Hells Canyon - Snake River (4 Rivers)
Wallowa Whitman National Forest
The mighty Snake River winds its way through Hells Canyon, the deepest river-carved gorge in North America. The river flows north through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) and forms the boundary between Idaho and Oregon. Although the Recreation Area includes portions of the Nez Perce, Payette, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, it is managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Within the HCNRA, the Hells Canyon Wilderness comprises nearly 215,000 acres. The Snake River flows through and is adjacent to this Wilderness. Wildlife thrives here, so bring your binoculars as common sights range from big horn sheep to the great blue heron. The Snake River is also home to the sturgeon, Chinook salmon, trophy steelhead trout and more.
The 31.5-mile section of the river between Hells Canyon Dam and Upper Pittsburg Landing is designated as the Wild river section. Rapids vary from Class II to Class V. At the mouth of Granite Creek rapids, approximately seven miles downstream from Hells Canyon Dam, the river elevation is 1,480 feet. The canyon depth here is 7,913 feet when measured from He Devil Mountain, towering over Idaho’s Seven Devils range at 9,393 feet.
The 36-mile section of the river downstream from Upper Pittsburg Landing to River Mile 180.2 is designated Scenic, however, shorelines are largely undeveloped. This river section ends at the HCNRA boundary at the Oregon- Washington state line. Heller Bar is river mile 168.5 and is the last public boat launch and landing area. The closest town that includes public amenities from Heller Bar is Asotin, Washington.
Hells Canyon Creek Recreation Site is the launching point for float trips. This site, 23 miles north of Oxbow, OR, is accessible year round via a paved Idaho Power Company road and is located 3/4-mile downstream from Hells Canyon Dam. During the summer, a staffed visitor information station with interpretive exhibits and a small theater provides river users and other visitors with information about the river and Hells Canyon.
Notifications and Alerts
Hells Canyon - Snake River (4 Rivers) will begin accepting float applications beginning December 1st, 2026 through January 31st, 2027.
Permit & Season Information
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Human waste carry-out system (reusable, sealable and leak proof)
Personal floatation device (for all passengers)
firepan
Invasive species permit/sticker (Oregon or Idaho acceptable)
The HCNRA requires reservations during the Primary season which is from the Friday preceding Memorial Day through September 10th each year. In 2027 those dates are May 28nd through September 10th. Reservations are only available through Recreation.gov.
SCENIC floats launching from Pittsburg are limited to 2 per day on Friday and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays during the Primary season and self-issue Self-issue Monday through Thursday during the Primary season and self-issue during all of the Secondary season. You can secure boats tags and the permit through the Clarkston, Washington Snake River office (509)758-0616 or by a launch officer at the Pittsburg portal.
Need to Know
To be eligible, you must not be under current penalty for a no-show or late cancellation on this river.
Permit holder must be 18 years old by the launch date.
Permit holder will sign a permit affirming that they have read and understand the definition of a private float boat trip.
Reserved trips must be initiated on the permitted start date. The permit must be signed, dated, and placed in a permit box or given to a Launch Officer on the date of the reservation.
A NO SHOW is when a Primary Season reservation is not used and not canceled. To avoid a NO SHOW, notice of cancellation must be received a minimum of seven days from the permitted start date.
Portable toilet systems are required. All solid human waste (fecal matter) must be carried out using a dedicated toilet system that is reusable, washable, and watertight. You will be asked to show your toilet system before initiating your boat trip.
Each person on a power or float boat must have a personal flotation device (PFD). Children 12 years or younger must always wear a PFD while a power or float boat is underway. You will be asked to show one PFD for each passenger.
Wood fueled for campfires is prohibited from June 1 –September 30.
Do not cut or gather firewood within a ¼ mile of the river, year-round.
A fire pan is required to contain camp and/or cooking fires and ashes.
All ashes and other fire residue must be packed out.
All garbage, including micro trash, must be packed out. Do not use soap, detergent, or other pollutant in the river. Strain dishwater and dispose of it 100 feet from the outer edge of camp.
Permit holder will sign a permit affirming that they have read and understand the definition of a private float boat trip.
Party size cannot exceed 24 people.
Limit of eight float craft per float party.
Reservation identification tags must be attached to the bow and displayed by each float boat during the Primary Season.
Operating a kicker motor in the Wild Section (Hells Canyon Creek Launch to Upper Pittsburg Landing) is prohibited, except in case of emergency. Use of a kicker in the Scenic Section requires a valid boat registration number.
All archeological artifacts and natural features must be left intact and undisturbed.
Groups shall observe all local, State and Federal laws and regulations.
Call Idaho Power Company's Snake River information line at (800) 422-3143 for current and projected flow information.
Primary Season - Wild Section (Hells Canyon Creek launch to Upper Pittsburg Landing): Max of three days and two nights per campsite. Camping at Upper Granite, Lower Granite, or Oregon Hole is limited to one night per trip.
Primary Season - Lower Section (Upper Pittsburg Landing to Cache Creek): Max of four days and three nights per campsite.
Groups will carry and display their permit upon the request of any Forest Officer.
Refer to the Snake River Rules and Regulations for more information about permits, float craft, non-motorized periods, camping and general rules.
Watch the below videos before you go for addition river etiquette information!
Hells Canyon Jet Boat and Float Boat River Etiquette Video
Hells Canyon Camping Etiquette Video
Fee Policy
The Reservation/Application fee ($6.00) is non-refundable. This fee must be paid on Recreation.gov using a credit card.
Recreation Fees
There are no per person recreation fees for a Snake River permit.
Cancellation Policy
Change Policy
The permit is non-transferable. Call the Snake River office at (509) 758-0616 if you have questions about your situation.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot make a trip, you must always submit a cancellation on the reservation system. To submit your cancellation, please go to your existing reservation with Recreation.gov and follow the instructions.
You should send the cancellation no later than 15 days prior to your launch date to avoid any issues or being flagged as a “no show.”
The 15-day advance notice requirement may be waived in cases due to extreme water conditions. Regardless, a cancellation must be submitted. Failure to provide timely cancellation will trigger a “no-show penalty.” This “no-show” penalty will impact your eligibility to get a permit for one year.
The $6.00 application/reservation fee is non-refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
4200 Hells Canyon Dam Road, Oxbow, OR 97840. PO Box 699 Oxbow OR 97840
Phone Number
Hells Canyon Launch : 541-785-3395 ~ Snake River Administrative Office 509-758-0616
