Snake River through Hells Canyon

The Perfect Whitewater Rafting Adventure Vacation

Quick Trip Details

-Hells Canyon's West Side Outfitter
-Float the deepest river canyon in North America

Rafting Trip Length: 3 to 6 days
Class Rapids: III and IV
Ability Levels: Perfect for beginners to experienced rafters
Trips Include: Pre-Trip Lodging and
Round-Trip Transportation*
(*3 day trips do not provide return transportation)
Rafting and Fishing Season: May through October
Pre-Trip Meeting Place: Joseph, Oregon
Ages: 7 and up
Closest Airports: Lewiston, ID (2 hrs from Joseph) or Boise, ID (4 hrs from Joseph)

As the Snake River turns north on its run to the Columbia River, it enters majestic Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. With a depth of over 7,900 feet, Hells Canyon frames the mountainous border of Oregon and Idaho. This "wild and scenic" designated section of river is the heart of the massive Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

A Snake River whitewater rafting trip in Hells Canyon combines the awesome thrill of class III and IV whitewater with incredible scenery, fun, wildlife viewing and rainbow trout and bass fishing opportunities. The complex geology of the Seven Devils Mountain Range creates a wonderland of towering basalt cliffs and granite promontories. Nez Perce Indian legend claims Coyote dug Hells Canyon with a big stick to protect their ancestors in Oregon's Blue mountains from the Seven Devils across the gorge in what is now Idaho. Hells Canyon's beauty and vastness is legendary. Come see it for yourself.

Hiking in Hells Canyon Hidden amongst the forests and open grassy slopes, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, mountain goats, elk, and black bear roam this wild country. The vast elevation changes in the canyon provide excellent habitat for all types of flora and fauna, from bald eagles nesting in Ponderosa Pines to River Otters sunbathing on the river banks.

The Snake River in Hells Canyon offers not only world class whitewater rapids like Granite, Wild Sheep, and Waterspout rapids, but incredible fishing in a world class trout, bass, and sturgeon fishery. Many opportunities exist between the big rapids to cast a line in one of the myriad of pools and riffles. Anglers of all ages will be thrilled at the abundance of rainbow trout, monster smallmouth bass, and the prehistoric white sturgeon. Your guides at Winding Waters River Expeditions know just where to put you to catch the fish of your dreams! If bird hunting is your pleasure, we offer trips catered to hunting Chukar Partridges, an abundant bird species who thrive in the Hells Canyon habitat.

During a Hells Canyon whitewater rafting trip, we will also explore the rich cultural history of the river corridor. Native American pit houses, rock shelters, and pictograph sites reveal an important part of the canyon's legacy. Turn-of-the-century pioneers have also left numerous cabins and homestead sites to visit.

The geology of Hells Canyon and the surrounding country is fascinating. This short film to the right, called "Exotic Terrane", offers a glimpse into the unique origin of this region. While it's 22 minutes long, it's well worth the time to watch.