5 Day Snake River Rafting Trip - Hell's Canyon

Trip Logistics & Itinerary

5 Days, 4 Nights on the Snake River in Hells Canyon Each trip varies slightly depending on group size and guest interests. The outline below reflects a typical itinerary.

Day Before Launch

On your way to your accommodations in Wallowa or Enterprise, stop in Minam to pick up your dry bags, review the launch plan, and place your breakfast order for the following morning at the food truck. The store carries a wide selection of river gear if you need last-minute supplies—or want to grab some Minam merchandise before heading out.

Day 1

If staying at the Mingo Motel in Wallowa, pickup is at 6:15 am. If staying in Enterprise, pickup is at the Ponderosa Motel at 6:45 am via shuttle van. Breakfast orders placed the day before are distributed, and coffee is provided before departing for the Hells Canyon Dam launch site (approximately a three-hour drive from Minam), with a restroom stop at Hells Canyon Overlook.

After meeting your guides for a safety orientation, rafts launch between 10:00 and 11:00 am. Lunch is served riverside. The day features striking canyon geology, wildlife viewing, and some of the trip’s biggest whitewater—including Wild Sheep Rapid. You’ll stop to scout Granite Rapid and view Nez Perce pictographs before arriving at camp between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. The evening includes a camp orientation, swimming, hiking, relaxing, wine and hors d’oeuvres around 6:00 pm, and dinner served at approximately 7:00 pm.

Day 2

Wake to fresh coffee and canyon views, available around 6:00 am, with breakfast served between 7:00 and 8:00 am. After camp is broken down and gear boats head downstream, rafts launch between 9:00 and 10:00 am.

Today includes a visit to the historic McGaffee Cabin and exciting rapids such as Bernard, Waterspout, and Rush Creek. Arrive at camp between 3:00 and 4:00 pm for another evening of swimming, hiking, relaxing, and a thoughtfully prepared dinner.

Day 3

After the usual morning routine of coffee, breakfast, and camp breakdown, hike to Suicide Point for sweeping views of Bonneville Flood deposits. Stop at historic Kirkwood Ranch, observe ancient Mount Mazama ash deposits, run additional rapids, and enjoy opportunities to swim. Pass Somers Creek, where Grant’s great-great-grandparents lived from the late 1800s through the early 1940s. Arrive at camp mid-afternoon for another evening of exceptional food and riverside relaxation.

Day 4

Following breakfast and camp breakdown, continue through lively whitewater as you pass Dry Creek, another historic site where Grant’s parents once lived and worked. Take a short hike to Deep Creek to see ancient Nez Perce pictographs and the remains of a Chinese miner’s structure. Float past Dug Bar, the historic crossing point of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce. Arrive at camp between 3:00 and 4:00 pm for an evening featuring Walla Walla wine and catered food from AK’s Mercado.

Day 5

After the morning routine, hike to the remains of the Imnaha Motel and a historic copper mill site. Continue rafting until reaching the mouth of the Salmon River, where rafts are secured together and motored downstream to Heller Bar. Lunch is served either riverside or on the raft. Arrival at Heller Bar is typically between 1:00 and 2:00 pm.

Guests are shuttled back to the Ponderosa Motel in Enterprise (approximately a two-hour drive). If you arranged a vehicle shuttle to Heller Bar, you may begin your onward travel from there.

Your trip begins in northeastern Oregon with a pre-launch stop in Minam, OR, where you’ll pick up dry bags, review trip logistics, and place your breakfast order for launch morning.

On launch day, morning pickups are provided at:

1. Mingo Motel – Wallowa, OR (6:15 am)
2. Ponderosa Motel – Enterprise, OR (6:45 am)

From there, your group will shuttle to the launch site at Hells Canyon Dam (approximately a 3-hour drive from Minam), with a restroom stop at Hells Canyon Overlook along the way.

The trip concludes at Heller Bar, WA, where guests will either:

1. Be shuttled back to the Ponderosa Motel in Enterprise (approximately 2 hours), or
2. Begin their travels if they arranged a vehicle shuttle to Heller Bar in advance.

Round-trip transportation from Wallowa or Enterprise to the launch site at Hells Canyon Dam, and from the take-out at Heller Bar back to Wallowa or Enterprise, is included in your trip cost.

If you prefer to have your personal vehicle shuttled to the take-out near Heller Bar (23 miles south of Asotin, WA), please contact us in advance to arrange this service. An additional fee applies for vehicle shuttling.

Detailed pre-trip logistics and timing will be confirmed prior to departure.

Equipment & Personal Items:

• Water Bottle: Heavy duty, 1 liter capacity with carabiner to hook to boat
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Plastic bags: 1 large trash bag and assorted zip locks
• Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap and a spare
• Small, quick-drying towel
• Toiletries, including biodegradable soap
• Sunscreen & lip protection (waterproof & 30 SPF or higher)
• Moisturizing lotion or cream
• Insect repellant
• Personal first aid kit
• Spare pair of prescription eyeglasses or contacts
• Cash for gratuities (15%-20% of trip cost is normal, depending on how well you think your guides did)

Footwear:

• River shoes or sandals WITH a heel strap
• Athletic shoes or hiking boots if you plan to hike

Clothing:

• Long sleeve shirt: lightweight and light color for sun protection
• Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection
• Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
• Rain jacket and pants: waterproof (not water resistant. A hooded jacket with secure closures is recommended)
• Swimsuit and/or swimming trunks
• Underwear: quick drying
• Quick dry shorts: 1 pair
• Quick dry t-shirts/tops: 1-2 pair
• Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to medium (optional for July & August)
• Camp clothes: comfortable and appropriate for season

Optional Items:

• Beverages: we provide coffee, tea, water, and sparkling water. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage of choice.
• Sarong: useful for sun protection and changing clothes
• Day pack or hydration pack
• Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable towels
• Ear plugs
• Binoculars
• Camera and accessories
• Splash jacket and pants
• Lightweight cord & clothespins for drying clothes
• Sketchbook, notebook & pen, paperback book

You’ll encounter Class III and IV rapids, ranging from exciting waves to technical sections that require teamwork and focus. Rapids like Wild Sheep, Granite, and Bernard offer a mix of excitement without being too intimidating for first-timers. Calm stretches provide opportunities to relax, swim, and take in the canyon scenery.

Yes! Hells Canyon is home to bighorn sheep, elk, deer, black bears, eagles, osprey, and more. Wildlife is often spotted along the riverbanks and during hikes. Early mornings and quieter stretches of river generally offer the best viewing opportunities.

Absolutely. Each day includes optional side hikes to historical and natural sites, including Nez Perce pictographs, old homesteads, mining ruins, and geological formations like Bonneville Flood deposits. Hikes range from easy riverside strolls to moderate viewpoints.

You’ll stay at comfortable riverside camps with provided tents, sleeping bags, and pads. Evenings include swimming, hiking, or relaxing in camp, with meals prepared by the guides. It’s designed to balance comfort with the adventure of the wilderness setting.

This is an active, adventure-focused rafting trip. Guests should be comfortable paddling, hiking short distances on uneven terrain, and spending long days outdoors.

Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge, with dramatic geology, rich history, and limited crowds. This trip combines thrilling whitewater with cultural exploration, wildlife viewing, and backcountry hiking—making it both an adventure and an immersive wilderness experience.

Yes! Calm stretches of the river are perfect for swimming or floating. Your guides will identify safe areas and ensure everyone’s safety while in the water.