About
The deepest river gorge in North America
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. Find scenic vistas that rival any on the continent, world-class whitewater boating, and 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.
ACTIVITIES
Whitewater Rafting
Get ready for real adventure in this remote corner of America. Rafting the Snake River as it winds through Hells Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (By all means, though, keep doing it over and over – you won’t regret it).
Hiking
You’ll find hiking trails along and near either side of the canyon itself, including the Deep Creek Canyon Trail near the Hells Canyon Dam. More options are available at Oregon Hikers.
Fishing & Boating
Enjoy boating and fishing along the Snake River. A permit is required to float and powerboat 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 at recreation.gov. 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.
Hunting
Find a licensed guide authorized to hunt big game within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Hunt for elk, mule deer, bear, mountain lion, and mountain goat.
Details
Getting There
The entire recreation area covers 600,000+ acres, so getting there depends on what you want to do exactly. But generally, getting to the community of Oxbow is a good starting point for accessing the canyon and river.
From Baker City, head east on OR-86 for 66 miles – passing through Richland and Halfway – until you reach the community of Oxbow on the Snake River. From here, you can continue a further 23 on NF 454 to the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center.