Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do your trips start? 

About one mile below (North of) Hells Canyon Dam on the Oregon side of the river. You must cross over the top of the dam to get to the launch site located at the end of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (All American Road).  Yes it is a paved road the whole way!

2. Why choose Hells Canyon Adventures for your trip?

Our company is the only company to start at the deepest portion of Hells Canyon. We have many years experience navigating the Snake River in Hells Canyon.

3. What is the difference between the north and south end of Hells Canyon? 

The south end of the canyon,  where we are located, is the deepest part of Hells Canyon, with sheer rock walls. The north end of the canyon from Lewiston has more wide open areas and flat water until you reach our area of the canyon. You have to travel more river miles to get to the south end, since it is 110 river miles from Lewiston to Hells Canyon Dam.

4. What services are available in the Canyon? 

One restaurant, two stores, and one fuel station are located at Pine Creek, 25 miles from the Hells Canyon Creek Boat Launch.

5.  What should I wear? 

Normally, dress for the weather as you get up that morning , if you are staying somewhat locally. Layers are good, river sandals or tennis shoes with ankle support if possible, for getting off and on the boat and a small amount of hiking. Wear materials that dry quickly for rafting such as nylon if warmer or polartec fleece if cold. Jeans are not advisable as they do not dry quickly. Secure sunglasses and caps through the rapids. Bring a coat or sweater in cooler times of the year.

6.  What should I bring? 

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel.

7.  Can I bring a camera? 

Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are welcome. We have dry bags on the rafts and on the jet boats items can be put under the seat cushion. However, Hells Canyon Adventures is not liable for any lost, stolen or damaged property. 

8.  Can we bring alcohol on the tour? 

Yes, only beer or wine coolers in moderate amounts - small cooler - limited room available. Hells Canyon Adventures reserves the right to dispose of any and all alcohol if it is felt in the best interest of the majority of the passengers on board.

9.  Can pets come on the tours? 

No, but we do have a kennel available at our office/lodge 14 miles before you get to Hells Canyon Dam. Call in advance for availability. The cost is $10 per day.

10.  Will we see any wildlife?

There is wildlife in the canyon such as deer, sheep and bear, and we often see them, but we can't guarantee that you'll see them on a particular day.

11. What is the best time to go? 

There are four different seasons in the canyon.  April to June lows average 30's to 40's and highs average mid 50's to mid 70's. July - August  lows average in the mid 40's and highs in the mid 70's to mid 90's. September -Oct lows average around low to mid 30's and highs in the low 60's to mid 70's.  Everyone's tastes differ, but the canyon is beautiful year round.

12. What is the best way to see Hells Canyon? 

To see the deepest part of Hells Canyon, you have to take a boat or a raft.  There are no roads in the canyon below Hells Canyon Dam.

13. Do we get wet? 

There is always a possibility of getting wet on every tour, so wear something light weight that will dry quickly. There is room under your seat to store items that you want to keep dry. 

14. Can we swim? 

Depends on how hot the captain gets. Swimming may be offered depending on the group, time factor, water and weather conditions.

15. Do we make stops? 

Yes, at different points of interest depending on which tour you are on.

RAFTING

16. Do we get to paddle on the raft trip? 

A paddle raft is available. Need to make reservations ahead of time and need 8 people to paddle.

17. How old do children need to be to do rafting? 

Children must be 12 years of age during spring water flows and 8 years of age during summer water flows. There are no children's rates on the raft trips.

18. What class of rapids will we go through on the raft trip? 

Class I to Class IV.  There are several groups of rapids with varying classifications. No matter what the water flow is, there are great rapids to run in Hells Canyon.

SPECIAL PEOPLE

19. Can handicapped people take the jet boat tours? 

Yes, let us know ahead of time so we can have staff available to assist. One exception is that we cannot take a person in a wheelchair into the major rapids. We have no way to secure them.

20. Is there handicap parking available? 

Yes, above by the visitor center as well as by the launch site.  If they are able, a lot of times we have them drive down to the launch site and unload handicapped passengers there, then drive back up to the parking lot to park.

JET BOATING

21. Is there a restroom on the boat? 

No, however there is one at the launch site and one on the river for those passengers who are on the all day tours. Restroom breaks are provided about every three hours.

22. Do you cancel if it rains? 

No, it seldom rains all day and our boat is covered with see through side curtains that can be put down if necessary.

23. Can we smoke on the boat? 

No.

FISHING

24. Who supplies the fishing licenses? 

You are responsible for obtaining either an Oregon or Idaho fishing license prior to arrival at the launch site.

25. Do we need to bring our own fishing gear? 

No, we provide all rods and tackle for your trip.