Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho

Facility · Idaho ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Nezperce National Forest (NF) · Open Access

4,209 ft
Elevation

The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in Oregon and Idaho. This Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho section includes all developed recreation sites and trails that are all located away from the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Idaho uplands. All other upland sites and all trails in the Hells Canyon NRA - Snake River, or Hells Canyon NRA - Oregon are found in those recreation area sections.

Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Seven Devil mountain range), Black Lake, Heavens Gate Lookout, Windy Saddle, and Seven Devils recreation area. 

Local Idaho communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Riggins, Grangeville, Whitebird, Council, and Cambridge.  These communities are within one hour of this area.  

Getting there

45.66059, -116.39370 · 45°39'38.1"N 116°23'37.3"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 90°F in Aug, down to 40°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F414655627178909080644840
Low °F252630354147525245362925
Precip in1.31.41.82.02.21.70.80.71.21.51.41.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 21.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho

Can you reserve a site at Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho?
No. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.