Attractions

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Snake River in Hells Canyon

The most spectacular way to experience Hells Canyon is on the Snake River. Commercial jet-boat and float trips are available throughout the year. You will see North America's deepest gorge from the bottom up! Enjoy the rugged, rocky beauty of the vast canyon - spot wildlife and birds of prey, and just relax on the white sandy beaches

For a real thrill, hook into the prehistoric sturgeon ranging up to ten feet in size! Some of these fish are estimated to be over 100 years old.

Sturgeon are on a catch and release basis only, but there are plenty of small mouth bass, rainbow trout, and channel catfish to keep for your dinner!

Visit the historic Kirkwood Museum within Hells Canyon National Recreation Area which displays the area's rich culture and archaeology. Learn about the Nez Perce Indians, homesteaders, and Chinese miners that once enjoyed the multitude of resources in this wild country.

Viewpoints Of Hells Canyon

There are two scenic drives available which offer views of Hells Canyon and the Seven Devils mountains. Both are USFS maintained roads and are well worth the time and effort.

Drive #1 is a nice loop drive. To get there drive one-half mile north of Riggins on U.S. Highway 95 to the Race Creek Road (#241) and turn left (west). At Iron Phone Junction, take Road #2060 to the Saw Pit and Low Saddle viewpoints, then loop back to Iron Phone Junction.

Drive #2 takes you to Heavens Gate Lookout. To get there, drive one-half mile south of Riggins on U.S. Highway 95 to the Squaw Creek Road and turn right (west). A 19-mile drive takes you to the lookout, campground facilities and the Hells Canyon Wilderness. From there see breathtaking views of the Seven Devils Mountains, Hells Canyon, and four states-Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana.

Backcountry Packing

Rapid River Salmon Hatchery

In a picturesque canyon, seven miles southwest of Riggins lies the Rapid River Salmon hatchery. Every spring in May, thousands of big Chinook salmon start coming back to Rapid River to spawn. They are stopped by an artificial barrier about a mile downstream from the hatchery and lured into a trap. The fish are sorted at this point, and the adult salmon are taken to the hatchery. There, they are held in a large pond until late August when their eggs mature, and they are ready to spawn.

In 1964 Idaho Power Company constructed the hatchery to preserve Chinook salmon that had been blocked out of natural spawning streams by the construction of dams along the Snake River. Idaho Power Company owns and funds the operation of the hatchery and works cooperatively with Idaho Department of Fish and Game who supply trained personnel. It is one of several hatcheries owned by Idaho Power Company as part of their fish conservation efforts.

The hatchery crew welcomes visitors. There is always something of interest to see and the staff are happy to show you around. The people of Riggins are proud of this effort to maintain the "River of No Return" as one of the finest salmon streams in the world.