The deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon delivers big-water rapids, remote wilderness camps, and a long rafting season influenced by upstream dams. A classic large-volume western river experience.
Snapshot
Important information for this section of river
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Current Availability
The following dates have one or more sites available
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Last checked 4 days ago
Water Level
FAQ: What's the current water level for Hells Canyon on the Snake River?
16,200 CFS
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FAQ: What's the ideal range for this section of river?
7,000 – 80,000 CFS
Key Dates
Here are some key dates to remember for Hells Canyon on the Snake River.
May 22 – Sep 10
Jun 1 – Aug 26
Permit Details
Unconfirmed, declined and cancelled lottery dates are released for reservation starting at 8 AM Pacific Time on March 16
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Hells Canyon on the Snake River.
Do I need a permit to run Hells Canyon on the Snake River?
Yes — a permit from Recreation.gov is required for private overnight trips through Hells Canyon. Unconfirmed, declined, and cancelled lottery dates are released for reservation at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on March 16 each year.
Is Hells Canyon really the deepest river gorge in North America?
Yes — Hells Canyon on the Snake River is the deepest river gorge in North America, reaching depths of over 8,000 feet from the canyon rim to the river. It is deeper than the Grand Canyon measured from rim to river.
What class of rapids does Hells Canyon on the Snake River have?
Hells Canyon features Class III–IV rapids including Granite Creek, Wild Sheep, Waterspout, and Sheep Creek — big-volume drops influenced by upstream dam releases that create powerful, technical whitewater through the deepest gorge on the continent.
How long is a Hells Canyon Snake River trip?
Most Hells Canyon trips run 4–5 days, covering approximately 79 miles from Hells Canyon Dam to Heller Bar. The big-volume nature of the Snake River allows for good daily mileage while still leaving time to explore riverside cultural sites.
What is the ideal flow range for running Hells Canyon on the Snake River?
Hells Canyon runs year-round due to dam-controlled releases from Hells Canyon Dam. The most popular range is 7,000–30,000 CFS; flows below 7,000 CFS expose rocks while above 40,000 CFS the rapids become very powerful and the trip requires more experience.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Hells Canyon on the Snake River?
Outfitters & Guides
Provides shuttles from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing and Heller Bar.
Offers transportation from Boise, or vehicle shuttles for the Salmon River, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Snake River in Hells Canyon, and Payette River