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.

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.

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.

"Three days in Hell's Canyon is like a week anywhere else."

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 GateCould be getting cool in canyon.Right now Covid is hitting some areas including ID. Follow the rules!

No boat tours, eh? Seems like the whole country is in hell's canyon this year.

Hell's Canyon and region | Good Sam Community

TUCQUALA
Explorer
Sep 14, 2020
Yes, it is a good 2 lane paved road mostly, last time down(2 yrs ago), there was a bit of construction in the first few miles. There are twists and turns, not too bad, no terrible climbs or descents. Only thing to be watched is that the road is popular with motorcyclists and some spandex mafia (bikers!!) so you need to be aware esp on curves. Had no problems with a 34' trailer.
kknowlton
Explorer II
Sep 27, 2020
Hells Gate SP is great - but be aware, many Idaho state parks stop taking reservations after Labor Day & sites become first-come first-served only. If you get there between 11 AM-1 PM you may have the best chance of getting a site. Good luck!
RickLight
Explorer III
Sep 27, 2020
One of the YouTube crowd just released a video on that. They did several other eastern OR vids as well.

https://youtu.be/8TE4GQjGUAw
travisc
Explorer
Sep 27, 2020
Check the weather temp will go into freezing this time of year
JHinman
Explorer
Sep 28, 2020
Woodhead Park is a good campground, and should be mostly empty this time of year. Sites have water and electricity.

The facility is owned and operated by Idaho Power, so you can look for info through their web site.

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