Quick Links
Not all of America's impressive canyons are in the Southwest. Hells Canyon is one of the most stunning canyons of the Northwest. The canyon is protected in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and is part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. It is known as the deepest river gorge in North America (it is even deeper than the Grand Canyon).
Hells Canyon is one of the most dramatic attractions in eastern Oregon/Idaho. Another fun thing to explore is to explore the many stunning isolated hot springs in the deserts of eastern Oregon. Idaho is an overlooked outdoor adventurer's paradise (it is far more than just potatoes!). Idaho also has its fair share of hot springs and hot springs resorts for people to discover and soak in.
Hells Canyon: The Deepest Canyon In North America
Hells Canyon is around 10 miles wide and is located on the border of eastern Oregon and western Idaho (plus a small bit of eastern Washington state). In the past, Hells Canyon was an obstacle in the Westward Expansion. Today it is a hiking, fishing, and outdoor playground.
Deeper than the Grand Canyon, Hells Canyon is gauged some 7,993 feet or 2,436 meters into the earth's surface. This eye-catching canyon was cut out by the waters of the Snake River. Visitors are over-awed by the sight of the Hells Canyon plummeting over a mile below Oregon's west rim and 8,000 feet below the snowcapped He Devil Peak of Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains.
- Depth: 7,993 feet or 2,436 meters
- Part of: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
- Size: 650,000 acres (Recreation Area)
Visitors can explore some 652,488 acres of beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes. There are no roads across Hells Canyon (and only three roads leading to the Snake River) between Hells Canyon Dam and the Oregon-Washington boundary.
What To See And Do In Hells Canyon
There are plenty of excellent outdoor activities to enjoy in Hells Canyon. It boasts world-class whitewater rafting, remote wilderness hiking, horseback riding, and much more. Visitors can explore the region's prehistoric artifacts and various rustic remains of the settler period and early miners.
The wildlife, scenic vistas, dramatic terrain, and diverse vegetation are enough to capture anyone's imagination. Adding to the magical setting are the common winter storms and summer thunderstorms along the canyonlands and mountain ridges.
- Season: Early Spring To Late November
Wildlife in Hells Canyon and the recreation area include herds of elk, deer, mountain goats, bobcats, otters, rattlesnakes (watch out!), black bears, bald eagles, sheep, and more.
While in Idaho, another of the state's (many) hidden gems is Thousand Springs State Park. Take the time to explore it and the many other unsung attractions of Idaho.
Explore The Thousand Miles Of Trails In Hells Canyon
Trails in the canyon mostly follow old Forest Service access routes as well as old stock trails. In total, there are almost a thousand miles of trails that are open for non-motorized transport. The major trails can be accessed from the Black Lake Campground and the Windy Trailhead, and Windy Saddle Horse Camp.
- Trails: Almost 1,000 Miles of Trails
Snake River Trail:
One of the favorite trails in Hell Canyon is the Snake River Trail. It enters the canyon from Idaho and is fantastic for backpackers and hikers (including novices). The best times are typically during the warmer season, from March to September.
- Length: 28 Miles or 45 km Out and Back
- Duration: Approx. 13 Hours
- Location: Near White Bird, Idaho
The Snake River Trail is a 28-mile-long out-and-back trail and takes around 13 hours to complete. Dogs are welcome - but on a leash. The hike is popular, with the busiest season being autumn. Read more about hiking the trail on the Forest Service.
There are also plenty of water-based attractions on the river as well. There are a number of companies offering adventures on the river in Hells Canyon - including Hells Canyon Adventures. Another river to explore is the treacherous "River of No Return" in Idaho, which got a reputation as being a river of no return.
Despite its dramatic beauty, it is not visited by very many people - indeed, not all that many people have even heard of it.