Hells Canyon carves through the rugged landscape of the Pacific Northwest, plunging more than 7,900 feet—making it even deeper than the Grand Canyon. On one side rise the Seven Devils Mountains of Idaho; on the other, Oregon's snow-capped Wallowas. This dramatic terrain is not only a geological marvel, but a place rich in Indigenous history and early American exploration.
 

A Sacred Landscape

Long before explorers arrived, Hells Canyon was home to the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) and Shoshone peoples.

Nez Perce Legend:
According to tribal oral tradition, Coyote carved the Snake River and its canyon in a single day to protect people from the Seven Devils—evil spirits said to live in the mountains to the east.
 

On the Lewis and Clark Trail

Hells Canyon played a quiet but meaningful role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. As the Corps of Discovery pushed westward, they traveled the Snake River corridor and encountered the Nez Perce in this region.

Key Highlights:

• Indigenous Presence: The Nez Perce thrived here for generations, relying on the canyon’s rich ecosystems.

• Geological Origins: Formed by ancient volcanic activity and Ice Age floods, the canyon tells a story millions of years old.

• Peaceful Encounters: The Nez Perce welcomed and assisted the expedition—crucial moments recorded in the explorers’ journals.
   

📍Learn More at Hells Gate State Park

Visitors today can explore the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, located in Hells Gate State Park near Lewiston, Idaho.

 What You’ll Find:

• Interactive exhibits about the expedition’s journey through the Snake River region

• Cultural insights into the Nez Perce way of life

• Films, artifacts, and hands-on learning opportunities
   

• 📍Looking for an unforgettable road trip?
  Drive the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

• The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway winds through northeast Oregon, offering jaw-dropping views, charming small towns, and access to remote overlooks of the canyon itself.

• Highlights along the byway:

• Sweeping panoramas of the Wallowa Mountains

• Rolling ranchlands and open range country

• Access to hiking trails, historic sites, and scenic turnouts

• Ideal photo ops around every bend
   

A Living Treasure

Today, Hells Canyon is:

•  A hub for whitewater rafting and river adventures

• A paradise for anglers and nature lovers

• A rugged playground for hikers and backcountry explorers

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