Exploring Hells Canyon: The Deepest River Gorge in North America
Towering over the Snake River, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America, plunging more than 7,900 feet—even deeper than the Grand Canyon! Located on the Idaho-Oregon border, this remote and rugged landscape is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering jet boat tours, world-class whitewater rafting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a scenic escape, Hells Canyon has it all.
Where is Hells Canyon?
📍 Location: Western Idaho, along the Idaho-Oregon border
🚗 Nearest Towns: Riggins, Cambridge, Lewiston
🔗 Visit Hells Canyon
🚗 Nearest Towns: Riggins, Cambridge, Lewiston
🔗 Visit Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, spanning 652,488 acres of wilderness. The easiest access points are from Riggins and Cambridge, Idaho, or Lewiston for boat tours.
Top Things to Do in Hells Canyon
1. Take a Jet Boat Tour on the Snake River
One of the best ways to experience Hells Canyon is by taking a high-speed jet boat tour, which allows you to travel deep into the gorge while enjoying incredible scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife.
🚤 Top Jet Boat Tour Companies:
- Killgore Adventures – Offers full-day excursions from White Bird, Idaho.
- Hells Canyon Adventures – Departing from Pittsburg Landing, with stops at historical sites.
📍 Launch Points: Pittsburg Landing, Hells Canyon Dam
🎟️ Reservations Required: Yes, book in advance.
🎟️ Reservations Required: Yes, book in advance.
2. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River
For thrill-seekers, Hells Canyon offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Pacific Northwest, featuring Class III-IV rapids.
🚣 Best Rafting Sections:
- Upper Hells Canyon: Features big whitewater and remote wilderness camping.
- Lower Hells Canyon: Offers calmer waters, perfect for beginners.
🎟️ Guided Trips Available: Yes, with licensed outfitters like ROW Adventures.
3. Drive the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
For those who prefer a road trip adventure, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway provides incredible views of the canyon and Snake River.
🚗 Route Highlights:
- Pittsburg Landing Overlook – A stunning canyon viewpoint.
- Hells Canyon Dam – A great stop for photos and historical exhibits.
- Hat Point Lookout (Oregon side) – The best panoramic viewpoint of Hells Canyon.
📍 Drive Length: ~100 miles (round trip)
📌 Difficulty: Paved roads, but some sections are steep and winding.
📌 Difficulty: Paved roads, but some sections are steep and winding.
4. Hike the Seven Devils Mountains
The Seven Devils Mountains, located along the eastern rim of Hells Canyon, offer challenging hikes with breathtaking views.
🥾 Top Hiking Trails:
- Seven Devils Loop Trail (27 miles) – A backpacking adventure with sweeping canyon views.
- Heaven’s Gate Lookout (1 mile round trip) – A short, rewarding hike to a panoramic canyon viewpoint.
📍 Trailhead Access: Near Riggins, Idaho
📌 Best for: Experienced hikers & backpackers
📌 Best for: Experienced hikers & backpackers
5. Go Fishing on the Snake River
Hells Canyon is home to some of the best fishing in Idaho, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, steelhead, and sturgeon.
🎣 Best Fishing Spots:
- Below Hells Canyon Dam – Great for trophy-sized sturgeon.
- Pittsburg Landing – A popular spot for bass fishing.
🛶 Guided Fishing Trips Available: Yes, with outfitters like Hammer Down River Excursions.
Where to Stay Near Hells Canyon
🏕️ Camping:
- Pittsburg Landing Campground – Best for river access and scenic views.
- Hells Canyon Campground – Near the dam with great fishing spots.
🏡 Lodging Options:
- Salmon Rapids Lodge (Riggins) – Cozy riverside hotel.
- Seven Devils Lodge (Council) – A rustic retreat with easy access to the mountains.
Tips for Visiting Hells Canyon
✅ Bring plenty of water – There are few water sources in the canyon.
✅ Check weather conditions – Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F.
✅ Book tours early – Jet boat and rafting trips sell out quickly.
✅ Watch for wildlife – Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, black bears, and golden eagles.
✅ Prepare for remote areas – Cell service is limited, so download maps ahead of time.
✅ Check weather conditions – Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F.
✅ Book tours early – Jet boat and rafting trips sell out quickly.
✅ Watch for wildlife – Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, black bears, and golden eagles.
✅ Prepare for remote areas – Cell service is limited, so download maps ahead of time.
Nearby Attractions in Idaho
If you’re exploring Hells Canyon, consider adding these stops to your trip:
- Riggins, Idaho – The whitewater capital of Idaho, known for rafting and fishing.
- McCall, Idaho – A scenic mountain town with a stunning lake (90 miles away).
- Salmon River – A top destination for rafting and fly fishing (nearby).
Final Thoughts
Whether you're racing through whitewater rapids, taking in panoramic views, or fishing on the Snake River, Hells Canyon is a must-visit adventure spot. With thrilling activities and breathtaking scenery, it's a destination perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
