Draft: Hells Canyon Backpacking the Snake River Trail– October (4 Days / 3 Night
Details
Draft: there are a few details to be worked out.
A mandatory online pretrip meeting attendance is required
Hell’s Canyon is know for snakes and poison ivy.
Therefore we are some suggested special gear (not required):
Sturdy boots or high-cut trail shoes + hiking pants rather than shorts.
If you don’t want to hike in boots, you can get a pair of snake gaiters:
https://www.snakeprotection.com/razer-snake-gaiters?utm_source=chatgpt.com
We will use these for other trips in the desert so a good investment.
Hiking pants and long sleeve shirts (no shorts,tights)
Join the Idaho Hikers & Backpackers for an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure along the famous Snake River Trail in Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.
October is one of the best times to visit Hells Canyon: cooler hiking temperatures, fewer crowds, fall colors, and excellent opportunities to see wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and golden eagles.
We’ll begin at Pittsburg Landing and follow the Snake River through dramatic canyon scenery, camping beside the river each night and exploring some of the most scenic sections of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Itinerary:
NB: we are doing an out and back. I am working on the exact mileage and campsites.
Trip Information
Total Distance: Approximately TBA
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Difficulty: Idaho hikers and Backpackers defines 1-5 levels of difficulty.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=drivesdk
This trip is a level 3/5 trip
Level 3:
Physical ability standard (excellent)
• You exercise 3-4 times per week for over an hour. Or a minimum total of 6 hours per week on average.
• You occasionally put in a full 6-8 hour days of physical activity. Hiking up to 11 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a lightweight pack is fine for you.
• Hiking up to 9 miles a day with 1500 ft of elevation gain with a 35-45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) on a multi day backpacking trip is fine for you.
•NB: We don’t recommend a pack over 30 lbs (some exceptions)
Experience level (competent):
• You have a good knowledge of your gear. You may still be testing your equipment out. You are not “dialed in.”
• Your base-weight is average or below average. You feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. You can hike in the dark with a headlamp comfortably.
• You are fine with some elevation gain.
• You could organize a backpack at this or lower levels or possibly co-organize a level 4 trip.
Trail description: The trail may be faint in some places or off trail. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2-2+). The trail is typically 10-20 miles round trip or up to 10 miles per day. Examples: Goat Lake (Pioneer Mountains), Alice-Toxoway loop
Pace Average/Moderate: 1.5 to 2.5 mph. The most common range, allowing for steady progress while still accounting for varied terrain and normal rest stops (1.5-2 hrs).
I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability by signing up