Horseback Riding Opportunities

	Oregon Horseback Riding
	Idaho Horseback Riding

Imagine 900 miles of trails rambling among 9,300-foot alpine peaks before descending 7,000 feet to desert-like river bottoms. Imagine riding trails that crisscross open grassy benches and thickly timbered draws; trails that cross level flats and fade into the horizon; and steep narrow trails that were blasted into sheer rock bluffs. Challenges for the experienced and novice horseback rider are available in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA).

Straddling the Wild and Scenic Snake River of Oregon and Idaho, the Hells Canyon NRA was created to preserve the free-flowing character of the river for future generations and to protect its archaeological, historical, ecological, and recreational values. Prehistoric sites representing a 10,000-year history of the Native American culture; historic ruins of the American West; rare combinations of diverse ecosystems; and unique land formations can be viewed from horseback in and out of the Wilderness.

Major Hells Canyon NRA Trails Index 

Trail Riding Tips

Weather: The wide range of elevations can cause unpredictable and variable weather patterns. In the higher elevations, snowstorms are common in June and September while hailstorms are frequent in July and August. While nighttime temperatures may dip to 30 degrees F in the alpine country, daytime temperatures can soar to 100 degrees F along the Snake River. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions.

Insects: Horseflies, gnats, and mosquitoes can be very bothersome so bring insect repellent for yourself and your stock.

Rattlesnakes and Poison Oak: Harm from either of these hazards, common to the lower elevations of the Hells Canyon NRA, can be avoided by being alert to their presence. Snake bite kits and poison oak lotion are recommended.

Condition of Pack and Riding Stock: Many trails are steep and rough, so unless animals are in good condition they should travel short distances and carry light loads. All animals should be shod prior to travel, and spare shoes and tools for repairs should be carried. Sharp shoes area must during fall and winter when trails may be covered with snow and ice.

Stock in Camp: Stock tied directly to trees can girdle and eventually kill the trees. Please use hobbles, hitching rails, or corrals (if available) to restrain stock.

First Aid: Throughout the Hells Canyon NRA there are remnants of old and new ranching operations, including fence wire. Carry a first-aid kit for wire cuts and other minor accidents for yourself and your stock.

Noxious Weeds: Supplemental feed is recommended in many areas of the Hells Canyon NRA. Please bring hay that is certified weed free or use hay pellets to help reduce the entry of noxious weeds into the Recreation Area.

Camping: Lakeshore and streamside environments are fragile, especially in the Seven Devils. Please locate camps at least 200 feet from the nearest water, trails, and other campers, and away from meadows. Practice no- trace camping techniques and burn or pack out all trash.

Party Size: Throughout Hells Canyon Wilderness, party size is restricted to 8 people and 16 head of stock. Exceptions for a combined total of up to 3O people and animals may be requested from the Forest Service.

Trail Erosion: Prevent erosion by staying on the trails and not cutting across switchbacks.

Flip-a-Stick, Kick-a-Rock, or Saw-a-Log: Any such volunteer trail maintenance is in the tradition of the friendly neighborliness of the West.

Gates: Domestic livestock graze much of the Hells Canyon NRA. Please close any gates you open so livestock cannot stray from grazing permit areas.

Campfires: Unless otherwise posted, campfires are allowed in all areas of the Hells Canyon NRA except in the Snake River Corridor between July 1 and September 15 yearly. Use of enclosed wood stoves, portable brazier/grills, and gas stoves is recommended. Please be careful with fire.

Water: Water from springs, lakes, ponds, and streams should not be consumed without proper treatment. A recommended method of treatment is to bring clear water to a rolling boil for five minutes.

Historical and Archaeological Sites: These sites are fragile and irreplaceable. Enjoy don't destroy your heritage. Arrowheads, old bottles and all other artifacts are protected by law. You can help preserve these treasures by reporting suspicious activity at these sites to any Hells Canyon office.

Trailheads

Some trailheads require the Northwest Forest Pass.

Pittsburg Landing is 17 miles from U.S. Highway 95, southwest of Whitebird, Idaho on Forest Service Road No. 493. Although the road is generally plowed in the winter, four-wheel-drive vehicles are necessary on ice or snow. Traction devices are advised for wet conditions. This trailhead accesses the main Snake River Trail in Idaho. This 28-mile National Recreation Trail parallels the river from Pittsburg Landing to Granite Creek. Portions of the trail may be underwater when the river is running above 40,000 cubic feet per second (CFS).

Windy Saddle (Seven Devils) is 17 miles from U.S. Highway 95, southwest of Riggins, Idaho on Forest Service Road No. 517. It provides access to the high country trails in the Seven Devils Mountains that tie into the Snake RiverTrail. Since areas along the trail have little or no grass, please bring your own supplemental feed. Please keep stock out of the marked rehabilitation project areas near Hibbs Cow Camp.

Black Lake is 54 miles northwest of Council, Idaho on Forest Service Road No. 112. It accesses the south end of the Seven Devils range. Deep snow usually keeps the road closed between late September and mid-July of each year.

Freezeout is 15 miles southeast of Imnaha, Oregon on Forest Service Road No. 4230. It provides immediate trail access to the Snake River on the Oregon side. Although the trailhead is accessible throughout the year, it may be necessary to skirt a snowbank at Freezeout Saddle.

Hat Point is 25 miles southeast of Imnaha, Oregon on Forest Service Road No. 4240. It provides immediate trail access to Hells Canyon Wilderness and offers some of the most spectacular scenery available on the Oregon side. This is a steep, winding, mountain road that is generally snow-free from July through September. It is not recommended for vehicles pulling camp trailers; however,
pickup/horsetrailer units can negotiatethe road with little difficulty.

Warnock Corrals is 4 miles north of Hat Point on Forest Service Road No. 4240. This is the most popular jump-off point for the Lord Flat area and the benchlands of Hells Canyon Wilderness. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommend during the big-game hunting season when use is heaviest and the road is usually snow covered.

Cow Creek (Imnaha River area) Bridge Road is 20 miles north of Imnaha, Oregon on Forest Service Road No. 4260. It accesses the lower Imnaha River, and offers some of the best fishing on the Snake River. This trailhead is accessible all year. However, the last 14 miles of the access road are narrow, winding, mountainous, and unpaved. Traction devices and extreme caution are recommended during inclement weather. Trail No. 1713 is popular for motorcycle and pedestrian traffic. Please treat other recreationists with respect and courtesy.

Dug Bar is 12 miles northeast of Cow Creek Bridge on Forest Service Road No. 4260. It accesses trails at the north end of Hells Canyon Wilderness and the Nee-Me-Poo National Recreation Trail.

Lake Fork is 18 miles northeast of Halfway, Oregon on Forest Service Road No. 39. It accesses the westernmost portion of the Hells Canyon NRA and the easternmost portion of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Indian Crossing Campground is 45 miles southeast of Joseph, Oregon on Forest Service Road No. 3960. It accesses the upper Imnaha River in the extreme western end of the Hells Canyon NRA and the extreme eastern end of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Four miles up from Indian Crossing is Blue Hole, a popular fishing spot frequented by hikers.

Please check with a Hells Canyon offices or the Recreation Report for current information on trail and road conditions, location, and availability of overnight camping, horse facilities, and water availability.