Whitewater Run OR Class III-IV

I) Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing

Snake

Linked via: Proximity 97% confidence Synced 3mo ago

Monitor
Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 7,000.0 – 80,000.0 CFS
Run Map
Description
Hells Canyon is a jewel of the Snake River protected in 1975 when the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area was established to stop the construction of new, destructive dams that would have flooded the canyon. At the same time, the river was designated as a Wild and Scenic River, with 32.3 miles from the dam, downstream, classified as a wild river. Another 34 miles below that is classified as scenic. This historic conservation victory was realized shortly after construction of the Hells Canyon Dam complex upstream of the put-in that was completed between 1959 and 1967 and blocks upstream migration for salmon and steelhead and other species. In addition to burying great whitewater beneath the stagnant waters of the reservoirs, these dams eliminated great fall chinnook runs upstream to Shoshone Falls, and into tributary streams like the Boise, Payette, Malheur and Owyhee. The impacts of the upstream dams on the river are evident by the lack of beaches and heavily armored banks characteristic of a sediment-starved river. Hells Canyon is the nation's deepest river canyon averaging 5,500 feet below the rim for some 75 miles, and reaching depths of more than 8,000 feet below the Seven Devils Mountains on the Idaho side of the river. The result is a very scenic 3-4 day trip with a number of class II-III rapids and two class IVs. The Wild and Scenic Snake River Boater's Guide is available from the US Forest Service, giving detailed information on campsites, rapids, and regulations. A lottery permit season runs from late May to early-mid September. Before and after the lottery season, only a self issue permit is required and can be obtained for free at the launch site. In addition to the whitewater and scenery the river has a rich human history. The Canyon is ancestral home of the Nez Perce people, and other tribes of the region were in and out of the canyon as well. White settlement occurred in the late 1800’s and early 1900s--sheep and cattle ranchers and prospectors tried to scrape out a living.

Hazards & Portages (1)

Caution: The following locations may require scouting or portaging. Always check current conditions.
Difficulty
Class III-IV
Length
32.0 mi
Gradient
12 ft/mi
Rapids
11
1 Hazard
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Permit Required
Wild River Reservations – from Hells Canyon Dam to Upper Pittsburg Landing – are required for the issuance of a trip permit, seven days a week during the primary season (Friday preceding Memorial Day weekend through September 30th). There are three private permit launches each day. These reservations can be obtained either through the 4 rivers Lottery (application due January 31) or by picking up a cancellation once the lottery reservations have been allocated. Both processes can only be done through the website www.recreation.gov or by calling Reserve America at 877-444-6777. Cancellations need to be made no later than 15 days prior to launch. Self-Issue River Permits are required for the entire river corridor during the secondary season, but do not require an advance reservation. They can be self-issued at any river portal. Get Permit
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater