The Snake River forms Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, as well as the boarder between Oregon and Idaho. A rafting trip down the Snake is a journey through a land rich with geological wonder and myth. The Nez Perce and Shoshoni Indians made this river basin their home and created elaborate legends to describe their surroundings. One Nez Perce story claims that Hells Canyon was dug out by a coyote with a stick that was looking to protect his ancestors in Oregon’s Blue Mountains from the “Seven Devils” across the gorge.

In the canyon’s more recent history, it was protected as a Wild & Scenic River in 1975, and additional legislation was passed that prohibited dam development, saving 100s of archaeological sites and rapids from flooding.

Rafters can expect rugged western scenery like steep rock walls, grassy slopes, and snow capped peaks that tower above the river in the distance. Look forward to seeing an array of wildlife including black bear, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, mountain goats, deer and beautiful birds. If you enjoy catching your own dinner, the warm waters in the summer time offer great opportunities for fishing white sturgeon, rainbow trout and small mouth bass.

With stunning mountain vistas, scenic glimpses into remote regions of the Idaho and Oregon wilderness, and exciting Class III and IV rapids, the Snake River is a classic rafting experience.