Outfitters. We are very excited to offer 4-season outdoor recreation and...
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Inn By The River

Inn By The River is uniquely equipped to be the optimal home base for your Snowmobile and other winter adventures. Inn...
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Northeast Rafting & Tubing

We started out as a small rafting company, with just a handful of friends & family, a couple of vans,...
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West Forks Volunteer Fire Department

Our Favorite Neighbors!

West Forks Volunteer Fire Department

FIRE PROTECTION & EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The West Forks Volunteer Fire Department, an assembly of remarkably skilled firefighters and proficient medical responders, stands steadfast in their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties of the local community. Driven by their noble mission, these valiant individuals tirelessly provide essential fire protection and emergency response services to prevent the devastating loss of life and property.

This esteemed department boasts a diverse arsenal of cutting-edge firefighting equipment and advanced technologies, allowing them to adeptly tackle an extensive array of emergencies. Their expertise extends beyond quelling ferocious flames, as they also respond with urgency to medical crises, treacherous motor vehicle accidents, life-saving rescue operations, and precarious incidents involving hazardous materials.

The steadfast team of responders at the West Forks Volunteer Fire Department exhibits fervent passion for their crucial work, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality service to the community they cherish. Round the clock, these dedicated professionals labor to ensure the safety and security of West Forks’ residents.

The department’s devotion to the community reaches far beyond their indispensable emergency response services. They actively participate in community outreach and education initiatives, generously imparting vital fire safety knowledge through comprehensive training sessions and informative presentations catered to schools, businesses, and community organizations.

Come Visit & Find Adventure

More Than Just A Vacation

THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE

Get ready for the ultimate outdoor adventure! Escape the mundane and immerse yourself in the picturesque plantation of West Forks, located in stunning Somerset County. This destination is a playground for thrill-seekers, offering a plethora of activities all year round.

West Forks is more than just a vacation spot, it’s a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty at every turn, you’ll be living life the way it should be – free and untamed.

Established in 1859 for elections, West Forks officially became a plantation on March 31, 1893. Since then, it has captured the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, becoming a beloved destination for adventure seekers.

Nestled between the Dead River and the Kennebec River, just north of The Forks Plantation, West Forks is a paradise for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing enthusiasts. When winter arrives, the area transforms into a wonderland for snowmobiling and skiing, with countless trails waiting to be explored.

Are you ready to find your sense of adventure in West Forks? With stunning scenery and endless outdoor activities, it’s the perfect place for those seeking an adrenaline rush and an escape to the beauty of nature. So pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!