Hells Canyon
on the Snake River in Idaho is the
deepest river gorge in North America, straddling the borders of Idaho
and Oregon. According to Nez Perce Indian legend, the mythical figure
"coyote" dug Hells Canyon with
a big stick to protect the Indians' ancestors in Oregon's Blue
Mountains from the "Seven Devils" across the gorge in
Idaho.
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These two river men are
holding the handles of 28' sweeps on a 40' wooden scow, a boat design
that migrated to Idaho from the Mississippi where "flatboats" or "broadhorns" were
used a hundred years earlier. Herman Work photo, 1913.
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Our Snake
River rafting adventures through Hells
Canyon are journeys through a land rich in myth and geologic
wonder. Running from south to north, the Snake
River in Hells Canyon cuts through some of the most rugged,
spectacular landscape on earth. Where boulders and rock slides have
rolled into the river, we find the biggest white water rafting rapids
in the Pacific Northwest. High-crested waves and paddle-swallowing
holes drench us in excitement.
Between the rapids on the Snake
River, there's plenty of time to kick back and marvel at the
snow-capped peaks towering over a mile above us. Below are mountains
of golden grass and pine forests. Our thoughts may be interrupted by
a soaring eagle, ambling bear or wild mountain goat.
Many come to raft the Snake River
because of the bountiful fishing for trout, small mouth bass and
North America's largest freshwater fish, the white sturgeon. Others
come to learn more about the pioneers who homestead here and to see
the well-preserved Indian rock art. Everyone enjoys swimming in the
near 70-degree water.
Whatever your interests, the best
way to see all of Hells Canyon is our 6-day trip. But, if you don't
have time, our shorter Snake River rafting holidays are also a great
option.
