Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Hells Canyon Overlook
The Hells Canyon Overlook is a very popular site for visitors who want to see Hells Canyon from above. The site is fully accessible with interpretive signs, paved parking areas, vault toilets and picnic areas. From the rim visitors can view McGraw Creek and look over the canyon at the Seven Devil Mountains in Idaho. (The Snake River is not visible from this site). A variety of Spring and Summer wildflowers are found along the paved pathways and near the parking areas.
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Accessible, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fees or passes are required at this site. |
| Open Season: | June |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. |
| Closest Towns: | Enterprise, Oregon (52 miles); Halfway, Oregon (33 miles) |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Wallowa Mountains Office |
General Information
Directions:From Enterprise, Oregon travel south on Oregon State Highway 82 to Joseph for about 6.5 miles; In Joseph turn left on Oregon State 350 and go about 8 miles to the Wallowa Loop Road; Turn right on the Wallowa Loop Road (also known as the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway) and travel on this road which eventually becomes Forest Road 39 for 34 miles to Forest Road 490; Turn left on Forest Road 490 and go 3 miles to the overlook entrance on the right; The site has a loop access road in the parking area.
From Halfway, Oregon head east out of town for 1 mile on Record Road to Highway 86; Once on Highway 86 go 9 miles to Wallowa Loop Road (also known as Forest Road 39, Pine Creek Road or/and Hells Canyon Scenic Byway) towards Enterprise and Joseph; Turn left on the Wallowa Loop Road/Forest Road 39 and travel about 19.5 miles to Forest Road 490; Turn right on Forest Road 490 and go 3 miles to the overlook entrance on the right; The site has a loop access road in the parking area.
Advisory: The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is usually closed by snow from late October through late May or early June and is not passable with motor vehicles.
Activities
Viewing Plants
A variety of Spring and Summer wildflowers
Viewing Scenery
Views of McGraw Creek below the site and the Seven Devil Mountains in Idaho across canyon
Interpretive Areas
Picnicking
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Several panels interpreting canyonlands |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | Some tables at area |
| Parking: | RV and truck trailer parking areas |
| Toilets: | Accessible vault toilets |
| Accessible: | Parking area, vault toilets and pathways |