Hells Canyon -

WHITEWATER-HUB

Hells Canyon, Snake River

North Americas Deepest Canyon

Rafting Hells Canyon on the Snake River—the deepest river gorge in North America along the Idaho-Oregon border—offers a thrilling multi-day trip (79-81 miles from Hells Canyon Dam to Heller Bar) through towering basalt cliffs, grassy slopes, and abundant wildlife like bighorn sheep, eagles, and elk. The run features mostly Class II-III rapids with standout Class IV drops at Wild Sheep (big waves and holes) and Granite Rapid (technical chutes and heavy hydraulics), plus serene flatwater for hiking, fishing, swimming, and beach camping. A highlight is the famous Green Room in Granite Rapid, which opens at higher flows (around 19,000 cfs+), allowing boaters to punch into a massive, curling emerald wave that engulfs the raft in a dramatic, room-sized crash of green water for an unforgettable adrenaline rush. This remote, big-water classic rewards experienced boaters with stunning isolation and powerful, scenic whitewater.

River Class / Skill Level

• Class: III–IV whitewater with large wave trains and powerful rapids.

• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced boaters should be comfortable in big water.

Season / Permits / Weather

• Boating Season: May through September.

• Permit Required: Yes — permits issued by the U.S. Forest Service.

• Best Time to Run: June through August for warm weather and steady flows.

• Weather: Hot summer days with warm river temperatures.

Water Levels / River Character

• Typical Flow Range: ~10,000–40,000 cfs depending on upstream releases.

• Low Water: Technical maneuvering in rapids.

• Optimal Flows: 15,000–30,000 cfs provides classic wave trains and powerful hydraulics.

• High Water: Fast current and extremely large waves in major rapids.

• Special Considerations: One of the deepest river gorges in North America.

Put-In / Take-Out

• Standard Put-In: Hells Canyon Dam Boat Ramp.

• Standard Take-Out: Pittsburg Landing.

• Trip Length: Approximately 32 miles, typically run in 3–4 days.

River Trip Launch Pad

Essential links for permits, conditions, maps, shuttles and gear before you hit the road.