The Snake River National Recreation Trail (#102) is a 30-mile point-to-point route along the Idaho bank of the Wild and Scenic Snake River through Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, a gorge that runs deeper than even the Grand Canyon. From Pittsburg Landing to Granite Creek, the trail combines desert canyon scenery, riverside camps, historic ranches, and wilderness solitude, all at a low elevation that stays open when higher trails are still snowbound. It alternates between rocky benches high above the river and grassy flats near the water's edge, passing remnants of early homesteads with long views across North America's deepest gorge.
This is a good trail for backpackers who want a multi-day desert canyon trip on moderate terrain. The route is fairly hilly with flat sections in between, so strong beginners can handle it if they are prepared for heat exposure and infrequent water. Expect 100% sun exposure, frequent rattlesnake encounters, abundant poison ivy, and a canyon that gets hotter the deeper you go.
Note: While the trail officially extends to Brush Creek, the section beyond Granite Creek (mile 28) has been abandoned for decades and its bridge is washed out. Consider Granite Creek the practical terminus.
No permits, fees, or reservations are required for hiking or backpacking the Snake River Trail. It is one of the few remaining permit-free wilderness backpacking trips in the region.
Regulations within Hells Canyon Wilderness: - Maximum group size: 8 people - Maximum stock per party: 16 head - Fire restrictions: June 1 - September 30, no open campfires within 1/4 mile of the Snake River (fire pans required year-round) - Dispersed camping allowed along the trail - All water must be treated before drinking
The trail is managed by Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. For current conditions, contact the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area office at (208) 628-3916.
April through May and September through October are optimal. Hells Canyon's low elevation (1,400-2,000 feet) makes it one of the only Idaho/Oregon backpacking destinations open in late winter and early spring, when mountain trails are still buried in snow.
Spring (April-May): Ideal conditions, with daytime temperatures of 65-85°F cooling to 45-50°F at night. All major tributary creeks flow reliably. Wildflowers peak in April and early May, and the canyon greens up before the summer heat arrives.
Fall (September-October): Excellent hiking, with temperatures of 70-85°F, crisp nights around 50-65°F, and changing colors along the creeks. Water sources are less reliable than in spring but still adequate with planning.
Summer (June-August): Not recommended. Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, often reaching 110°F in the canyon bottom, and there is no shade. After May, hiking becomes dangerously hot, rattlesnakes are at peak activity, and poison ivy is in full growth.
Winter (November-March): Possible but demanding. The road to Pittsburg Landing stays open year-round, but short days, cold nights, and potential storms make winter trips harder.
Water sources are infrequent, so careful planning is essential.
Reliable Water in Spring (April-May): - Kirkwood Creek (mile 5) - Caribou Creek (mile 7) - Temperance Creek - Saddle Creek - Rush Creek - Sheep Creek (mile 17) - Bills Creek (mile 22) - Granite Creek (mile 28)
Fall/Late Season: Expect smaller creeks to dry up. The major tributaries (Kirkwood, Sheep Creek, Bills Creek, Granite Creek) typically flow year-round but at reduced volume. Check current conditions before your trip.
Snake River: Always flowing, but reaching the water requires a steep descent in many sections. River water is silty and requires treatment.
Carry Capacity: Plan to carry 4-6 liters between sources, especially in fall. Some dry stretches exceed 8 miles.
Resupply: There are no resupply options along the trail. Sheep Creek Ranch (mile 17) is a historic site, not a functioning ranch or store. The nearest towns are White Bird (1.5 hours from Pittsburg Landing) and Lewiston (2 hours away). This is a self-supported trip only.
Heat: The primary danger. Summer temperatures above 110°F, full sun, and heat radiating off the canyon walls create life-threatening conditions. There is virtually no shade along the entire trail. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks even in the shoulder seasons during unseasonably warm weather.
Rattlesnakes: Extremely common from April through October. Western rattlesnakes turn up regularly along the trail and around campsites. Watch where you place hands and feet, especially around rocks and logs, and shake out your boots in the morning. Multiple hikers report seeing 5+ snakes per day.
Poison Ivy: Abundant throughout the canyon, especially near creeks and in shaded areas. Learn to identify the three-leafed plant and avoid contact. Washing with soap within hours of exposure can reduce the reaction. Long pants and sleeves are recommended despite the heat.
Trail Conditions: Narrow sections against rock outcrops require careful footing. The terrain is rocky and uneven with short steep sections. The "Devil's Slide" between Temperance and Saddle Creek has constructed cement-like stairs on exposed slopes. Some sections become muddy and slippery after rain.
Water Crossings: The Granite Creek crossing can be dangerous during high water in April and May. The bridge washed out years ago, and early spring snowmelt can make the crossing impassable or extremely hazardous. In practice this ends most through-hikes.
Sun Exposure: The entire trail is exposed. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and a sun hat, and consider sun-protective clothing. Direct sun combined with heat reflecting off the canyon walls intensifies UV exposure.
Wildlife: Black bears are present but uncommon. No bear canister is required. Scorpions and spiders live around rocks and camps.
Pittsburg Landing Trailhead (upper/north terminus) is the standard starting point.
From White Bird, Idaho: Take Deer Creek Road/Forest Road 493 for 17.5 miles to Pittsburg Landing. The road is steep, narrow, winding gravel with some dramatic drop-offs, but it is county-maintained year-round and generally in excellent condition. A 2WD passenger car handles it in dry weather. The final few miles after entering the National Recreation Area become steeper with tighter switchbacks.
Allow 1-1.5 hours driving time from White Bird to the trailhead. Use caution with large RVs or vehicles with trailers; the road is difficult for oversized vehicles.
Granite Creek (lower/south terminus): No road access. Most backpackers arrange jet boat shuttles (see below) or hike out-and-back.
Airports: Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) is 86 miles from White Bird with flights from Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Boise. Larger airports: Spokane (GEG) - 192 miles/3 hours, Boise (BOI) - 188 miles/3.5 hours.
Shuttles & Jet Boats: Several operators run jet boat shuttles for hikers wanting one-way trips. Boats can drop you at Granite Creek to hike north back to Pittsburg Landing, or pick you up after you hike south. Services include:
- Hells Canyon Adventures
- Killgore Adventures
- China Bar Lodge
- Hammer Down River Excursions
Shuttle availability depends on scheduled tour boats, so call operators weeks in advance to arrange drop-offs and pickups. Expect to pay $100-200+ per person depending on distance and group size.
Parking: Large parking area at Pittsburg Landing, with no fees. Pittsburg Campground nearby has 28 sites if you need to camp before or after your hike.
Camp Selection: The best camps are on elevated river bars and alluvial fans at creek mouths. Kirkwood Ranch (mile 5) has developed sites with picnic tables, flush toilets, and a museum in a restored 19th-century ranch, an odd bit of luxury in the wilderness. Little Bar near Caribou Creek (mile 7) has excellent dispersed camping. Sheep Creek (mile 17) and Bills Creek (mile 22) both have good flat tent sites in meadows that were once homesteads.
Timing Strategy: Start early each morning to cover miles before peak heat, and plan long midday breaks in shade near creeks. The canyon faces south, so there is no escape from afternoon sun on the trail itself.
Direction: Most backpackers hike north from Pittsburg Landing because of the road access, doing out-and-back trips to Kirkwood Ranch (10 miles round trip, a good overnight) or Sheep Creek (34 miles round trip, a good 3-day trip). Jet boat shuttles make one-way hikes possible if you can arrange the logistics.
Water Management: Camel up at every creek and do not gamble on the next source. Carry a backup filter or purification tablets.
Insider Knowledge: The trail sees far fewer hikers than the river below sees rafters, so you will have wilderness solitude even in peak spring season. Rapids like Rush Creek, Sheep Creek, and Granite Creek are entertaining places to watch rafts run whitewater. River camps at major bars (Kirkwood Bar, Pine Bar) may have rafting parties. You are not required to share designated sites, but expect company in these high-use zones.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all toilet paper (required June-September within 1/4 mile of the river). Use established fire rings where present and make sure fires are completely out.
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