Hells Canyon Wilderness is a rugged and remote area in eastern Oregon, featuring deep canyons, rushing rivers, and diverse wildlife.
The Hells Canyon Wilderness is located in the northeastern part of Oregon, near the border with Idaho. It encompasses over 217,000 acres of rugged terrain, including deep canyons, steep cliffs, and rushing rivers. The area is known for its stunning beauty and remote wilderness, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the untamed wilderness of the region.
One of the most striking features of the Hells Canyon Wilderness is Hells Canyon itself, which is the deepest river gorge in North America, deeper than even the Grand Canyon. The Snake River flows through the canyon, creating a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and rocky outcroppings. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and a wide range of bird species.
The Hells Canyon Wilderness is an important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The area's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, including several species that are considered threatened or endangered. The wilderness also plays a crucial role in protecting water quality and providing clean drinking water for nearby communities. Additionally, the area is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, attracting visitors from around the world who come to hike, camp, and explore the rugged beauty of the region.
Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America, plunging more than a mile below the surrounding peaks. The canyon offers stunning views, rugged terrain, and a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and rafting.
The Snake River flows through Hells Canyon, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including steelhead, salmon, and trout.
There are numerous hiking trails in Hells Canyon Wilderness, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Popular trails include the Hat Point Trail, which offers sweeping views of the canyon, and the Snake River Trail, which follows the river through the rugged landscape.
There are several campgrounds in Hells Canyon Wilderness, as well as backcountry camping opportunities for those looking to truly get away from it all. Campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness, as well as stunning night skies free from light pollution.
Hells Canyon Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, black bears, and elk. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and golden eagles. The remote and rugged terrain of the wilderness provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Description: Looking for some space? How about 218,000 acres of wilderness spanning across two Western states for your #mypubliclandsroadtrip? That is exactly what the Hells Canyon Wilderness offers in northeast Oregon and western Idaho. Much of the area is split by the Wild and Scenic Snake River, too. On the Oregon side, the higher elevation areas are characteristic of rocky slopes and grasslands laced with ‘stringer canyons’ and groves composed of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. The lower elevations are dominated by grassland benches with steep canyons and ravines dissecting the isolated Oregon-side. Two National trails are found at various elevations: Western Rim/Summit Ridge Recreation Trail at the upper elevation; and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail near the Snake River. And the wilderness is known to be home to Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and chukar. The wilderness is so big, it is jointly managed with the U.S. Forest Service. Recently, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest obtained BLM wild horses from Nevada that were trained to be pack animals in the rugged wilderness area!
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Looking for some space? How about 218,000 acres of wilderness spanning across two Western states for your #mypubliclandsroadtrip? That is exactly what the Hells Canyon Wilderness offers in northeast Oregon and western Idaho. Much of the area is split by the Wild and Scenic Snake River, too. On the Oregon side, the higher elevation areas are characteristic of rocky slopes and grasslands laced with ‘stringer canyons’ and groves composed of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. The lower elevations are dominated by grassland benches with steep canyons and ravines dissecting the isolated Oregon-side. Two National trails are found at various elevations: Western Rim/Summit Ridge Recreation Trail at the upper elevation; and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail near the Snake River. And the wilderness is known to be home to Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and chukar. The wilderness is so big, it is jointly managed with the U.S. Forest Service. Recently, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest obtained BLM wild horses from Nevada that were trained to be pack animals in the rugged wilderness area!
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Looking for some space? How about 218,000 acres of wilderness spanning across two Western states for your #mypubliclandsroadtrip? That is exactly what the Hells Canyon Wilderness offers in northeast Oregon and western Idaho. Much of the area is split by the Wild and Scenic Snake River, too. On the Oregon side, the higher elevation areas are characteristic of rocky slopes and grasslands laced with ‘stringer canyons’ and groves composed of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. The lower elevations are dominated by grassland benches with steep canyons and ravines dissecting the isolated Oregon-side. Two National trails are found at various elevations: Western Rim/Summit Ridge Recreation Trail at the upper elevation; and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail near the Snake River. And the wilderness is known to be home to Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and chukar. The wilderness is so big, it is jointly managed with the U.S. Forest Service. Recently, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest obtained BLM wild horses from Nevada that were trained to be pack animals in the rugged wilderness area!
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: The 9,900-acre Hell's Canyon Wilderness lies 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona in Maricopa and Yavapai counties. Consisting of a scenic portion of the Hieroglyphic Mountain Range, the most prominent peaks are Garfias Mountain (elevation 3,381 feet) and Hellgate Mountain (elevation 3,339 feet). Other peaks, most over 3,000 feet in elevation, encircle Burro Flats, effectively isolating the flats from the surrounding countryside. Most of the wilderness is covered by Sonoran desert shrub vegetation saguaro, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and desert grasses. Several mountains with cliffs offer climbing, and the canyons offer opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Primitive camping spots are abundant, and plants, animals, and geology provide photographic and viewing opportunities." Learn more: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hel... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: The 9,900-acre Hell's Canyon Wilderness lies 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona in Maricopa and Yavapai counties. Consisting of a scenic portion of the Hieroglyphic Mountain Range, the most prominent peaks are Garfias Mountain (elevation 3,381 feet) and Hellgate Mountain (elevation 3,339 feet). Other peaks, most over 3,000 feet in elevation, encircle Burro Flats, effectively isolating the flats from the surrounding countryside. Most of the wilderness is covered by Sonoran desert shrub vegetation saguaro, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and desert grasses. Several mountains with cliffs offer climbing, and the canyons offer opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Primitive camping spots are abundant, and plants, animals, and geology provide photographic and viewing opportunities." Learn more: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hel... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: The United States Congress designated the Hells Canyon Wilderness in 1975 and it now has a total of 217,927 acres. Idaho contains approximately 83,811 acres. Oregon contains approximately 134,116 acres. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. Hells Canyon Wilderness is a subset of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA), which straddles the border of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. Split into two distinct halves by the Wild & Scenic Snake River, approximately one-third of HCNRA is designated Wilderness. A small portion of the Wilderness in Oregon is managed by the BLM. The Idaho side of the Wilderness is smaller than the Oregon side and encompasses the Seven Devils mountain range. The Wilderness stretches South from Pittsburg Landing for approximately 31 miles along the Snake River. On the Oregon side, the higher elevation areas are characteristic of rocky slopes and grasslands laced with 'stringer canyons' and groves composed of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. The lower elevations are dominated by grassland benches with steep canyons and ravines dissecting the isolated Oregon-side. Two National trails are found at various elevations: Western Rim/Summit Ridge Recreation Trail at the upper elevation, and Nez Perce Historic Trail near the Snake River. Species of interest are Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and chukar. Additional information about the Hells Canyon Wilderness, and all the other BLM Wilderness areas in Oregon/Washington, is available online at: www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/wilderness2.php
Image by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: The Hells Canyon Wilderness, which straddles the Snake River in northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, United States
Image by U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Hells Canyon Wilderness panorama.
Image by US Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Hells Canyon Wilderness Area (9,951 acre) is a portion of the Hieroglyphic Mountains. The most prominent peaks are Garfias Mountain at 3,381 feet (1,030.5 m) and Hellgate Mountain at 3,339 feet (1,017.7 m). Other peaks, most over 3,000 feet (910 m) in elevation, encircle Burro Flats, effectively isolating the flats from the surrounding countryside. Popular recreational activities in Hells Canyon Wilderness include rock climbing, hiking, wildlife watching, and camping.
Image by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: The United States Congress designated the Hells Canyon Wilderness in 1975 and it now has a total of 217,927 acres. Idaho contains approximately 83,811 acres. Oregon contains approximately 134,116 acres. Hells Canyon primarily managed by the U.S. Forest Service with approximately 940-acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Hells Canyon Wilderness is a subset of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA), which straddles the border of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. Split into two distinct halves by the Wild & Scenic Snake River, approximately one-third of HCNRA is designated Wilderness. A small portion of the Wilderness in Oregon is managed by the BLM. The Idaho side of the Wilderness is smaller than the Oregon side and encompasses the Seven Devils mountain range. The Wilderness stretches south from Pittsburg Landing for approximately 31 miles along the Snake River. On the Oregon side, the higher elevation areas are characteristic of rocky slopes and grasslands laced with 'stringer canyons' and groves composed of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. The lower elevations are dominated by grassland benches with steep canyons and ravines dissecting the isolated Oregon-side. Two National trails are found at various elevations: Western Rim/Summit Ridge Recreation Trail at the upper elevation, and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail near the Snake River. Species of interest are Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and chukar. The Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands, also known as the National Landscape Conservation System, contain some of the West's most spectacular landscapes. It includes over 886 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres that include Wilderness areas. With the passage of the Omnibus Public Land Act in March 2009, the BLM now manages eight Wilderness Areas across nearly 247,000 acres in Oregon. The BLM also manages one Wilderness Area in Washington covering 7,142 acres. In addition, the BLM currently protects wilderness values on 82 Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and five Instant Study Areas in Oregon totaling more than 2.6 million acres and one WSA in Washington totaling 5,557 acres. Wilderness is Congressionally-designated piece land that is managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964 to "…secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness." Wilderness areas are places where natural processes take precedent; areas managed so that nature remains substantially unchanged by human use. Rugged trails provide the only access into wilderness, and travel is restricted to foot or horseback. This map will allow you to plan your trip, navigate the wilderness, and enjoy its solitude and splendor. Before you head out to this area be sure you know how to use a map and compass. To learn a little more about map and compass navigation check out our video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6pIxovHLYM The Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management Public Room has available for sale a wide range of publications, maps, and recreation guides - both online and in person. Pick out the kind of map you want and follow the "Purchase Online" link to buy your map! www.blm.gov/or/onlineservices/maps/
Image by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia