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Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center
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 about the river and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
The visitor center, which has indoor interpretive exhibits and programs, is open seasonally from Spring through late Summer; however the outdoor displays are available year-round. The visitor center and Hells Canyon Creek Boat Launch are managed in partnership with the Idaho Power Corporation.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Visitor Center - Spring through late summer; Outdoor displays - open year-round |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | This site is not reservable. |
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Accessible, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | No fees or passes are required at this site. |
| Open Season: | Year round - outdoor displays |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Closest Towns: | Halfway, Oregon (40 miles) and Baker City, Oregon (92 miles). |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Oxbow- Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center and Boat Launch |
General Information
Directions:From Halfway, Oregon travel east towards Oxbow, Oregon on Highway 86 for about 18 miles; Once you are near the Snake River at Oxbow, continue past the Copperfield Park (on your right side) and cross the river into Idaho; Continue on this Idaho Power road for about 22 miles to the Hells Canyon Dam; Cross over the dam and continue for about 1 mile to the end of the road where the visitor center is located.
The Idaho Power road going along the Hells Canyon Reservoir is a narrow, steep, paved road.
To get to Halfway from Baker City, Oregon travel north on Interstate 84 for about 1.5 miles and turn east on State Highway 86 and travel 54 miles to Halfway.
Activities
Day Hiking
Short day hikes from the Visitor Center down the Oregon side of the Snake River.
Viewing Wildlife
Seasonal viewing of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and black bears.
Viewing Scenery
Fantastic views of Wild and Scenic Snake River from below the Hells Canyon Dam.
Interpretive Areas
Indoor exhibits and programs open seasonally, and outdoor interpretive displays available year-round.
Picnicking
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Indoor and outdoor displays |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | In upper and lower areas |
| Parking: | Paved for RVs and trailers |
| Toilets: | Accessible vault |
| Accessible: | Toilets, parking area, interpretive areas |