|
Hells Canyon in Idaho is the deepest gorge in North America,
plunging 8,000 feet down to the mighty Snake River and its world-class
rapids. Visitors can camp 28 miles south of the Hells Canyon Dam at
one of Copperfield Park’s 62 riverside camp-sites. The Snake River
provides several types of outdoor adventure form Hells Canyon visitors,
from class IV and V whitewater rafting at the Granite Creek and Wild
Sheep rapids, to fly-fishing and side hikes further downstream. The
scenery along the canyon is fantastic: black basalt walls, mile-high
peaks, placid pools and woodlands inhabited by eagles, elk and bighorn
sheep. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area contains 15 miles of
trials for hikers, bikers, horse-back riders and motorists to enjoy.
The best view in the state is arguably seen from Heaven’s Gate,
the 8,249-ft. peak at the top of the divide between the Snake and Salmon
Rivers, with a clear view of Idaho’s 7 Devils, 4 states and the
2 deepest river gorges in North America. The Salmon River is known among
rafters as the River of No Return thanks to its wild Class II &
IV rapids. The granite walls Salmon River Gorge is 2nd only to Hells
Canyon in depth, and is 1/5 of a mile deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Hikers and horse-packers are known to enjoy the scenic wilderness around
the Salmon River’s banks.
|
|
|
|
