How old is Hells Canyon?

The geologic history of the rocks of Hells Canyon begins 300 million years ago with an arc of volcanoes that emerged from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Over million of years, the volcanoes subsided and limestone built up on the underwater platforms. The basins between them were filled with sedimentary rock.



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Three members of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition approached the Hells Canyon area in 1806 but turned back before they could see how deep the gorge was. In 1811, another group of white settlers encountered the canyon while trying to find a shortcut to the Columbia River.

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The canyon didn't get its name from its depth, though. It was actually often referred to as Box Canyon or Snake River Canyon by early explorers. The name Hells Canyon is believed to come from the difficult and rugged journey through the terrain by boat.

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From the top of the Seven Devils Mountains to the deepest part of the Snake River, Hells Canyon is nearly 8,000 feet deep. That's almost 2,000 feet deeper than the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona.

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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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The “Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon” is the largest and deepest canyon in the world. The canyon reaches an average depth of 7,440 feet passing through the Gyala Peri mountains and the peaks of the Namcha Barwa.

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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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HELLS CANYON WEATHER: Usually about 10° warmer than surrounding towns, Hells Canyon is known to be hot throughout the summer which is ideal for whitewater rafting trips. The Snake River's temperature usually stays between 60°-70°, perfect for refreshing swims.

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Hells Canyon Wilderness receives approximately 8 inches of rainfall each year and average annual temperatures range from 35 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 100 degrees in summer. Most of this land is covered by Sonoran Desert vegetation: saguaro, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and desert grasses.

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The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway stretches for 22 miles and it gives you a stunning view of the canyon's rugged landscape. The feeling you'll get as you drive along the canyon's jagged walls is simply indescribable. Check out Idaho's most dramatic scenic drive and add this to your bucket list ASAP.

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Advisory: The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is usually closed by snow from late October through late May or early June and is not passable with motor vehicles.

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The geologic history of the rocks of Hells Canyon begins 300 million years ago with an arc of volcanoes that emerged from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Over million of years, the volcanoes subsided and limestone built up on the underwater platforms. The basins between them were filled with sedimentary rock.

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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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Recreation Opportunities Access at some of the lower elevations along the Snake River are year-long. However at the higher elevations many trails remain inaccessible due to snow until late in the summer and become snowed covered in late October.

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