Length of trip
14 miles in 1 day; 32 miles in 2-3 days; 51 miles in 3-4 days; 80 miles in 4-6
days; 104 miles in 6-8 days
Season
April through November. Flows are regulated by dam releases. The lower part of
the river is often crowded on summer weekends. River runners share the river
with jet boaters
Weather
Extremes in elevation bring a wide range of temperatures. Snow often flanks the
ridges of the upper canyon until late June or early July. Daytime temperatures
average between 40¢X and 60¢XF in spring and fall, nighttime temperatures
between 30¢X and 50¢X. Daytime temperatures in summer often exceed an infernal
100¢X but drop to 80¢X at night. Thunderstorms can strike suddenly in summer.
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and black widow spiders
Location: about 120 miles north of Boise; bordered by mountains, the Snake
River slices through Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river-carved gorge.
At one point it's 8,913 feet from rim to river
Rapids: Numerous Class III and IV rapids (some of the best in the Rockies), as
well as two Class V rapids. Most of the largest rapids are fairly difficult in
spring but easier in summer, when the he clear green water warms up to 70F
Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts
Lodging: Superb riverside campsites, mostly in grassy clearings; also some
beach campsites
attractions
Special features:
Neck-craning views from the bottom of massive, arid Hells Canyon
Abandoned homesteads and cabins, ancient Native American ruins, first-class
petroglyphs and pictographs, and working ranches reminiscent of homesteading
days
Excellent hiking trails on both sides of the river
Wide variety of wildflowers from March through June
Good swimming
Excellent fishing (rainbow trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, channel catfish;
catch and release for white sturgeon)
Mountain lions, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer, black bears,
cougars, chukars, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys,
Canada geese, blue grouse
Popular with experienced rafters early in the season
Between July and September suitable for both novice and seasoned river runners, seniors in good physical condition, families, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water
Nearby excursions:
Wallowa Mountains (Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Lake)
Rapid River recreation area
Nez Perce National Historic Park
Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City
Seven Devils Mountains
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