Hells Canyon Snake River Trail — 4-Day Backpacking Trip

A mandatory online pretrip meeting attendance is required. Sign up here:

Join us for an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip 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.

Hell’s Canyon is know for rattle snakes and poison ivy. Therefore, see gear suggestions below. Don't worry too much, 100's of backpackers have completed but I always stress safety and over preparedness. Making sure you have everything I suggest, will make for a comfortable trip.

# 🥾 Itinerary

### Day 1 — Saturday, October 10

Meet at Erica's house (location disclosed in pretrip meeting)
Brunch Pinehurst @ Goose N Tree
Boise to Trailhead ~ 4.5 hrs. Parking $15, Self-issued, no pass required.
Trailhead parking lot → Kirkwood Ranch
📏 **5.1 miles (**note that some sites quote 6 miles, but my reading is that this is incorrect).
We'll hike to the Kirkwood Ranch area and establish camp. We may push a head a bit depending on time and how many boats are on the river, which would impact our camp site choices.

### Day 2 — Sunday, October 11

Kirkwood Ranch → Bernard Creek (Mile 20.7)
📏
⚠️ This is our longest day, hiking 15.7 miles
We will have an early 7:30 AM departure to maximize daylight and allow plenty of time for breaks and route-finding.
This section includes significant ups and downs despite following the Snake River.

### Day 3 — Monday, October 12

Bernard Creek → Little Bar
📏 ~14.7 miles
We'll continue along the Snake River Trail, enjoying the canyon scenery and additional opportunities for wildlife viewing.

### Day 4 — Tuesday, October 13

Little Bar → trailhead parking lot
📏 ~6.1 miles
We'll hike back to Upper Pittsburg Landing and complete the trip.

### 📊 Trip Totals

• Total distance: ~ 41.6
• Total elevation gain: ~5,500 feet
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Difficulty: Level 4/5

Distances are approximate and may vary depending on GPS measurements and the exact route taken.

Gear & Preparation
Come prepared for cool fall temperatures, changing weather, and remote wilderness conditions. See our fall backpacking check-list. which includes required items
Pack light to ultra light.
Because of the presence of rattlesnakes and poison ivy, consider:

• Long hiking pants and long sleeve shirts
• Hiking gloves
• Trekking poles
• Gaiters
• A complete backpacking sleep system appropriate for October temperatures (see gear checklist)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Adequate water capacity and water treatment. No wands or tabs - you need a water filter
• Poison Ivy kit:
• 4 oz travel bottle of Tecnu cleanser
• Small unscented soap bar
• 2-3 pairs nitrile gloves ( I can supply with advanced notice)
• A few alcohol free wipes
• Small zip lock bags
• 1% hydrocortisone cream (small tube
• Calamine lotion (travel size)
• Cetirizine 10 mg.e

This trip is a level 4/5 trip
Level 4:
Physical ability standard (excellent+):

• You exercise 5-6 times per week, sometimes for over 3 hours. Or a minimum total of 10 hours per week. At least twice a month you put in full 8-10 hour days of activity.
• Hiking 12-14 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a 35 - 45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) is fine for you.
• Hiking on steep off trail and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to 5000 feet while carrying a lightweight pack should be ok for you . You can handle a class 2-3 scramble if that is part of the trip.

Experience level (proficient):

• You are knowledgeable on your gear. You can quickly set up and take down your tent.
• Your base weight is below average ( approx. 5-10 lbs).
• You can adjust to different types of weather conditions.
• You may have special skill sets such as map and compass, first aid training, knot tying, or survival skills.
• You are comfortable with route finding and off trail hiking.
• You could organize a backpack at this or lower levels.

Trail description: Trips may have significant elevation gain, weather challenges, and maybe multiple days. You may exceed 15 miles per day. There may be some scrambling (class 2-4) and a helmet may be required. Examples: Seven Devils loop, White Clouds loop, Grand Sawtooth loop, some winter backpack trips

Pace: 2.5-3.5 mph. A consistent, brisk pace with minimal stopping, typically on well-maintained trails. Breaks every 1.5-2 hrs.

Release of liability
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