How to Visit Hells Canyon

Explore Hells Canyon National Recreation Area on your next vacation destination. Visit the deepest river gorge in the United States. Raft along the Snake River and study prehistoric American Indian artifacts. Enjoy camping, boating, hiking and horseback riding in this immense national park. Find Hells Canyon on the border of northeast Oregon and western Idaho in the western United States.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit the Hells Canyon website to explore the recreation activities available at this scenic wilderness. Contact the National Forest Service office serving the Hells Canyon Recreation Area when you visit Hells Canyon for the first time for assistance in learning about the park. Find the Forest Service contact numbers on the Hells Canyon website.
2. Explore the local communities surrounding the Hells Canyon Recreation Area. Choose from towns in Washington, Oregon or Idaho. Spend the night, stock up on supplies and enjoy small town hospitality. More information is available through individual state and local tourism offices.
3. Travel the Hells Canyon All-American Road, a National Forest Service Scenic Byway. See wagon ruts still visible on the Historic Oregon Trail. Enjoy unequaled mountain and river vistas, interrupted by small towns and unique shopping as you travel the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. Follow the 3-day Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Itinerary found on the National Scenic Byways Program website. Learn the stories of this historic area as you spend three days traveling this scenic byway.
4. Camp in one of 36 campsites located throughout the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Check the Hells Canyon Recreation Report on the Hells Canyon website for fees and other information regarding each camp site. Sign up for a camping adventure with one of the several companies that offer guided camping trips throughout this area. Find RV and luxury campgrounds in the surrounding communities.
5. Hunt big game and fish the pristine waters of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Arrange your trip through one of the many outfitters and guides who service this area.
6. Ride the Snake River on a white water raft or on a family tour. Private boating is allowed.
7. Enjoy Hells Canyon year round. Find a vacation that appeals to everyone at Hells Canyon no matter what the season.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtain a permit for all non-commercial floaters and powerboats on the Snake River within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Permits to launch from certain locations may be needed during primary river season. Information on obtaining a permit can be found on the Hells Canyon website.