🚣 River
Hells Canyon — Snake River Float Permit
About This Permit
Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America — deeper than the Grand Canyon — where the Snake River cuts nearly 8,000 feet below the surrounding plateaus along the Oregon-Idaho border. The multi-day float through Hells Canyon NRA offers Class III–IV whitewater, petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and complete wilderness isolation. Launch permits are required and highly competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is Hells Canyon?
Hells Canyon is 7,993 feet deep at its maximum — deeper than the Grand Canyon (6,093 feet) and the deepest river gorge in North America. The Snake River runs at the bottom while He Devil Peak of the Seven Devils Mountains rises to 9,393 feet above on the Idaho side.
What rapids can I expect on the Snake River through Hells Canyon?
The main float section from Hells Canyon Dam to Heller Bar (79 miles, ~5–6 days) includes numerous Class III rapids and several Class IV drops including Wild Sheep Rapids and Granite Creek Rapids. Experience with whitewater and swiftwater rescue is essential. Scout major rapids on shore.
Do I need a permit for Hells Canyon?
Yes — a launch permit is required May 15 through September 10 for all launches from Hells Canyon Dam. Permits are issued via a lottery system through the Hells Canyon NRA office. Cancellation permits occasionally appear and PermitAlert monitors for them.
Key Facts
- State
- OR
- Float Season
- May – September
- Launch Quota
- 15 launches/day (motorized and non-motorized)
- Put-in
- Hells Canyon Dam launch site, OR/ID border
- Take-out
- Pittsburg Landing (3-day) or Heller Bar (6-day)
- Difficulty to get permit
- 4/5(Very hard)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit