Hells Gate State Park is the gateway to both Idaho's Lewis and Clark country and
to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Shady campsites along
the Snake River make comfortable base-camps for exploration of the surrounding
area. Jet boat excursions into Hells Canyon leave on a regular basis from the
park's docks. The Nez Perce National Historic Park is only 30 minutes away. A
wide choice of restaurants and shopping are just minutes away, in nearby
Lewiston Idaho.
Location: Lewiston, ID
North Central Idaho, 4 miles S. of Lewiston on Snake River Ave.
Mailing Address
5100 Hells Gate Rd.
Lewiston, ID 83501
Street Address
5100 Hells Gate Rd.
Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (208) 799-5015
Fax: (208) 799-5187
Toll Free: (866) 634-3246
The Park Today
Camper cabins are ready to rent!
Gateway to Hells Canyon and Idaho's Lewis and Clark Country
Quiet and grassy campsites along the shores of the Snake River await campers to
Hells Gate State Park , situated at the lowest elevation in the entire state of
Idaho. At just 733 feet above sea level, the low elevation and the long season
of warm weather give rise to Lewiston’s reputation as “Idaho’s Banana Belt.”
A large beach and day-use area with a canopy of shade trees and miles of hiking,
biking, and horseback trails make the park a popular destination for day
visitors as well as campers. A covered shelter and group-use area can
accommodate 300 people and may be reserved for family outings, weddings, club
meetings or company picnics.
Experience Hells Canyon
Many miles upriver from Hells Gate State Park, the Snake River winds through
Hells Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in North America. This wild and
spectacular area is best visited by boat; there are no roads leading through the
canyon. Old homesteads, long-forgotten prospector cabins, and Native American
petroglyphs offer a fascinating human story in the midst of the spectacular
scenery.
Outfitters offer jet boat trips into the canyon, several departing right from
the park’s docks. Half day, full day, dinner and overnight trips are available.
For breathtaking excitement, you can also choose raft or dory float trips
through this magnificent river corridor. Here are links to Hells Canyon
outfitter pages.
* Hells Canyon Tours by Snake River Adventures
* Snake Dancer Excursions
* River Quest Excursions
* Beamer's Hells Canyon Tours
* Hells Canyon Jet Boats & Lodging
Lewis and Clark Discovery Center
The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor educational displays, a two
acre outdoor interpretive plaza along the banks of the Snake River and a
beautiful moving stream with sculptures by Artist Rip Caswell. See an original
32 minute film produced From the mountains to the sea; Lewis and Clark in Idaho.
Don't miss the Lewis and Clark gift shop while you're at the center.
Marina Access and Boating
The Snake River is perfect for personal watercraft, jet boats, power boats and
water skiing. Hells Gate Marina offers more than 100 slips on a daily to yearly
basis with boat fuel and moorage, as well as a public boat launch, convenience
store, restrooms and plenty of parking. Boat rentals are also available. Contact
the Hells Canyon Resort for additional information.
Fishing and Wildlife
Anglers come from all around to enjoy the famous steelhead runs of the Snake,
Salmon and Clearwater rivers. The steelhead season usually runs through the fall
and winter. Smallmouth bass, catfish, trout and sturgeon provide excitement in
the spring and summer. Salmon fishing is occasionally available--the Idaho
Department of Fish and Game each year based on the number of fish returning from
the ocean.
Pheasant, quail, chukar, hawks, geese, ducks, owls and cottontail rabbits are
common residents. Eagles, pelicans, herons, swans, deer, otter and even bighorn
sheep are known to visit.
The Nez Perce National Historic Park
The Nez Perce National Historic Park is just a short drive from Hells Gate, with
fascinating displays of artifacts and a glimpse of the traditional life of the
Nez Perce people.
Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark traveled through this area during their journey to discover an
inland waterway to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center is
located in Hells Gate State Park featuring indoor and outdoor displays and a
film describing the journey of Lewis and Clark through Idaho. FAQ's
Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center
This center is scheduled to open at Hells Gate State Park June 3, 2006. The
center will display the hunting trophies of outdoor writer and conservatinist
Jack O'Connor and tells the stroy of American's hunting heritage.
1. How can I arrange a trip into Hells Canyon?
- There are several outfitters in the Lewiston area offering trips. You can
depart right from the park's marina. Just ask at the office when you arrive.
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