Dug Bar Trailhead and Boat Launch

The Dug Bar Boat Launch and Trailhead is a multi-use year round recreation facility. It is the only driveable facility which accesses the northern end Snake River on the Oregon side in Hells Canyon and is popular with anglers, boaters, hikers, and other visitors. The boat launch has a small concrete ramp and accessible toilet.
The trailhead is primarily used for accessing the northern entrance of the Wild and Scenic Snake River and Hells Canyon Wilderness.
This site provides access to the Summit Ridge - Western Rim National Recreation Trail #1774 and Snake River Trail #1726. A public use back-country airstrip is adjacent to the facility, and an interpretive site for the the National Historic Nez Perce Trail #1727 is located near the historic river crossing.
At a Glance
Reservations: | Powerboat and floatboat reservations and permits are needed for this site. |
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Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site,Boat ramp,Toilets |
Fees: | Powerboat and floatboat reservations and permits are needed for this site. |
Permit Info: | A boaters permit for the Wild and Scenic Snake River is required during the primary summer season (by reservation), and secondary winter season (self-issue). |
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.
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Closest Towns: | Joseph, Oregon (60 miles), Imnaha, Oregon (31 miles) |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Wallowa Mountains Office |
General Information
Directions:From Imnaha, Oregon travel north on the Lower Imnaha River Road (County Road 755) for 6.5 miles; As the road continues it becomes Forest Road 4260 also known as the Dug Bar Road; Continue on Forest Road 4260 for 24 miles to the end along the Snake River to the boat launch.
To get to Imnaha from Enterprise, Oregon travel south 6 miles on Highway 82 towards Joseph; In Joseph turn left on Highway 350 and go 30 miles to Imnaha. This is a 36 mile trip.
NOTE: The road is usually open all year, but Forest Road 4260 is a steep, single lane dirt road and can be slippery when wet or frozen and is not recommended for trailers. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
Activities
Day Hiking
Access to Trail #1774 and National Historic Nez Perce Trail (#1727) begin at the trailhead.
Backpacking
Access to Trail #1774 and National Historic Nez Perce Trail (#1727) begin at the trailhead.
Horse Riding
Boating - Motorized
A power boaters permit for the Wild and Scenic Snake River is needed during the primary summer season (reservation), and secondary winter season (self-issue).
Boating - Non-Motorized
A float boaters permit for the Wild and Scenic Snake River is needed during the primary summer season (reservation), and secondary winter season (self-issue).
Amenities
Interpretive Site: | Nez Perce National Historic Trail |
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Toilets: | Vault accessible toilet |
Boat ramp: | Small concrete |