Hells Canyon Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
|
| Rating: |
Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 4.0 (1 rating) |
|
|
| |
Raps: No Shuttle:Optional |
|---|
| Location: |
|
|---|
| |
|---|
| Condition Reports: |
(log in to submit report)
|
|---|
Weather: |
|
|---|
| Best season: |
Mar-Apr | winter | | spring | | summer | | fall |
|---|
| Dec | Jan | Feb | | Mar | Apr | May | | Jun | Jul | Aug | | Sep | Oct | Nov |
|
| Regions: |
|
http://summitpost.org/hells-canyon/435758,https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29628
45.6187, -116.4636topo
GPS data automatically extracted from [], please visit their site for more detailed information.
Automatic GPS data extraction NOT allowed, please visit [] to download GPX.
| Welcome! Canyons in the Pacific Northwest can be different from those you might be used to. Be ready for unlinked bolts, retrievable traverse lines, and challenging aquatic environments. For more on local practices, and the best way to get started in the region, check out the WCC Safety page.
- Unlinked Bolts - groups should be comfortable rigging unlinked bolts, either temporarily linking them for all but the last person, or using a passive redundancy method. Most importantly, if you find two bolts side by side that are unlinked, do not add webbing to them. Linking bolts designed to be unlinked will likely cause damage during seasonal floods.
- Traverse Lines - many canyons are rigged to allow traverse line access to an exposed anchor station. This should be done using self-belay or team belay techniques. Do not leave fixed lines in the canyons.
- Challenging Environments - the highly aquatic nature of PNW canyons can surprise many. Cold temperatures, slippery rocks, loud waterfalls, and strong currents all lead to unexpected problems. Do not underestimate the need for strong team work and technical proficiency. Belays are frequently not possible. Unattended gear will sink or float away. Sliding and jumping is the cause of most major injuries, so it's critical to effectively communicating water depth & submerged hazards.
|
Introduction[edit]
Carved by the Snake River, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. It actually runs deeper than the Grand Canyon itself when measured rim to river.
- There are hiking trails on both sides of the river. A classic backpack route on the east side is the Idaho Snake River Trail. Many visitors do an out & back one night trip from Pittsburg Landing to Kirkwood Ranch (~12mi TR), although the trail continues south some 25mi (one-way) all the way to Granite Creek. The trail is not hiked as much on the southern end and can be faint / difficult to follow. Water shuttles can be hired for a one-way backpack trip or a means to cross the river. Trails on both sides are blasted out of the cliffs in places.
- Confusingly, the river serves as the boundary between Pacific and Mountain time, so it's an hour earlier on the west side.
- The best time of year to visit seems to be March-April. Trip reports warn of scorching temperatures in the summer months.
- Beware poison ivy, rattlesnakes, and ticks.
Approach[edit]
Descent[edit]
Red tape[edit]
None.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
45.6187, -116.4636
Search nearby locations
Weather forecast
Waterflow
SummitPost.org : Hells Canyon
