Permits
Forest Products Permits
Forest product permits include those for: Woody materials - fuelwood, post and poles, Christmas trees, Edible material (berries, plants and mushrooms), Decorative materials (pine cones, grasses), Minerals and Live plants.
Reservations and Permits
Recreation Use Permits
A permit is required to powerboat in the Wild and Scenic Snake River at any time of the year. In the primary season (Friday before Memorial Day through September 10th), you can apply for a permit using the powerboat reservation process summarized below. During the secondary season (September 11th through the Thursday before Memorial Day), a self-issue permit is available at major boat launches on the river.
Applying for a Powerboat Reservation
Private powerboat reservations for use during the primary season are offered through the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) at Recreation.gov. NRRS is the same provider of the Wild and Scenic Snake River floatboat reservations.
Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov starting March 1st at 7am Pacific Time.
To make a reservation:
- Go to www.recreation.gov.
- In the search window, type in "HELLS CANYON - SNAKE RIVER (POWERBOAT)"
- Select the type of river permit you want.
- From there you can check available dates and read a description of the river, restrictions, required and allowable uses, and more information about the reservation system.
- You will need a credit card to complete the reservation.
- Your permit will be available to print two weeks prior to your reservation. Print 2 copies (Google Chrome browser works best) - one copy will go in the permit box on site and one you'll keep on your boat.
Reservations can also be made over the phone during the following hours:
TOLL FREE (1-877-444-6777) or TDD (1-877-TDD-6777).
- 10:00 am (EST) to Midnight (EST) - March 1st through October 31st
- 10:00 am (EST) to 10:00 pm (EST) - November 1st through February
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Information
Please visit Recreation.gov and the Index of Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to use the website, or contact the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area office in Clarkston, WA at (509) 758-0616.
Powerboaters Guide
Learn more about rules and regulations in the Powerboaters Guide.
Additional Resources
Hells Canyon Boaters Guide
A Look Inside Hells Canyon Pocket Guide
A permit is required to float the Wild and Scenic Snake River at any time of the year. In the primary season (Friday before Memorial Day through September 10*), you can apply for a permit through the "Four Rivers Lottery" permit process summarized below. During the secondary season (September 11 through the Thursday before Memorial Day), a self-issue permit is available at major launch sites on the river.
Applying for a Floatboat Reservation
The Snake River is part of the Four Rivers Lottery permit application process. The other three rivers in the lottery system are the Main Salmon, Middle Fork of the Salmon, and the Selway Rivers. Reservations for the primary season are offered through the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) located on the Recreation.gov website. (The first day available to make a reservation is March 1st at 7am Pacific Time.)
To make a float reservation:
Go directly to the Recreation.gov site here: Hells Canyon - Snake River (4 Rivers)
Or
- Visit www.recreation.gov.
- In the search window, type in "Hells Canyon - Snake River (4 Rivers)"
- From there, you can check dates that are available and read a description of the river, restrictions, required and allowable uses, and information about the lottery system.
Other 4 River Lottery Websites
To make reservations on the other rivers, visit these recreation.gov pages:
Floater Guide
Read more about the rules and regulations in the Floater Guide. Also read up on the requirement to have an Oregon or Idaho Aquatic Invasive Species permit.
Additional Resources
Hells Canyon Boaters Guide
A Look Inside Hells Canyon Pocket Guide
All wilderness visitors to the Eagle Cap Wilderness must also obtain a Wilderness Visitor Permit before entering the area. Only one permit is required per group and there is no fee for the permits. The information gathered from each permit assist forest wilderness staff to study use trends, evaluate high use destination areas, and learn more about wilderness visitors.
Where to Get a Wilderness Permit
Registration and Permit boxes are located at each trailhead near the information board. The permits are self-issued. After filling out the form, place the trailhead copy of the permit in the registration box and carry the visitor portion with you while in the wilderness. It is helpful to have the permit tied to a backpack or saddlebags where Wilderness Rangers can see them.
As partners in providing unique recreational experiences, commercial outfitters and guides play a key part in fulfilling one of the agency's missions to the public. Although many visitors possess the necessary skills and equipment to enjoy the National Forests, others may not have the capability to participate in an activity on their own.
By permitting commercial services to operate on the Forest, this need can be met. To enhance visitor experiences, outfitters and guides contribute their skills, specialized equipment, pack and riding stock, local knowledge and safety instructions for their clients. By becoming a federal permit holder they are required to carry liability insurance, meet state certification requirements and offer their services as an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Outfitter and guide operations are authorized with special use permits to conduct commercial recreation activities on National Forest Service lands. A commercial recreational use or activity is defined as:
Any use or activity on National Forest System lands (a) where an entry or participation fee is charged, or (b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit. (36CFR 251.51)
Applying for an Outfitting and Guiding Permit
Special use outfitter and guide permits are issued for long-term (priority use) and temporary (less than one year) commercial activities. Basic requirements for holding a permit include technical and financial capability, payment of a fee, and insurance listing the U.S. Government as additionally insured. Prior to issuance of a permit, the Forest may have to complete an environmental analysis which may be cost shared with the permit applicant depending the category and extent of the analysis, and permit processing fees (i.e. recovery costs).
Institutional outfitters include groups like schools, universities, religious organizations, clubs, camps, rehab centers or special interest groups. All of these groups are considered commercial outfitters and guides, and require a special use permit.
Outfitter and guide permits are generally issued at the local Ranger District office. Please visit with your local Ranger District special use administrator to discuss your proposal for a permit.
What are Temporary Special Use permits?
Recreation special use permits are authorizations issued by the Forest Service to conduct commercial recreation activities on National Forest system lands. A commercial recreational use or activity is defined as:
Any use or activity on National Forest System lands (a) where an entry or participation fee is charged, or (b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit. (36CFR 251.51).
Each year the forest receives many requests for temporary special use permits to conduct a variety of activities. Temporary special use permits are defined as, minor, non-recurring recreational activities usually less than 180 days, that generally expire on or before the end of the calendar year. These temporary use permits are not subject to renewal.
Examples of these requests include:
- Recreation Events
- Competitive snowmobile races and “poker runs”
- Dog sled and Nordic ski events
- Bicycle road tours and car rallies
- Club activities
- Adventure games and endurance races
- Seasonal outfitting and guiding
More Information
To find out more about temporary special use permits, please contact your local ranger district. The district special use permit administrator can provide you with additional information they will need to evaluate the proposal, any special conditions or permit terms, environmental analysis needs, and estimated processing timelines.
Special Conditions
These permits are issued to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Some special conditions exist for:
- Temporary Permits for Outfitting and Guiding - Activities are limited to a maximum of 200 service days in a 180-day period. Issuance of a temporary use permit does not commit the Forest Service to authorize outfitting and guiding use in the future. Permit holders are required to address public health and safety, emergency procedures, and resource protection in their operating plan.
- Congressionally Designated Areas and Other Special Places - Restrictions also exist for commercial activities in designated wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, administrative sites and other special places.
- All Temporary Permits - All permits will include terms and conditions such as compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, reporting, non-exclusive use, restriction of motor-vehicles uses, resource protection, and use of weed-free hay and feed.
Current Authorized Outfitter and Guide Services
Fishing guide services are offered both in the wilderness and backcountry. The outfitters and guides also provide other associated services like guided trips, fly fishing schools, off-Forest lodging, hunting, hiking, packing, and natural history tours.
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The following services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied. List updated as of February 2025.
Outfitters and Guides in Oregon
Ninebark Enterprises
Dub Darneille, 541-263-0820
ninebarkoutfitters@gmail.com
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Wallowa Valley Ranger District
- Fishing trips in Wallowa Valley Ranger District
- Hunting trips in Wallowa Valley Ranger District
Backcountry skiing is a favorite winter time activity and a great way to really visit the remote lands and wilderness areas when they are blanketed under snow. The outfitter and guides below can work with you to arrange overnight trips, guided touring and day trips.
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer. The following services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied. List updated as of February 2025.
Wallowa Alpine Huts / Wing Ridge Ski Tours
wallowahuts.com, 541-398-1980
Backcountry skiing, snowboarding, & overnight huts
Guided big game and turkey hunts, horseback riding and mule packing are services offered in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Hells Canyon Wilderness and Hells Canyon backcountry. The services offered below include; Horse pack trips (HP), Mule pack trips (MP), Hunting guides -big game animals (H-BG); Hunting guides - wild turkeys (H-T), and Hunting guides - upland game birds (H-UB).
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer. The following services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied. List updated as of February 2025.
Please refer to the following maps for designated outfitter hunting areas permitted in specific sections indicated in the descriptions below. Eagle Cap Wilderness hunting area map (880 Kb) Hells Canyon National Recreation Area hunting area map for Oregon (327 Kb).
Learn more about how to prevent the spread of invasive and noxious weeds into the backcountry and wilderness areas by meeting weed-free feed requirements for the national forests in the Pacific Northwest.
Outfitters and Guides Operating in Oregon
Back Country Outfitters
Gary Williamson, 541-430-4693
gary@backcountryoutfittersllc.com
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap & NRA
- Buck/bull hunting in NRA – Section 5
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap & NRA
Cornucopia Lodge & Pack Station
cornucopialodge.com, 541-742-4500
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap, NRA, and Pine Unit of Whitman RD
- Buck/bull hunting in Eagle Cap - Section 6
- Buck/bull hunting in NRA – Section 8
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap & NRA
Del Sol Wilderness Adventures
delsolwildernessadventures.com, 541-398-2088
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap and NRA
- Buck/bull hunting in Eagle Cap – Sections 3 & 4
- Buck/bull hunting in NRA – Section 7
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap & NRA
Hells Canyon Packers
hellscanyonpackers.com, 208-816-0100
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Buck/bull hunting in NRA – Section 6
- Other big game hunting in NRA
Ninebark Enterprises
Dub Darneille, 541-263-0820
ninebarkoutfitters@gmail.com
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Wallowa Valley RD
- Fishing trips in Wallowa Valley RD
- Hunting trips in Wallowa Valley RD
Oregon Backcountry Outfitting
Wallowa Lake Pack Station / Trails & Trophies
oregonbackcountryoutfitting.com, 541-975-3115
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Progressive trips in NRA, Eagle Cap, Wallowa Valley
- Buck/bull hunting in Eagle Cap – Section 5 & 8
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap & NRA
Sheep Mountain Outfitters
huntsmo.com, 541-519-4899
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in NRA
- Buck/bull hunting in NRA – Section 2
- Other big game hunting in NRA
Sour Apple Outfitters
sourappleoutfitters.com
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap & NRA
- Buck/bull hunting in Eagle Cap - Section 7
- Buck/bull hunting in NRA – Section 4
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap & NRA
Tri-State Outfitters
tri-stateoutfitters.com, 541-426-4468
Hunting trips by foot and/or vehicle:
- Sheep/goat hunts in all of Eagle Cap District
- Other species in Eagle Cap non-Wilderness areas, Wallowa Valley, and NRA
Wallowa Mountain Outfitters
wallowamountainpackers.com, 503-750-2913
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap
- Buck/bull hunting in Eagle Cap – Section 2
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap
Wild Country Packing
wildcountrypacking.com, 406-471-5890
Traditional pack stock trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap
- Buck/bull hunting in Eagle Cap – Section 1
- Other big game hunting in Eagle Cap
For a different type of a pack trip try trekking with llamas in the backcountry. The forest currently has 2 llama packers that operated in the wilderness and national recreation area. There are also backpacking services available for drop camps and extended trips. These outfitters and guides may also provide other associated services like packing, stock rental, drop camps and natural history tours.
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer. The following services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied. List updated as of February 2025.
Learn more about how to prevent the spread of invasive and noxious weeds into the backcountry and wilderness areas by meeting weed-free feed requirements for the national forests in the Pacific Northwest.
Wallowa Llamas
wallowallamas.com, 541-815-4520
Llama pack trips for:
- Pleasure/progressive trips in Eagle Cap & NRA
- Self-guided llama & pannier rentals
Backpacking Trips
Wilderness Adventures
wildernessadventures.com, 307-733-2122
Youth backpacking and hiking in Eagle Cap
Commercial float trips are available for visitors wanting to see the Wild and Scenic Snake River for a day or overnight. Trips can be arranged for families or groups. The outfitters and guides may also provide other associated services like guided trips, fishing, hunting, river sightseeing tours, and off-Forest lodging.
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The following float boat services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied.
Americas Rafting Company, LLC.
85 South Superior, Cambridge, ID 83610
Phone: (208) 347-3862
email: arc@hellscanyon.com
www.hellscanyon.com
Hells Canyon Adventures III
PO Box 159, Oxbow, OR 97840
Phone: (208) 257-4564 or (800) 422-3568
email: jetboat@hellscanyonadventures.com
www.hellscanyonadventures.com
Hells Canyon Raft, INC.
PO Box 328, Donnelly, ID 83615
Phone: 800-523-6502 or (208) 634-6366
email: hcr@hellscanyonraft.com
www.hellscanyonraft.com
Minam Store Outfitters
PO Box 224, Wallowa, OR 97885
Phone: (541) 437-1111
email: minamraftrentals@gmail.com
www.minamraftrentals.com
Momentum River Expeditions
3195 East Main #2, Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: (541) 488- 2525
email: info@momentumriverexpeditions.com
www.momentumriverexpeditions.com
Oars-Dories-Idaho
1127 Airway Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (800) 346-6277 or (208) 743-4201
email: idaho_ops@oars.com
www.oars.com
Row Adventures
PO Box 579, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 800-451-6034 or (208) 765-0841
email: info@rowadventures.com
www.rowadventures.com
Salmon Raft, LLC.
PO Box 3112, McCall, ID 83638
Phone: (208) 315-4706
email: chris@salmonraft.com
www.explorehellscanyon.com
Tributary Whitewater Tours, LLC.
PO Box 1160, Lotus, CA 95651
Phone: (530) 626-7385
email: info@tributarywhitewater.com
www.whitewatertours.com
Winding Waters River Expeditions
204 East Wallowa Ave. , Joseph, OR 97846
Phone: (541) 432-0747
email: wwrafting@gmail.com
www.windingwatersrafting.com
Commercial jetboat trips are available for visitors wanting to see the Wild and Scenic Snake River for a day or overnight. Trips can be arranged for families or groups. The outfitters and guides may also provide other associated services like guided trips, fishing, hunting, river sightseeing tours, and on and off-Forest lodging.
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The following jetboat services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied.
Beamers Hells Canyon Tours
dba Rivers Navigation
dba Heller Bar Excursions
dba Idaho Rivers Navigation
1345 Port Dr, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: (509) 758-4800
email: beamers@bhct.net
www.hellscanyontours.com
Border Line River Charters
PO Box 628, Asotin, WA 99402
Phone: (208) 790-0111
email: brian@borderlinerivercharters.com
www.borderlinerivercharters.com
Hammer Down River Excursions
280 River Street, White Bird, ID 83554
Phone: (208) 839-9993
email: hdriverexcursions@gmail.com
www.hdriverexcursions.com
Hells Canyon Adventures III
PO Box 159, Oxbow, OR 97840
Phone: 800-422-3568 or (208) 257-4564
email: jetboat@hellscanyonadventures.com
www.hellscanyonadventures.com
Hells Canyon Sport Fishing
PO Box 1385, Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (208) 791-0344
email: jen@hellscanyonsportfishing.com
www.HellsCanyonSportFishing.com
Killgore Adventures I & II Jet Boat Trips and Lodging
13309 HWY 95 S., White Bird, ID 83554
Phone: 800-469-8757 or (208) 839-2255
email: fishing@killgoreadventures.com
www.killgoreadventures.com
Mountain River Outfitters
229 Rapid River Rd., Riggins, ID 83549
Phone: (208) 628-3733
email: mtnriverfun@gmail.com
www.chinabarlodge.com
River Adventures
122 S. Main Street, PO Box 518, Riggins, ID 83549
Phone: (208) 628-3952 or 800-524-9710
email: trips@hellscanyon.tours
www.hellscanyon.tours
Snake Dancer Excursions
PO Box 318, 1550 Port Dr. Suite B, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 800-234-1941 or (509) 758-8927
email: hellscanyontours@msn.com
www.snakedancerexcursions.com
Snake River Adventures & Hell Bound Sport Fishing
4832 Hellsgate Rd., Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: 800-262-8874 or (208) 746-6276
email: sratours@gmail.com
www.snakeriveradventures.com
Temperance Creek Guide & Outfitters
Riverview Marina, 711 Snake River Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (208) 746-1412
email: brice@boatingfun.com
Upriver Outdoors
124 Hunters Way, Grangeville, ID 83530
Phone: (208) 553-1792
email: jwingfield@live.com
Z & S Outfitters
PO Box 113, Anatone, WA 99401
Phone: (509) 552-9662 or (509) 256-3224
email: tsmitty53@msn.com
The Forest offers several outfitters for various tours like aircraft, bus and nature guided tours.
All outfitters and guides are required to be an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The following services are shown alphabetically. No endorsement of any permittee is given or implied. List updated as of February 2025.
Spence Air
Joe Spence, 541-398-0195, spencefly@bmi.net
Fixed-wing aircraft drop-offs/pickups in Eagle Cap and NRA