The mighty Snake River winds its way through Hells Canyon, the deepest river-carved gorge in North America. The river flows north through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) and forms the boundary between Idaho and Oregon. Although the Recreation Area includes portions of the Nez Perce, Payette, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, it is managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Within the HCNRA, the Hells Canyon Wilderness comprises nearly 215,000 acres. The Snake River flows through and is adjacent to this Wilderness. Wildlife thrives here, so bring your binoculars as common sights range from big horn sheep to the great blue heron. The Snake River is also home to the sturgeon, Chinook salmon, trophy steelhead trout and more. 

The 31.5-mile section of the river between Hells Canyon Dam and Upper Pittsburg Landing is designated as the Wild river section. Rapids vary from Class II to Class V. At the mouth of Granite Creek rapids, approximately seven miles downstream from Hells Canyon Dam, the river elevation is 1,480 feet. The canyon depth here is 7,913 feet when measured from He Devil Mountain, towering over Idaho’s Seven Devils range at 9,393 feet. 

The 36-mile section of the river downstream from Upper Pittsburg Landing to River Mile 180.2 is designated Scenic, however, shorelines are largely undeveloped. This river section ends at the HCNRA boundary at the Oregon- Washington state line. Heller Bar is river mile 168.5 and is the last public boat launch and landing area. The closest town that includes public amenities from Heller Bar is Asotin, Washington. 

Hells Canyon Creek Recreation Site is the launching point for float trips. This site, 23 miles north of Oxbow, OR, is accessible year round via a paved Idaho Power Company road and is located 3/4-mile downstream from Hells Canyon Dam. During the summer, a staffed visitor information station with interpretive exhibits and a small theater provides river users and other visitors with information about the river and Hells Canyon.