Travel Eye on Hells Canyon (Idaho, USA)

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Overview:

Most would agree the Grand Canyon is the most impressive natural wonder in the USA, but few people realize that it isn't the deepest canyon in the United States. That distinction goes to Hells Canyon, carved out by the Snake River, it is the deepest river-carved gorge in the world, averaging 6,600 feet in depth. A 67-mile stretch of the Snake at the bottom of this canyon is one of the nation's protected Wild and Scenic Rivers. In 1975, Congress established the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, comprising 650,000 acres of stunning vistas, archaeological sites with petroglyphs, and native ruins, as well as a mighty river thundering through rugged canyon lands. For a 40-mile stretch between Oregon and Idaho, the canyon averages just 10 miles in width, contrasting with its 5,500-6,100-foot depth along the same stretch. It's a hard place to get to, so be sure you check the local weather and road conditions before visiting the area. Also, it's a good idea to pack a snakebite kit. There are rattlesnakes in this country!

Locality:

Carved by the Snake River and bounded on the east by the Seven Devils Mountains and on the west by the Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon is as much as 8,000 feet deep and forms part of the border between Oregon and Idaho.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Although it's not quite as spectacular a sight as the Grand Canyon, neither is it as crowded. Because there is so little road access to Hells Canyon, it is one of the least-visited national recreation areas in the West. It therefore gives an almost unsurpassable awe inspiring experience and without the tourist commercialism that effects the Grand Canyon.

The Hells Canyon area boasts a range of outdoor activities, but because of blazing hot temperatures in summer, when this rugged gorge lives up to its name, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Despite the heat, though, boating, swimming, and fishing are all popular in the summer.

The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway winds its way along the east side of this massive rift that separates Idaho from its neighbour, Oregon. While the view from the road is breathtaking, a guided float trip or jetboat tour is a must. Towering cliffs of black and green basalt hang so high above the Snake River and its sandy beaches that boaters strain their necks to see out in places.

The interior of Hells Canyon is a rugged wilderness framed by basalt cliffs. From Idaho's Seven Devils Wilderness to the Snake River in Hells Canyon you'll find areas that replicate most of North America's ecological zones. Cheatgrass, primroses, sunflowers, and prickly pear cactus are included in the canyon's varied botany. Bear, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, otters, and chukhar partridges are frequently seen here. Many outfitters can steer you to the canyon's pictographs, which some sources place at 10,000 years of age. In addition to Chief Joseph and his Nez Percé tribe, the area was also occupied by miners and pioneers, as turn-of-the-century log cabins and shacks attest.