How deep is Hells Canyon?

Hells Canyon is 8,000 feet deep in places. The average depth is more like a mile – 5,280 feet. At any rate, it is 9,393 feet elevation at He Devil Mountain in the Hells Canyon Wilderness of Idaho, and from 1,000 to 800 feet down on the river.



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And let's not forget the tale of the tape. Canyons are defined by depth, and in North America there is none deeper than Hells Canyon. At its lowest, the Snake River sinks an astonishing 7,993 feet beneath the canyon rim, nearly 2,000 feet deeper than the “Grand” Canyon.

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The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Tibet, a region of southwestern China, was formed over millions of years by the Yarlung Zangbo River. This canyon is the deepest in the world—at some points extending more than 5,300 meters (17,490 feet) from top to bottom.

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With its soaring granite cliffs and the south fork of the Kings River meandering through the canyon floor, this spectacular gorge is the second deepest canyon in the United States (only Hells Canyon in Oregon, Idaho, Washington at 7993ft.

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The name Hells Canyon is believed to come from the difficult and rugged journey through the terrain by boat. The first known reference to it as Hells Canyon is in the 1895 edition of H.W. McCurdy's “Marine History of the Pacific Northwest.”

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To make a float reservation: Visit www.recreation.gov. In the search window, type in Hells Canyon - Snake River (4 Rivers) From there, you can check dates that are available and read a description of the river, restrictions, required and allowable uses, and information about the lottery system.

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Deepest Gorge in North America Carved by the great Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges more than a mile below Oregon's west rim, and 8,000 feet below snowcapped He Devil Peak of Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains.

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Top 10 Largest Canyons in the US
  • Grand Canyon, Arizona.
  • Palo Duro Canyon, Texas.
  • Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
  • Columbia River Gorge, Oregon.
  • Royal Gorge Canyon, Colorado.
  • Hells Canyon, Oregon & Idaho.
  • Kings Canyon, California.
  • Death Valley, California.


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WILD RIVER RESERVATIONS – from Hells Canyon Dam to Upper Pittsburg Landing – are required for the issuance of a trip permit, seven days a week during the primary season. There are three private permit launches each day.

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Most of the rapids Hells Canyon are classified as a Class III and Class IV, which means you're in for a wild ride and you're definitely getting wet. The two most intense rapids are at the beginning of the trip. Both are Class IVs.

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Wildlife is abundant in Hells Canyon Wilderness. Black bear, cougar, elk, deer, mountain goat, chukar, and bighorn sheep are common.

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With its soaring granite cliffs and the south fork of the Kings River meandering through the canyon floor, this spectacular gorge is the second deepest canyon in the United States (only Hells Canyon in Oregon, Idaho, Washington at 7993ft. Is deeper), with a maximum depth ranging from 7,700 feet to 8,200 feet.

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Kings Canyon National Park features terrain similar to Yosemite Valley and is home to the deepest canyon in the United States with a depth of more than a mile and a half! Though technically two distinct parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are administered as one park (and only one entrance fee is required.)

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