Kayaking & Canoeing Snake River Oregon

The Snake River forms Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, as well as the boarder between Oregon and Idaho. A rafting trip down the Snake is a journey through a land rich with geological wonder and myth. The Nez Perce and Shoshoni Indians made this river basin their home and created elaborate legends to describe their surroundings. One Nez Perce story claims that Hells Canyon was dug out by a coyote with a stick that was looking to protect his ancestors in Oregon’s Blue Mountains from the “Seven Devils” across the gorge.

In the canyon’s more recent history, it was protected as a Wild & Scenic River in 1975, and additional legislation was passed that prohibited dam development, saving 100s of archaeological sites and rapids from flooding. There are numerous side hikes from the river’s edge that lead to historic sites of interest, and trails also follow both sides of the canyon. The Kirkwood Historic Ranch, six miles above Pittsburg Landing, is a great stop for those interested in historic photographs and legends.

Boaters can expect rugged western scenery like steep rock walls, grassy slopes, and snow capped peaks that tower above the river in the distance. Look forward to seeing an array of wildlife including black bear, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, mountain goats, deer and beautiful birds. If you enjoy catching your own dinner, the warm waters in the summer time offer great opportunities for fishing white sturgeon, rainbow trout and small mouth bass.

This is great intermediate to advanced river for private boaters with exciting Class IVs and many manageable Class IIs and IIIs.  Jet boats are allowed on the river on the sections below Wild Sheep and Granite Creek rapids, which changes the experience for some. Over half of boaters end their trip at Pittsburg Landing because of the jet boats, and the hot and windy conditions. The lower section is recommended for novice boaters looking for more experience with big water. After the Salmon enters the Snake, flows can reach 70,000 CFS!

With stunning mountain vistas, scenic glimpses into remote regions of the Idaho and Oregon wilderness, and exciting Class III and IV rapids, the Snake River is a classic rafting experience.