Like all of Salmon Raft’s river trips, your experience will begin at our Boathouse in McCall. Tents are spaced out along dirt trails, with plenty of privacy from other group members. Camp sites are usually accessed by a short hike through some rocks and dirt, but usually no more than a handful of steps from where we tie our boats off on shore. This offers a unique perspective as well as ample opportunities for some exploring right from camp. Instead of big, sandy beaches, we typically camp up on bluffs above the river. The camping in Hells Canyon is different than what you’ll find on the Lower Salmon River. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the canyon for over 10,000 years and we love to stop at all the historic sites to see homesteads turned into mini-museums and relax in old orchards to get a little shade break. One of the most special parts of Hells Canyon, aside from the powerful whitewater and awe-inspiring scenery, is the rich and unique history. Reeling in one of these beasts is often a group effort, and certainly a trip highlight. The canyon is also famous for its world class sturgeon fishing! These prehistoric fish range in size from about three to over ten feet long. Other species often caught in Hells Canyon include trout and catfish. Bass fishing is relatively straightforward and all of your gear is provided and included (you’ll just need a fishing license). Plus the pacing is ideal for mellow days with plenty of time to do all of the extra exploring that the canyon offers.įishing in Hells Canyon is unbeatable, with guests commonly catching a dozen or more smallmouth bass per day. The most popular way to experience Hells Canyon is in four days – you hit all the major whitewater, historic sites, most of the hikes, pictographs, and great sturgeon holes. Most of the big whitewater is found on the three and four-day trips, while the five-day trip option features the opportunity for one more hike, more fishing, and a longer time to fully unplug. We offer the Hells Canyon experience in three, four, or five-day trip options. With a restriction on the number of launches and regulation by the United States Forest Service, a permitted trip in Hells Canyon means prime campsite selection and limited river users. This would not be a fun place to take on ice! It often lifts around sunset.Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is protected as a Designated Wild and Scenic river section. I have spent many a low-visibility hours at Pullman waiting for winter fog and low clouds to clear. If you can get down to Lewiston under the deck, you can usually break out above the Snake River just before Hells Canyon. The route nearly always has some challenging twists, especially the low clouds that move in and out of the Pullman area. Another route would be to the west on the other side of the Wallowas via Walla Walla, La Grande and Baker City. On the opposite side would be the Wallowa Mountains being lost in the glare of the sunset. Missoula would be one escape route if the weather turned sour southward. This photo is taken near the Seven Devils looking towards Missoula at 11,500 feet. So, descriptions of memories will have to suffice on a few.Ī recent trip over Hells Canyon in late fall with rising full moon between Pullman (KPUW), Washington, and Nampa (KMAN), Idaho, will most definitely make the cut for top 10 flights. It’s difficult to photograph while piloting in awe. In the meantime, I’ll just throw them out there as I think of them. Someday, I may go thru my log book and photo collection and attempt to rate my top 10 flights.
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