Big beach camps and big water are the hallmarks of the Snake River as it flows north through Hells Canyon, dividing Oregon and Washington from Idaho. Spectacular rocky, arid vistas abound. Rafting trips on this section of the Snake put-in just below Hells Canyon Dam and most of the major rapids occur in the first one third of the trip. There are lots of historic mining ruins and homesteads to investigate. About 5 miles below the confluence where the Salmon joins the Snake, the current flows dramatically. Beware of upstream winds and slow progress in these last 14 miles. Many parties take an outboard motor as significant upstream winds can essentially halt downstream progress in this final stretch.
Put-In: Hells Canyon Dam Boat Ramp
Take-Out: Heller Bar
Miles: 79
Managing Agency: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Campsites: Hells Canyon Campsites
