Boating Permits and Regulations

• Permits are required year-round for all non-commercial floaters and powerboaters on the Snake River within the HCNRA. Take time to read the regulations printed on the back of the permit before embarking on your trip.
• During the primary river season, reservations and trip permits issued by the Forest Service are required to launch trips at specific locations along the river. For information on powerboat or float permits and reservations, call the appropriate river information/reservation number listed here:
  
  • General HCNRA Information: (509) 758-0616
  • Non-Commercial Float Information/Reservations: (509) 758-1957
  • Non-Commercial Powerboat Information/Reservations: (509) 758-0270
  • Or use the Contact Us page
    
• Visit the Four Rivers Lottery website for obtaining non-commercial float permits for the Snake-Hells Canyon, Main Salmon, Middle Fork of the Salmon, and the Selway Rivers.
• A special use permit issued by the Forest Service is required for outfitting and guiding of all commercial float and powerboat trips within the boundaries of the HCNRA. Any of the HCNRA offices can provide you with a list of outfitters who are permitted to operate in Hells Canyon NRA. Rewards of up to $500 are offered for information leading to convictions for commercial outfitting or guiding without a permit.