Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Hugging the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, this national showcase holds 652,488 acres of beauty and adventure, where you can let your senses run as wild as the landscape. The deepest river gorge in North America. Scenic vistas that rival any on the continent. World-class whitewater boating. Spectacular mountain peaks. Vast reaches of remote wilderness for hiking or horseback riding. Diverse and abundant wildlife. Artifacts from prehistoric tribes and rustic remains of early miners and settlers...Hells Canyon National Recreation Area truly offers something for everyone, and much to remember. We know you will enjoy Hells Canyon National Recreation Area as a very special place, whether you choose to explore by road, trail, or boat.
To help you get an overview of the area, take a Look into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, or download the pocket guide or an overview map.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for the Hells Canyon NRA available here!
Boater's Guide for the Wild and Scenic Snake River: This guide includes map segment and river mile feature descriptions.
General Information
For Information about the current river levels and flows on the Snake River, please try one of these links:
The information at this website is provided by Idaho Power. It displays the 4 day river flow in cubic feet per second (CFS) for the Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam.
Passes & Permits
Wild & Scenic Snake River - Private Floatboat Reservations
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.
Wild & Scenic Snake River - Private Powerboat Reservations
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
Complexes
The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in Oregon and Idaho. This Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho section includes all developed recreation sites and trails that are all located away from the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Idaho uplands. All other upland sites and all trails in the Hells Canyon NRA - Snake River, or Hells Canyon NRA - Oregon are found in those recreation area sections.
Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Seven Devil mountain range), Black Lake, Heavens Gate Lookout, Windy Saddle, and Seven Devils recreation area.
Local Idaho communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Riggins, Grangeville, Whitebird, Council, and Cambridge. These communities are within one hour of this area.
This Black Lake Campground is a rustic facility with only 4 designated tent sites.
The Heaven's Gate Trailhead is located below Heaven's Gate Viewpoint near the Hells Canyon Wilderness.
Low Saddle Trailhead is located along the Stormy Point North Trail (#108) just north of the Hells Canyon Wilderness area.
Located on the edge of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Pittsburg Saddle Vie
The Seven Devils Campground is a small rustic facility located near the Hells Canyon Wilderness.
The Windy Saddle Trailhead is the main access point into the Hells Canyon Wilderness
Located on Windy Saddle above the Hells Canyon Wilderness, the Windy Saddle Horse Camp is a small campground with 4 campsites.
The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in both Oregon and Idaho. The recreation sites listed below (boat launches, campgrounds, interpretive sites, historic ranches) in this recreation section are found within 1/4 mile of the Wild and Scenic Snake River. All other upland sites and all trails along the Snake River for both Oregon and Idaho are found in the Hells Canyon NRA- Oregon, or Hells Canyon NRA - Idaho recreation area sections.
Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center and Hells Canyon Boat Launch, Kirkwood Historic Ranch, Pittburgs Landing Boat Launch, Pittburg Campground, and Cache Creek Ranch.
Local Oregon, Idaho and Washington communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, loding, stores and/or restaurants) are Riggins, Lewiston, Grangeville, Whitebird, and Lucille, Idaho; and Imnaha and Pine Creek, Oregon; and Clarkston and Asotin, Washington. These communities are within one hour of the recreation area.
Cache Creek Ranch is an administrative site located at the northern-most portal on the Snake River within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Dug Bar Boat Launch and Trailhead is a multi-use year-round recreation facility. It is the only drivable facility which accesses the northern end Snake River&
The Hells Canyon Creek Boat Launch is located in the upper end of the Wild and Scenic Snake River about 1 mile below the Hells Canyon Dam.
Located below Hells Canyon Dam, the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center offers a great opportunity to view the wild section of the Wild and Scenic Snake River and learn more
The Kirkwood Historic Ranch is an area rich in river history from early Native American occupation to pioneer ranching life.
Pittsburg Campground overlooks the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Pittsburg Landing Boat Launch is adjacent to the Pittsburg Campground on th
Located on the hills above the Wild and Scenic Snake River, the Pittsburg Rockart Interpretive Site explains the petroglyphs (carvings on stone) and pictographs (paint
Upper Pittsburg Landing Picnic Area is located on the shores of the Wild and Scenic Snake River in Hells Canyon.
The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in both Oregon and Idaho. The recreation sites and trails in this section are all found away from the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Oregon uplands, and in other forest lands near the Wallowa Valley. All other upland sites and all trails in the Hells Canyon NRA - Snake River, or Hells Canyon NRA - Idaho are found in those recreation area sections.
Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Oregon), Hat Point, Hells Canyon Overlook, Imnaha Wild and Scenic River and adjacent campgrounds, and Lord Flat.
Local Oregon communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Enterprise, Joseph, Imnaha, Halfway, and Pine Creek. These communities are within one hour of the recreation area
Situated along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and Wild and Scenic Imnaha River, Blackhorse Campground offers campsites for both tents and trailers/RVs.
Situated on the ridge above Hells Canyon and the Hells Canyon Wilderness area, the Buck Creek National Recreation Area (NRA) Trailhead is a combination horse campground and
Located near the Buckhorn Tower Viewpoint, the Buckhorn Campground is a small rustic campground nestled in the trees just below the ridgeline.
The Buckhorn Tower Viewpoint offers picturesque views of the dissected canyons and 'knife edge' ridges along the Imnaha River.
The Bucks Crossing Trailhead is a very small minimally developed trailhead along Forest Road 66. Parking is along the road in undesignated areas.
A hitch rail, and loading ramp are provided. Located near the popular Sled Springs OHV trails.
The Coverdale Campground is situated along the Wild and Scenic Imnaha River in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Coyote Campground is situated in an open pine forest and grassland. The site offers 6 tent/trailer sites.
Dougherty Campground is situated in an open pine forest and grassland near the northern boundary of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Five Mile Overlook offers wonderful photographic views of the Imana River canyon. This small viewpoint on the road to Hat Point has a display panel showing t
Freezeout Trailhead is one of the early season routes into the Hells Canyon Recreation Area and Hells Canyon Wilderness due to the low elevation of the saddle.
Frog Pond Trailhead is located at the northern end of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Gumboot Creek Fish Interpretive Site is a small roadside stop located along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.
Located on the ridgeline above Hells Canyon the Hat Point Overlook and Day Use Area offers fantastic views of the canyon and the Wild and Scenic Snake River.
The Hat Point Trailhead is located on the edge of the Hells Canyon Wilderness area near th
The Hells Canyon Overlook is a very popular site for visitors who want to see Hells Canyon from above.
Hidden Campground is a small, rustic facility along the Wild and Scenic Imnaha River. The campground offers 10 tent/trailer sites with 3 of these being fully accessible.
Horse Creek Overlook is small interpretive viewpoint on the road going to Hat Point.
The impressive view of Joseph Canyon can be seen from the Joseph Canyon Viewpoint.
The Lake Fork Campground is situated along North Pine Creek and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.
Located off the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, the Lake Fork Creek Trailhead is a small trailhead facility set in amongst the cool pine and fir trees. The trailhead access
The North Pine Rest Area is located along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and offers travelers a chance to stretch their legs and use the restroom facilities.
The Ollokot Campground is located in an old growth ponderosa pine forest along the Wild and Scenic Imnaha River.
The PO Saddle Trailhead provides access to the Summit Ridge - Western Rim National Recreation
Located next to the fire lookout tower, the Red Hill Lookout Viewpoint offers spectacular views of the rolling forested mountains and distant Wallowa Valley.
Saddle Creek Campground is a smaller site located on the rim of Hells Canyon along the Hat Point Road.
The Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park is located adjacent to the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Forest Road 39) at the top of Salt Creek Summit.
Tenderfoot Trailhead is a rustic trailhead located next to the eastern side of the Eagle
The Twin Lakes Campground is a small minimally developed site on the southern edge of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and southeast edge of the Eagle Cap Wilderne
The Warnock Trailhead is located on Summit Ridge along the western edge of the Hells Canyon Wi
Recreation Sites
Black Lake Campground
Blackhorse Campground
Buck Creek NRA Trailhead
Buckhorn Campground
Buckhorn Tower Viewpoint
Bucks Crossing Trailhead
Cache Creek Ranch
Chico Trailhead
Cold Springs Trailhead
Coverdale Campground