Backpack Hells Canyon from Pittsburg Landing

Plunging more than a mile below Oregon's west rim and some 8,000 feet below Idaho's He Devil Mountain, Hells Canyon is actually the deepest river gorge in all of North America!

From Pittsburg Landing you have two options as to how you can begin your backpack trip. Option one is to simply begin your trip by following the trail upriver. Option two is to take a jet boat upstream to any desired drop off location and simply hop on the trail wherever you hop off the boat. (More information on the jet boat trip and to popular drop off areas via the jet boat can be found at Hells Canyon Adventures). The jet boat is a good option because unlike hiking in, you do not need to hike back out. Essentially you are able to cut your hiking distance in half. I highly recommend taking the jet boat upstream 20+ miles and hiking back downstream to Pittsburg Landing.

Once on the trail you will follow the trail as it winds its way alone the Snake River. At times you will be on the river's edge while other times you will find yourself a few hundred yards from the river. Elevation along the trail (from the river bed) ranges anywhere from 0 to around 400 feet. 

A few places that are worth stopping at during your backpack trip are Kirkwood Ranch, Suicide Point (home to some incredible views), and Sheep Creek Cabin.