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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Hells Canyon Wilderness (map) in 1975 and it now has a total of 214,944 acres. Idaho contains approximately 83,811 acres. Oregon contains approximately 131,133 acres. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service.

Description

Managed by the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA), Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, the HCNRA is composed of 652,488 acres straddling the border of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. Split into two distinct halves by the Wild & Scenic Snake River, approximately one-third of HCNRA has been designated Wilderness. A small portion of the Wilderness in Oregon is managed by the BLM (see Oregon, Hells Canyon Wilderness).

The Idaho side of the Wilderness, which lies in parts of Nez Perce and Payette National Forests, is smaller than the Oregon side. The main Idaho-side trailheads start at Black Lake, Windy Saddle, and Pittsburg Landing. From Pittsburg Landing, the Snake River National Scenic Trail follows 31 miles of the river on the Idaho side.

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. Major trailheads include; Buck Creek, PO Saddle, Hat Point, Warnock Corral, and Dug Bar. 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.

Planning to Visit the Hells Canyon Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service
• Visit the National Forest wilderness website

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Hells Canyon Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.