Hiking the Snake River in Hells Canyon

Human history in Hells Canyon dates back at least 10,000 years and the people that we call the Shoshone and Nez Perce lived there until the late 1800s. We’ll visit a number of their rock art and ancient dwelling sites. Your guides have an intimate knowledge of these people and will share their history, mythology, and archaeology. In 1877, Chief Joseph crossed the Snake while trying to lead his people to freedom. Listening to this story today, it will be easy for you to picture this amazing scene, with dozens of Indians and horses swimming the river. 

You’ll also discover a grand variety of flora and fauna. Hells Canyon is the home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats, mule, deer, elk, black bear, otter and numerous smaller mammals. As well, Golden Eagles, hawks, and falcons soar in the skies above, while ducks and other waterfowl swim in the river. Numerous songbirds live in the thick brush along the tributary creeks. The land is fairly arid and slopes are covered with Ponderosa Pines, mountain mahogany, bunchgrass, and ninebark.   Along the many side creeks, you’ll see netleaf hackberry, aspen, willow, bitterbrush, bittercherry, serviceberry, and Bartonberry. 

Luxury Camping and Weather:

Camping conditions on the Snake are ideal. In April, May, and early June, it is usually between 70-85 degrees during the day, while at night it cools to 60-75. It rarely rains, but when it does it freshens the air and often provides a dramatic thundershower. There are no mosquitoes. Our camps are either on flat benches beneath pine trees or on sandy beaches. The water is about 60 degrees, so bathing and swimming at camp are usually quite popular. September and October trips can expect cooler morning temperatures and cooler river water. People who enjoy fishing will find trout, smallmouth bass, and sturgeon in the river. Typically the fishing is excellent. 

Meals:

Our days begin with a breakfast feast on which you can freely indulge; knowing you'll need the calories as the day passes. We leave camp and look forward to a day with constantly changing scenery and glorious views.

As the sunsets, hors d' oeuvres are served, and soon thereafter, dinner. The quality of our food reflects the quality of the wilderness environment in Hells Canyon. We hand-select the freshest fruits and vegetables we can find and pack them carefully in huge ice-coolers. Likewise, these coolers carry fresh dairy products and meats. From these ingredients, we prepare bountiful, healthy meals. Cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice and served with broccoli with Béarnaise sauce. Baked Salmon stuffed with shrimp in white sauce, served with green beans and Idaho mashed potatoes. Juicy rib-eye steak or made-on-the-river lasagna are a couple of other possible entrees. Big salads of vegetables and fruit add color and variety to every meal. Desserts are made each evening in our Dutch ovens and range from double fudge brownies to pineapple upside-down cake. And, we always have plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold.

Trip Logistics:

Trips limited to 14 walkers. On some trips, we may have rafters along as well, in any case, the maximum trip size is 19 plus guides. Typically our average trip is 9-10 plus guides. Dates other than those shown on our schedule may be available. Please call our talented Adventure Consultants for more information! 

In order to minimize your driving time to and from the river, we start our trip in Cambridge, Idaho (two hours northwest of Boise) and end in Lewiston, Idaho. ROW provides transportation from the Boise airport to Cambridge, Idaho for the start of your trip and then to Lewiston, Idaho after the river trip.

Driving:

Drive to Cambridge and pay the owners of the Frontier Motel to arrange a driver to drive your car north while you're on the river. On all trips, your car will go to White Bird for approximately $120 or our actual take-out at Pittsburg Landing for approximately $155. 

Ending Points:

If your car was shuttled, it will either be at our take-out point or in the town of White Bird (we take you there on our bus). If you flew to Boise, we’ll transport you by van or bus to Lewiston, 3 hours north, arriving at around 5:30 pm. We recommend that you plan to spend the night in Lewiston at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel. They’ll take you to the airport the next morning
ROW is proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider and employer under permit from Salmon, Payette, Boise, and Challis National Forests.  All our operations and facilities are operated on a non-discriminatory basis. ROW Inc. is bonded and licensed by the State of Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board.