There are a number of different recreational activities you can enjoy in Hells Canyon. You can go fishing, take a jet boat tour, hunt for trout, or even camp out. These activities all depend on the Snake River, which carved out the canyon. The river provides abundant fish and wildlife habitat, and you can hike along the canyon’s trail system. Hells Canyon is also home to bears and Bighorn sheep. For a more unique and adventurous vacation, you can book a jet boat tour or hike the canyon’s trails.
The area is home to the deepest river gorge in North America, and features a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you want to enjoy world-class whitewater boating or hike in the scenic vistas, you can find something to interest you in Hells Canyon. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to be inspired by this spectacular gorge and all it has to offer. There’s no better way to experience Hells Canyon than to visit this scenic area.
If you’d like to make a donation in support of protecting Hells Canyon, consider making your donation through the Hells Canyon Preservation Council. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving this scenic area, as well as the lower Salmon River. It receives 100% of the donations made to it, and your donation is tax-deductible. You’ll also be able to use this information to help protect Hells Canyon for future generations. There are many other ways to support the organization’s efforts.
History: Before the Hells Canyon Dam was built, the river was named Box Canyon. It was later renamed Hells Canyon as Snake River Canyon by explorers and locals. Early explorers called the canyon the Snake River Canyon and “the Grand Canyon of the Snake.” The earliest mention of Hells’s Canyon can be traced back to McCurdy’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest. In the mid-1800s, the river flowed downhill to Hells Canyon.
In the 1950s, the Idaho Power Company first recognized the potential of Hells Canyon as a hydroelectric resource. It applied for a hydroelectric license from the Federal Power Commission, the predecessor to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The license was granted in 1955. In 1958, the first of three dams was built and the project began to generate power. It was a success and is still the most productive dam in the Snake River region.
In 1888, gold was discovered in river bars near the present-day Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. While gold mining proved unprofitable, it left some evidence that may be useful. Later, miners focused on hard rock mining, and today, the gold is evident near the Imnaha River mouth. A short-lived homesteading boom followed. The weather was poor for farming and ranching. While most ranching operations have moved to other areas, some remain within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
A number of animals are found in the area. You may see herds of elk, different types of deer, sheep, and mountain goats. There are also black bears and bobcats. You can also go mountain biking in Hells Canyon. If you don’t enjoy hiking, mountain biking is a great way to get into the wilderness. There are also plenty of places to take your dogs to watch wildlife.