Forum Discussion

rvshrinker's avatar
rvshrinker
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2020

Hell's Canyon and region

Have decided to head here in mid October for a week. Want to hike, check out some small towns, and if the weather and water levels are suitable, maybe a boat ride on the Snake River. Also wouldn't mind seeing the Blue mountains on the OR/WA border.

It's a huge area, hard to know where to start or a couple of places to base camp out of. Anyone know the area that can make any suggestions? Thought about wallowa lake for a few days but it doesn't seem that close to the canyon itself.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Aug 28, 2020
    There is a Idaho state park on the river at the end of the canyon, it's the best place so far as I can see. Think it's called Hells Canyon SP IIRC They have boat tours leaving from the cg. We stayed there years ago and went by it last year. I don't know if you can get a spot tho, maybe during the week. In October tho it will probably easier to get into the park.

    Right now I would certainly avoid WA state except for a day trip in an out.
  • happynow's avatar
    happynow
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2020
    We stayed at Woodhead CG & Hell's Canyon in July. Recommend both, we found shade sites when we booked online. We drove the scenic route. Hell's Canyon was a bit remote.
    No boat tours this year, bathhouses were closed,if that matters.
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Aug 28, 2020
    "Three days in Hell's Canyon is like a week anywhere else."
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Aug 28, 2020
    Hell's gate state park is at Lewiston. ID. Yes it is open and some boats maybe running but call to get reservations. We used Snake Dancer boats last trip up.
    Hell's Gate
    Could be getting cool in canyon.
    Right now Covid is hitting some areas including ID. Follow the rules!
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2020
    No boat tours, eh? Seems like the whole country is in hell's canyon this year.
  • rvshrinker's avatar
    rvshrinker
    Explorer III
    Sep 11, 2020
    Thinking of spending 3-4 nights at Lake Wallowa State Park, Is that a decent spot to see some things? I realize there is hiking around the lake and in the mountains if the weather cooperates, and that will be fine for us. Is the canyon at all accessible or is it too far?

    From there where might be a decent place to spend 2-3 more nights, seeing the canyon, possibly getting down to river level and getting on a boat of some kind?
  • TUCQUALA's avatar
    TUCQUALA
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2020
    Wallowa is a good spot for a base camp. You can head to Hells Canyon via Imnaha, great views, and lookout tower (open??). Also head into Nat Forest from Joseph on the Hells Canyon Scenic Loop down to the Snake at Copperfield. Nice drive, NF campgrounds along the way if you want to move around.
  • rvshrinker's avatar
    rvshrinker
    Explorer III
    Sep 14, 2020
    TUCQUALA wrote:
    Wallowa is a good spot for a base camp. You can head to Hells Canyon via Imnaha, great views, and lookout tower (open??). Also head into Nat Forest from Joseph on the Hells Canyon Scenic Loop down to the Snake at Copperfield. Nice drive, NF campgrounds along the way if you want to move around.


    Is that drive down to the river doable with a 27' trailer?

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