Hells Canyon - Snake River (Powerboat)
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Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, encompasses a vast and remote region with dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, climate and vegetation. The Snake River is designated a Wild and Scenic River. The 31.5-mile section of the river between Hells Canyon Dam and Upper Pittsburg Landing is designated Wild and the 36-mile section of river downstream from Upper Pittsburg Landing to mile 180.2 is designated Scenic. At the mouth of Granite Creek, 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. Above Rush Creek Rapids, Hat Point Lookout offers a spectacular view of the canyon from 6,982 feet, the highest point on the Oregon rim.
There are four permit locations to launch a powerboat from in Hells Canyon:
Cache Creek portal can only be accessed by boat. It is the northern entry to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA), located nine miles south of Heller Bar public boat launch, located at the mouth of the Grand Ronde, 23 miles south of Asotin, Washington on the Snake River. This portal experiences the highest amount of powerboat traffic.
Pittsburg launch on the Snake River can be accessed by road -- Deer Creek Road or Forest Service Road #493 off of US Hwy. 95 near White bird, Idaho. This 17 miles of gravel road is not maintained year round and may be require chains during the winter months.
Hells Canyon Creek Launch site and visitor center is located a half mile downstream from Hells Canyon dam and is 23 miles north of Oxbow, OR. The road is paved and accessible year round.
Dug Bar is approximately 30 miles to Imnaha, Oregon. At the town of Imnaha, turn left onto paved County Road #735, which turns into a steep, narrow dirt road, Forest Road #4260. This road is slippery when wet. High clearance vehicles are recommended. This site is rarely used as a portal to launch powerboats.
Permit & Season Information
In 2025, reservations are required during the Primary season which is May 23rd through September 10th.
There are five different permit types available for powerboat access:
- Scenic: Passage from Cache Creek to Pittsburg boat launch. Required Friday, Saturday, Sundays and Holidays. 18 available each day.
- Wild: Passage for the entire HCNRA Wild and Scenic river corridor. Required seven days a week unless it is a non-motorized day. 6 available each day.
- Salmon Access-Day Use Only: Allows passage from Cache Creek into the Salmon River. These permits are ONLY required during Friday, Saturday, Sundays and Holidays. 5 available each day.
- Limited Wild River North: Allows passage from Pittsburg to Kirkwood. These permits are ONLY needed during the Non-Motorized periods. 5 available each day.
- Limited Wild River South: Allows passage from Hells Canyon Launch to the top of Wild Sheep Rapids. These permits are ONLY needed during the Non-Motorized periods. 2 available each day.
Important Dates
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| May 23, 2025 - September 10, 2025 | Primary season begins which requires reservations |
| September 10, 2025 | Primary season ends |
| March 1, 2025 - September 10, 2025 | Reservations open online at 7AM PST |
Lottery Information
Powerboat reservations are not part of a lottery process.
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
Powerboat river reservation descriptions for the HCNRA PRIMARY season are as follows:
• One reservation allows for one private powerboat trip. Trip party size cannot exceed 24 passengers.
• Camping is limited to two in the Wild river section and three nights in the Scenic.
• Please reference "How the Quota Works" for reservation descriptions or call the HCNRA administrative office at 509-758-0616.
- Scenic: 18 available each day. Only required during Friday, Saturday, Sundays and Holidays.
- Wild: 6 available each day. Required seven days a week.
- Salmon Access-Day Use Only: 5 availble each day. Only required during Friday, Saturday, Sundays and Holidays.
- Limited Wild River North: 5 available each day. Only required during the Non-Motorized periods.
- Limited Wild River South: 2 available each day. Only required during the Non-Motorized periods.
Self-issue permits are required during secondary season.
