Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon




Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, encompasses a vast and remote region with dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, climate and vegetation. When Congress passed the Wild and Scenic River Act in 1975, 31.5 miles of the Snake River from Hells Canyon to Upper Pittsburghh Landing (near White Bird) were designated ‘wild’.  This river also has a ‘scenic’ designation for the 36 miles below Pittsburghh Landing, heading north.  The total 75 mile stretch of the ‘Wild and Scenic’ Snake River from the Hells Canyon Dam northward for 75 miles to the Washington-Oregon border is largely inaccessible except by river craft.

Carved by the great Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges 8,000 feet below snowcapped He Devil Peak of the Seven Devils Mountains.  It attracts whitewater rafters, jetboaters, hikers, campers and outdoor adventurers worldwide.

The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, hugs the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. This national showcase holds 652,488 acres of beauty and adventure, where you can let your senses run as wild as the landscape.

What does Hells Canyon offer? Scenic vistas that rival any on the continent. World-class whitewater boating. Spectacular mountain peaks. Vast reaches of remote wilderness for hiking or horseback riding. Diverse and abundant wildlife. Artifacts from prehistoric tribes and rustic remains of early miners and settlers. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area truly offers something for everyone, and much to remember. We know you will enjoy Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, whether you choose to explore by road, trail, or boat.

Access by Road:

There is only one point of access by road into Hells Canyon from North Central Idaho, Pittsburgh Landing. Just south of White Bird, take Deer Creek Road where it leaves Hwy 95 at mile marker 222. After crossing the Salmon River, turn left and stay on the main road, approximately 17 miles to Pittsburgh Landing. This is a well maintained single lane gravel road with turnouts, that crosses the divide between the Salmon and Snake rivers. There are steep grades on both sides of this divide, so visitors pulling travel trailers or driving RVs should use extreme caution.

Glimpses of Hells Canyon can be found at:

Low Saddle & Saw Pit Saddle Viewpoints - Access via primitive dirt and gravel Forest Road 241 off Hwy 95 near Riggins; Open June-Nov

Heavens Gate Overlook - 19 miles west of Riggins off Hwy 95 on Forest Road 517 (rough, steep road); Elevation 8,400 ft; Open July-Sept

Access by Trails:

Black Lake Trailhead - Access at Black Lake Campground, situated at the very southern end of the Seven Devils Mountains in the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Idaho side, HCNRA). The campground has four units. There is no potable water source but the lake is easily reached from the camping area. Water treatment is recommended. To reach Black Lake, take Hwy 95 to Council, ID. From Council, take Forest Road #002 to Forest Road #105 (near the town of Bear, no services). From Forest Road #105, travel to Forest Road #112 (just past Bear Guard Station). Forest Road #112 will continue on to Black Lake. The last part of this drive is very rough and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The area is usually open and free from snow the latter part of July through the first part of October.

Snake River Trailhead - The Snake River Trailhead, serving the Snake River National Recreation Trail (Trail #102), is located adjacent to Upper Pittsburgh Landing. The trailhead is accessed by Forest Road 493, also known as the Deer Creek Road, and leaves Hwy 95 just south of White Bird. It is 17 miles from Hwy 95 to the Pittsburgh Landing Area. Follow the signs to Upper Pittsburgh Landing and the Snake River Trailhead. The trailhead consists of a large parking area, stock unloading ramp, hitch rails, and a barrier free vault toilet. Nearby, at Pittsburgh Landing, is a twenty-eight-unit campground with potable water in season. Upper Pittsburgh Landing has 7 camp units although there is no potable water available. The area is generally open year round, although storms can cause some access problems on Pittsburgh Saddle in the winter months. The road has some steep grades and is not recommended for RV traffic.

Windy Saddle Trailhead - Windy Saddle is the primary access to the high country trails in the Seven Devils Mountains of the Hells Canyon Wilderness. To access this trailhead, take Forest Road #517 which leaves Hwy 95 just south of the town of Riggins. It is 17 miles from Hwy 95 to Windy Saddle. Facilities consist of two small campgrounds and a pack and saddle stock staging facility. Seven Devils Campground has 10 units and Windy Saddle has nine, four of which are designed for campers with pack and saddle stock. There is no potable water available in any of these areas. The area is usually open and free of snow from the first part of July through the first part of October. RVs or vehicles pulling camp trailers are not recommended.

Access by Boat:

Access Hells Canyon by river with a permit from the Forest Service or with experienced outfitters who can arrange one- to six-day trips. Some will even drop you and your gear off at a sandy beach for an overnight stay in a rustic river campsite. Guided jet boat tours leave from Lewiston and White Bird daily.

• Permits are required year-round for all non-commercial floaters and powerboaters on the Snake River within the HCNRA. Take time to read the regulations printed on the back of the permit before embarking on your trip.

Access by Air:

View Hells Canyon in a way that few people have seen it – by chartered helicopter. Many of the advantages of viewing from the air include the privacy of a private tour, covering greater distance in less time, flexibility and customization of scheduling, and of course the birds eye view! Call one of our helicopter tour operators to schedule a tour. Helicopter tours depart from Clarkston, Washington or Riggins, Idaho.

Seven Devils Mountains

The Seven Devils Mountains extend along the Idaho-Oregon border for roughly 40 miles between the towns of White Bird and Council. They are bounded by the Snake River on the west and the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers on the east. While not officially designated a wilderness area, the range is rugged and scenic; it is the state’s most precipitous range, with elevations varying from just above 1,000 feet at the Snake River to 9,393 feet on the summit of He Devil. There are two main trailheads into the area: from Black Lake Campground, 45 mi. NW of Council and Windy Saddle Campground, accessed from Forest Road 517 off Hwy 95 near Riggins. Each offers campgrounds, fire rings, picnic tables and toilet facilities.

Due to the large elevation differentials, the Seven Devils have the longest hiking season of any Idaho mountain range, with hiking beginning along the Snake River in early March. The Snake River Trail follows the Snake River south for 29 miles, from Pittsburgh Landing to the Hells Canyon Dam. A couple of trails spin off from the river, providing early season access to the western slopes of the Seven Devils. The Seven Devils Loop Trail circles the major peaks for 27 miles of hiking. Side and feeder trails lead to many of the high mountain lakes and provide access to the bases of most peaks. Some favorite climbs include Devils Tooth, Tower of Babel, Mount Ogre, and The Goblin.

• During the primary river season, reservations and trip permits issued by the Forest Service are required to launch trips at specific locations along the river. For information on powerboat or float permits and reservations, call the appropriate river information/reservation number listed here:

• General HCNRA Information: 509 758-0616

• Non-Commercial Float Information/Reservations: 509 758-1957

• Non-Commercial Powerboat Information/Reservations: 509 758-0270

***Featured Businesses listed on the menu are exclusive members of North Central Idaho Travel Association and have committed to supporting tourism by providing the visitor with hospitality and a valued experience.

 

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