The HELLS CANYON area was once homet to the NEZ PERCE and the SHOSHONE tribes. There is still evidence today of the people of long ago all along the rivers edge.
Today boaters can explore the canyon's many archaeological sites and old homesteads.
The SNAKE RIVER is said to have gotten it's name from the first white explorers who misinterpreted the Shoshone people who identified themselves in sign language by moving their hands in a snake-like motion...But instead of referring to a snake, they were saying that they lived near the river.
There are many stories of how Hells Canyon. It is said that in 1895 MCCURDY'S MARINE HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST came out with a story of the voyage of the steamboat Norma. Tha author writes: "She then bounded off, swinging into midstream and, like a racehouse, shot into the Hell Canyon."...
Hells Canyoun starts 90 miles south of LEWISTON, IDAHO and extends 40 miles further south to a point near OXBOW, OREGON.
The canyon is mostly public land, and much of it is disignated wilderness. Few roads enter the canyon, and the ones that do exist usually require 4-wheel drive. There are several hiking trails that follow the river and climb the side creeks.
River flows are at it's highest during March and April, and drop in the summer. Releases from the Hells Canyon Dam fluctuate widely, so it's best to camp above river. FISHING
is good!! Trout, Catfish, and Bass are the best. Fishing for white sturgeon is catch-and-release.
RAFTING is popular, but it is advised that if you want to try the big rapids at the start of the run, you should be highly skilled. PITTSBURG LANDING is a good area to start, and no permit is required. Other areas along the canyon will require a permit from the Friday before Memorial Day through Sept 10th, and thre is only a brief period in which you may apply for the permit. Click here for more information on boating permits.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sc/recreation/4rivers/ The time in which you need to apply for a 2007 permit is coming soon.
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