Hells Canyon Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Hells Canyon

Carved by the Snake River and bounded on the east by the Seven Devils Mountains and on the west by the Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon is as much as 8,000 feet deep and forms part of the border between Oregon and Idaho.

Most would agree the Grand Canyon is the most impressive natural wonder in the USA, but few people realize that it isn't the deepest canyon in the United States. That distinction goes to Hells Canyon, carved out by the Snake River, it is the deepest river-carved gorge in the world, averaging 6,600 feet in depth. A 67-mile stretch of the Snake at the bottom of this canyon is one of the nation's protected Wild and Scenic Rivers. In 1975, Congress established the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, comprising 650,000 acres of stunning vistas, archaeological sites with petroglyphs, and native ruins, as well as a mighty river thundering through rugged canyon lands. For a 40-mile stretch between Oregon and Idaho, the canyon averages just 10 miles in width, contrasting with its 5,500-6,100-foot depth along the same stretch. It's a hard place to get to, so be sure you check the local weather and road conditions before visiting the area. Also, it's a good idea to pack a snakebite kit as rattlesnakes are relatively common in this area.

Although it's not quite as spectacular a sight as the Grand Canyon, neither is it as crowded. Because there is so little road access to Hells Canyon, it is one of the least-visited national recreation areas in the West. It therefore gives an almost unsurpassable awe inspiring experience and without the tourist commercialism that effects the Grand Canyon.

The Hells Canyon area boasts a range of outdoor activities, but because of blazing hot temperatures in summer, when this rugged gorge lives up to its name, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Despite the heat, though, boating, swimming, and fishing are all popular in the summer.

The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway winds its way along the east side of this massive rift that separates Idaho from its neighbour, Oregon. While the view from the road is breathtaking, a guided float trip or jetboat tour is a must. Towering cliffs of black and green basalt hang so high above the Snake River and its sandy beaches that boaters strain their necks to see out in places.

The interior of Hells Canyon is a rugged wilderness framed by basalt cliffs. From Idaho's Seven Devils Wilderness to the Snake River in Hells Canyon you'll find areas that replicate most of North America's ecological zones. Cheatgrass, primroses, sunflowers, and prickly pear cactus are included in the canyon's varied botany. Bear, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, otters, and chukhar partridges are frequently seen here. Many outfitters can steer you to the canyon's pictographs, which some sources place at 10,000 years of age. In addition to Chief Joseph and his Nez Percé tribe, the area was also occupied by miners and pioneers, as turn-of-the-century log cabins and shacks attest.

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Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
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The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

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