Basics
- River:
- Hells Canyon of the Snake River
- Class:
- Class III (Two Class IVs)
- Suitability:
- Raft
- River Length
- 79 miles
- Time:
- 1-6 days
- Season:
- March to November
Description
Creating a portion of the Oregon-Idaho state border, the Hells Canyon section of the mighty Snake River winds through the deepest Canyon in North America. At times close to 8000’ deep, the river canyon cuts through grassy bluffs surrounded by sheer canyon walls.
Hells Canyon of the Snake is renowned for its big flows, with large stretches of calm water interrupted by intermediate-level rapids with enormous wave trains and giant holes. Controlled by dam release from upstream systems, the waters of the Hells Canyon of the Snake are generally the most potent during mid-late spring with runable but lower flows through late summer.
Wildlife viewing on the Hells Canyon run is quite good with common sightings of big horn sheep, deer, elk, mountain goat & bear. Along the way, side hikes reveal ancient pictographs and historic homesteads occasionally pop up along the riverbanks.
At almost 80 miles in length, downriver raft trips through Hells Canyon are multiple days in length. For visitors with less time on their hands, jet boat tours lasting ½-1 day in length are another option. Hells Canyon is located 1½ hours from Baker City, Oregon and 1 hour from Cambridge, Idaho and permits are required during summer months to run this stretch.
