Snake Through Hells Canyon

Location: Border of Idaho and Oregon (about 120 miles north of Boise). Bordered by mountains, the Snake River slices through Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river-carved gorge. At one point it’s 8,913 feet from rim to river.

Length of trips: 14 miles in one day; 32 miles in two to three days; 51 miles in three to four days; 80 miles in four to six days; 104 miles in six to eight days.

Season: April through November. Flows are regulated by dam releases. The lower part of the river is often crowded on summer weekends. River runners share the river with jet boaters.

Weather: Extremes in elevation bring a wide range of temperatures. Snow often flanks the ridges of the upper canyon until late June or early July. Daytime temperatures average between 40° and 60°F in spring and fall, nighttime temperatures between 30° and 50°. Daytime temperatures in summer often exceed an infernal 100° but drop to 80° at night. Thunderstorms can strike suddenly in summer. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and black widow spiders.

Lodging: Superb riverside campsites, mostly in grassy clearings; also some beach campsites.

Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Numerous Class III and IV rapids (some of the best in the Rockies), as well as two Class V rapids. Most of the largest rapids are fairly difficult in spring but easier in summer, when the he clear green water warms up to 70°.

Special features:

  • Neck-craning views from the bottom of massive, arid Hells Canyon.
  • Abandoned homesteads and cabins, ancient Native American ruins, first-class petroglyphs and pictographs, and working ranches reminiscent of homesteading days.
  • Excellent hiking trails on both sides of the river.
  • Wide variety of wildflowers from March through June.
  • Good swimming.
  • Excellent fishing (rainbow trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, channel catfish; catch and release for white sturgeon).
  • Mountain lions, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, black bears, cougars, chukars, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, Canada geese, blue grouse.
  • Popular with experienced rafters early in the season.
  • Between July and September suitable for both novice and seasoned river runners, seniors in good physical condition, families, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Wallowa Mountains (Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Lake).
  • Rapid River recreation area.
  • Nez Perce National Historic Park.
  • Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City.
  • Seven Devils Mountains.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, 88401 Highway 82, Enterprise, Oregon 97828; +1 509 758 1957, fax +1 541 426 5522. Try to book at least a month in advance.
  • For a list of Idaho outfitters, contact the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, P.O. Box 95, Boise, Idaho 83701; +1 208 342 1919 or 800 847 4843, fax +1 208 338 7830.

For more information:

  • Idaho Travel Council, 700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093; +1 208 334 2470 or 800 635 7820, fax +1 208 334 2631. Ask for the “Official Idaho State Travel Guide.”
  • Oregon Tourism Commission, 775 Summer Street N.E., Salem, Oregon 97310; +1 503 986 0000 or 800 547 7842, fax +1 503 986 0001.
  • Hells Canyon story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, March/April 1993. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
River Finder - Western U.S.

 
 
 
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