Snake River Trailhead


Area Status: Open
Large paved parking area at Snake River trailhead

*ALERT* The Kirkwood Creek stock bridge is closed until further notice. Refer to news release for more information.

The Snake River Trailhead is the main northern portal for the Snake River National Recreation Trail (#102) which provides access to the Hells Canyon Wilderness.

This trailhead provides a large parking area located along the Snake River with views of the canyon and grassy uplands.  The site has a toilet and a parking for trucks with trailers.

Located nearby are Pittsburg Campground and Pittsburg Landing Boat Launch.

ALERT: Two rockslides on Bernard Creek Trail #58 above McGaffee Cabin have left the trail unpassable for stock and unsafe for hikers.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Current Conditions
Reservations: This site is not reservable.
Area Amenities: Toilets, Parking
Fees: No fee required.
Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Light
Restrictions: General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Wilderness Regulations apply within Hells Canyon Wildernes.
  • Within the Wild and Scenic Snake River corridor open campfires are not allowed within 1/4 of a mile of the Snake River, fire pans are required year-round.
Closest Towns: White Bird, Idaho (19 miles); Riggins, Idaho (45 miles)
Water: No
Restroom: Vault Toilet
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Riggins- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

General Information

Directions:

From White Bird, Idaho head south on Highway 95 for about 0.5 miles to Old Highway 95 at mile marker 222 (sign indicates Pittsburg Landing and Hammer Creek Recreation Area); Turn right on Old Highway 95 and go about 1 mile to the bridge crossing the Salmon River; Turn left and cross the bridge; Immediately after the bridge turn left on the Deer Creek Road (also known as Forest Road 493); Travel on the Deer Creek Road for 16.5 miles to Forest Road 493A; Turn left on Forest Road 493A and go 1.3 miles to trailhead parking area.  The trail follows the road going past the Upper Pittsburg Picnic Area and goes about 6 miles to Kirkwood Ranch and beyond.

From Riggins, Idaho head north on Highway 95 for about 27 miles to Old Highway 95 at mile marker 222 (sign indicates Pittsburg Landing and Hammer Creek Recreation Site); Turn left on Old Highway 95 and go about 1 mile to the bridge crossing the Salmon River; Turn left and cross the bridge; Immediately after the bridge turn left on the Deer Creek Road (also known as Forest Road 493); Travel on the Deer Creek Road for 16.5 miles to Forest Road 493A; Turn left on Forest Road 493A and go 1.3 miles to trailhead parking area.  The trail follows the road going past the Upper Pittsburg Picnic Area and goes about 6 miles to Kirkwood Ranch and beyond.

Advisory: the Deer Creek Road and Forest Road 493 is a steep, narrow winding paved gravel road.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Amenities

Parking: Large truck and trailer paved parking area
Toilets: Vault toilet

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Highlights

Location

 
  Latitude : 
45.622389

  Longitude : 
-116.464175

  Elevation : 
1290