Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Hiking Overview

The Oregon portion of the Hells Canyon trail system supports approximately 600 miles of trails and is a network that traverses most major drainages, following long ridgetops and contouring grassing mid-slope benches. Many trails are located across steep side slopes—some immediately adjacent to several-hundred-foot cliffs that drop almost vertically. Half tunnels have been blasted in rims and stair-steps built over rock bluffs. Most trails fall in the difficult to more-difficult classifications. There is limited opportunity for motorized use, though some exists. Accessible trails have been constructed at several of the developed recreation sites along the Oregon Rim.

Opportunities for mountain bike use exist and use is expected to increase in the future. Current users of the system are predominately horse and foot travelers. Strengths of the trail resource lies in its great diversity of opportunity, spectacular scenery, unspoiled opportunity for challenge, solitude, and a long season of use.