"Hells Canyon, North America's deepest rover gorge, encompasses a vastly remote region with dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, climate and vegetation. Carved by the great Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges more than a mile below Oregon's west rim, and 8000 feet below He Devil Peak of Idaho's Seven Devil Mountains. There are no roads across Hells Canyon's 10-mile wiade expanse, and only three roads that lead to the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam and the Oregon-Washington boundary." (Copied from an informational sign at the Hells Canon Visitors Center)
After what seemed to be the winter that would never end, then the Spring where it only rained on weekeneds, the weather gods finally smiled down upon us. We were just ITCHING for a nice road trip where we could drive for a few hours, get out in nature and enjoy each others company. We LOVE the wonderful spots all around Idaho, but wanted to try something new. We decided on
Hells Canyon (more specifically the Dam and Reservoir), about 3 1/2 hours away from Boise.
We heard the drive was spectacular, and everything we read said the same.
The first 3 hours were pretty uneventful. We drove through Emmett, Fruitland, Weiser...getting further and further away from Boise, and into the small towns dotted along the snake river, straddling the Idaho-Oregon border. One of our favorite drives from Boise is up to Idaho City, through the Boise National Forest and the Ponderosa Scenic Byway. As we were driving...and driving...and driving I was starting to get worried. There was nothing here that was different or better than our beloved Idaho City. I couldnt really understand what all the fuss was about. Yeah, it's pretty...but 3 1/2 hours for this?? I was frustrated.
Then about 20 miles from our destination we took a different road and headed into the Canyon. Everything changed! It was absolutely breathtaking.
The roads are well paved, but VERY winding. You cannot drive too fast because of all the sharp turns. The hillsides gave way to tall cliffs and mountains, and the little winding road cutting through the gorge along the fast running snake river kept impelling us forward. Every corner brought new scenery and a new "pull over I need to take a picture" moment. We drove down to the Dam and then over to the visitors center. From what we could see there was a little hiking you could do . We saw people fishing and there were even scenic chartered boat trips.
We drove the sharp and winding roads down to the Visitors Center.
The canyon and gorge are really very striking with the coniferous trees and dark rock canyon.
You can hike, boat, fish and jetski in the recreation area.
Us at the Visitors Center. There is a boat trip going on behind us. (you can see the boat right on top of hubby head)
The Dam.
All said and done it was a great little trip. From Boise it does take 3.5 hours drive time to get to the visitors center. We thought if we did it again we would make it a weekend trip because there is a lot to do and see. Maybe get a hotel room or an air B&B an hour away then drive in. It really is kind of a long drive just for scenery.
But I will say it is VERY dry and can get quite hot down in the canyon. Make sure you have good footwear, plenty of gas in your car and bring sunscreen and water!!!
Looking or more information on Hells Canyon?
The Dam.
