Recreation Area · Oregon & Idaho
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
The deepest river gorge in North America
TypeRecreation Area
StatesOregon & Idaho
Best seasonLate spring through fall
Don’t missHells Canyon Overlook
The Snake River has carved a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon along the Oregon–Idaho line — nearly 8,000 feet from rim to river. Whitewater, big-game country, and one of the wildest corners of the Northwest.
What to see
- Hells Canyon Overlook
- Snake River jet-boat & raft trips
- Hat Point lookout
- Bighorn sheep
- Seven Devils peaks
Plan around it
On public wild lands, services are sparse and conditions change fast — check the managing agency (Forest Service / BLM / Park Service) for road and seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and any permits before you go, and pack out what you pack in.
Build a trip around wild places like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: