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Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, straddles the Snake River and extends its massive canyon walls into west central Idaho and northeast Oregon.
The 652,488-acre national recreation area was designed to preserve the free-flowing character of the Snake River that drilled Hells Canyon and to protect archaeological, recreational and ecological treasures.
Experience Hells Canyon from the canyon rims or on the river below. Rafting, animal-pack treks and other trips are offered by commercial guides and outfitters.
There are 819 miles of hiking trails, 82 miles of winter trails, plus camping, fishing, viewing spring wildflowers and exploring historic sites are popular activities.
Visitors should carry plenty of drinking water, food and sufficient fuel for the drive. In the high country, snows are late to leave and early to arrive, while at the canyon bottom, temperatures can exceed 105 degrees F during summer.
For a grand tour, take the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a 314-mile round trip over state, county and national forest roads.
Hiking trails include the Nee-Me-Poo, a part of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. Its route over Lone Pine Saddle to Dug Bar was taken by the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce during their forced exodus from the Wallowa Valley in 1877.
To reach the recreation area, from Portland drive east on I-84 to LaGrande (about five hours) or to Baker City (about six hours).
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