Month: May 2020

Hells Canyon Wilderness is a part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) that straddles the border of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, split in half by the Wild and Scenic Snake River.  The Idaho side boasts the Seven Devils mountain range, and is jointly managed by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, along with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. A small portion of the Wilderness in Oregon is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  Find out more about this and other wildernesses at Wilderness.net

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

Dispersed campsite with toilet.

Directions

From State Highway 14, turn south on Red River-Dixie Road #222 and continue past the Red River Ranger Station (now closed) and past Dixie Town approximately 5 miles.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 31′ 8.7600″ N

Longitude 115° 30′ 55.4400″ W

Camping pads are screened by trees. This site is good for large visitor parties. A small fishing and swimming pond located at campground, and there is easy access to Crooked River.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

Directions

From State Highway 14, turn south on Crooked River Road #233 and travel approximately 2.5 miles

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

Fenn Pond is located across from Fenn Ranger Station. It has an accessible trail and boardwalk. It is stocked with trout by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA accessible fishing access with fishing pier  

Directions

5 miles up the Selway River from Lowell, Idaho

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 46° 5′ 43.5840″ N

Longitude 115° 33′ 4.2120″ W

This overlook is thought by many to be the best view into Hells Canyon from Idaho. It is the highest viewpoint on the Idaho side at an elevation of 8429 feet. From this point, in addition to Hells Canyon, you also have a wonderful view of the Seven Devils Mountains. This area also has campgrounds and the main trailhead for the Seven Devils trail system is located at Windy Saddle.

Directions

Nineteen miles west of Riggins, Idaho off US Highway 95 on Forest Road 517. Allow a half day to reach the overlook on a very steep winding gravel road (Forest Road 517).

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 22′ 11.1612″ N

Longitude 116° 29′ 47.8572″ W

Forest Road 493 is a narrow, steep, gravel road to the Snake River within Hells Canyon. Once an expansive Native American village site, today Pittsburgh Landing is popular for river access and camping. Visit the Wallowa Whitman National Forest website for more information about the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Directions

From Highway 95 turn east into White Bird, ID then west onto county road toward Hammer Creek. Cross the river bridge and take an immediate left onto Forest Road 493.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 38′ 8.3364″ N

Longitude 116° 28′ 39.3204″ W

Enjoy a picnic along the Salmon River. Tables, restroom and fireplaces are provided.

Directions

11 miles up the Salmon River Road (Road #1614) from Riggins

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 25′ 37.0560″ N

Longitude 116° 9′ 37.5120″ W

A popular take-out point for floaters of the Salmon River, the Spring Bar Campground offers a boat launching ramp and 18 tent campsites. A table and fire ring are provided at all but two of the sites. Spring Bar is situated next to a relatively flat part of the Salmon River with the south end nestled in the shade of various fruit bearing trees. The surrounding area also provides for fishing, swimming, berry picking, and exploring. Wheelchair accessible picnic facilities are available at Allison Creek, to the west, and Riggins Hot Springs (not public lands) are across the river just west of the campground. No trailer hookups or RV dumps provided.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Picnicking

Directions

From Riggins go east 6.5 miles on Big Salmon Road then north on Forest Road 1614  for 4 miles.
 

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 25′ 52.0320″ N

Longitude 116° 8′ 33.2520″ W

Fish Creek Campground sits in the middle of a 4-season recreation area and offers 10 campsites that accommodate tents and recreational vehicles. There are two accessible toilets available. Paved concrete walks provide access to the Fish Creek Pavilion, water spigot, bulletin board, and a paved circular bonfire area. The paved parking lot provides access from the pavilion to the restrooms. A Camp Host is on site during the peak summer season. Many trails are available for a wide range of activities.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

Directions

From Grangeville, go south about 8 miles on Forest Road 221.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 51′ 29.5200″ N

Longitude 116° 4′ 38.8920″ W

Persons wanting to access Elk Mountain can expect to leave vehicles near Windy Saddle on Forest Road 285 and proceed on foot or horseback to the end of Road 285 and about 2 miles north on Trail 517. There is a toilet at Elk Mountain.

Directions

From State Highway 14, turn south onto Red River-Dixie Road #222. Follow Road #222 past Red River Ranger Station (now closed) to its junction with Nezperce Trail Road #468. Turn east onto Road #468 and follow it for 20 miles to its junction with Elk Mountain Road #285. Turn onto Road #285 and travel approximately 14 miles to Windy Saddle. Continue on foot or horseback approximately 2 miles to the end of the road. Continue north on Bilk Mountain Trail #517 approximately 3 miles to Elk Mountain.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 54′ 45.7200″ N

Longitude 115° 3′ 43.2000″ W