Hells Canyon in Oregon 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.
There are many stunning vistas in and around Hells Canyon. The
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway allows motorist to see many of them.
It’s certainly worth driving to Hat Point for views of the
Wallowa Mountains and the Imnaha River. 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 Hells Canyon area in Oregon is home to abundant native flora
and fauna. The largest free-roaming herd of Elk in the world is
there, as well as 24 species of plants found nowhere else in the
world.
The nearby Wallowa Mountains and River offer excellent outdoor
activities.
