Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Lewiston, ID

When traveling away from Lewiston, Idaho visitors will find the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. It has the distinction of being the deepest river gorge in all of North America. This area is large, very remote and has no roads across the canyon itself. Hells Canyon spans ten miles across. There are three roads that go to the Snake River between the Oregon - Washington state lines and the Hells Canyon Dam.

Because of the varying elevations there are many changes in the terrain, vegetation and climate. The Snake River carved Hells Canyon and can be seen from the west rim in Oregon. The river is farther down than a mile at this point.

The Seven Devils Mountains in Idaho has the He Devil Peak, which towers approximately 8,000 feet above the Snake River. Between the three states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area encompasses more than 650,000 acres.

Hells Canyon lays in three national forests; the Wallowa - Whitman, Payette and Nez Perce. The forest service is the custodian of the land and they see to the recreation activities, removal of dead or diseased trees and range conditions for the wildlife.

There are three rivers in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area that are designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers by the government. The only way to see some of these areas is to hike or go on horseback.

Some nine hundred and twenty five miles of trails are within the boundaries. Recreational activities in these areas include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, backpacking, mountain biking and photography.

Finding a professional river guide to run the river is easy as there are many available. The river has many rapids that are classed five and six so a river rafting company is recommended for anyone without experience. Float trips are also available. Two to three days is normal to float from the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area to Pittsburg Landing. Float trips of four to six days will take visitors to Heller Bar.

There are thirty six campsites in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Many of the sites have primitive conditions. Most are tent sites with a few trailer sites. Drinking water is only at some of the campsites so campers should be prepared to bring their own. Restrooms at some of the campsites are barrier free instead of the more conventional type.

Campers wishing to hike from the campsites will be rewarded as many have trailheads at the campground. Horses are welcome at some of the sites and stock water may be available at these sites. Boat ramps and fishing is an outdoor activity at some of the campgrounds. Not all of the sites have views or look outs. The current conditions, opening dates, fees and water availability can be found at the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area website.

For visitors that don't want to camp, there are hotels, dining and shopping in the nearby towns of Lewiston, Idaho or cities in Washington and Oregon.