Page 630 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

628  THE P A CIFIC NOR THWEST

, Hells Canyon National
Recreation Area

Some of the wildest terrain in North America clings to
the sides of craggy, 9,400-ft (2,865-m) peaks at Hells
Canyon before plunging to the famed basin far below.
Here, the Snake River rushes through the world’s deepest Salmon River
river-carved gorge. Visitors revel in the massive canyon
walls rising 6,000 ft (1,830 m), the upland pine forests,
and the delicate wildflower-covered alpine meadows –
652,000 wilderness acres (264,000 ha) in all. Much of Hells Canyon National Recreation
the terrain is too rugged to cross, even on foot, making Area Viewpoint J
long sections of the Snake River accessible only by
boat. Many visitors settle for the stunning views from
several lookouts, and no one is disappointed.

Imnaha

1 Buckhorn Lookout Joseph
One of several scenic overlooks situated in the Hells Canyon area,
superb views of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Imnaha River Road
Imnaha River canyon are afforded from this remote spot.

2 Nee-Me-Poo Trail Big Sheep Creek
Visitors hiking along this
National Historic Trail follow
in the footsteps of the
famous Chief Joseph and
700 Nez Percé tribe who,
in 1877, embarked on an
1,800-mile (2,897-km) trek
toward freedom in Canada. J

6 Hells Canyon
Reservoir
This 25-mile- (40-km-)
long reservoir, part of a North Pine Creek
huge power-generating
complex on the Snake
River, is formed by Oxbow Copperfield Oxbow
Dam
Dam to the south and
Hells Canyon Dam to
the north. A private road Baker City
along the east shore
provides access to the river.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp632–3 and pp634–5

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