Hells Canyon

Illustration: An aerial view of Hells Canyon, where the Snake
River runs through near Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho.

 Westward-bound pioneers named it Hells Canyon because it was so deep it seemed to reach down to the center of the earth. Carved through volcanic rock by the snake river, the canyon has walls that rise as high as 7,900 feet, making it the deepest gorge in America. It was impossible to cross, so the pioneers turned south, skirting the chasm on their way to the Oregon country. Today this 125 mile long gorge is still impossible to cross. No bridge has ever spanned the gap. No road leads through it.

Each year, however, thousands of adventurous visitors ride rafts and jet boats down the Snake and through the canyon. They hang on tightly through some of the Snake's wildest rapids. When the river widend and slows down, visitors get the chance to relax and look up at the spectacular cliffs that line the gorge, which is less than 100 feet wide in places. The rock walls glow with shades of yellow, red, and orange.

visitors can go ashore to see ancient Indian rock drawings and abandoned pioneer cabins. Some sections of the gorge are thickly wooded areas and are home to wildcats, bears, and other animals. Eagles soar overhead. The canyon also offers some of the worlds finest fishing.

DID YOU KNOW....In 1975, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area was established to protect the gorge's wildlife and historical and archaeological sites. It's 652,500 acres include surronding mountains.

---

---

This site and its contents, text and graphics unless otherwise posted are copyright (c) 2002
G. Stevens/Design Unlimited - All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be distributed, reproduced or transmitted or posted
in any manner without the express written permission of the authors.

A Special Thanks To Groiler Books.

BACK