Throwback Thursday: Hells Canyon

Old Oregon Wild article on Hells Canyon

By Teresa Connolly

An entire Wild Oregon newsletter dedicated to one area must indicate a noteworthy place. And as the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon is definitely worth writing about. 

Carved by the Snake River, the 10 mile wide canyon is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA). This NRA, which lies on the borders Northeastern Oregon and Western Idaho, is filled with scenic vistas, a rich history that can be seen in the artifacts of tribes and early settlers, abundant wildlife, and an incredible variety of vegetation that create some of the finest grasslands. From hiking and camping, to boating along the river, the Hells Canyon NRA is an incredibly vast and picturesque Wilderness.

As is the case for many wild places in Oregon, Hells Canyon endured countless threats before it was able to obtain its official status as a National Recreation Area. On New Year’s Eve of 1975, Congress enacted a bill that created the 660,000 Hells Canyon NRA, which included 194,000 acres of Wilderness. Advances were made in 1984 when expansions to the Hells Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness were designated. Currently, Hells Canyon wilderness contains over 216,000 acres of land. 

But as this 1986 Wild Oregon issue covers, conservationists’ long and difficult battle to protect Hells Canyon did not come to an end with the establishment of the NRA, or the subsequent Wilderness expansions. As one of the articles written by Oregon Natural Resource Council (ONRC) staff describes, timber-related activity and mining continued to close campgrounds and cause disturbances on the rivers for many years after the Wilderness bill was passed. It wasn't until 2003 that the final Comprehensive Management Plan was published, prioritizing conservation and restoration in the Hells Canyon NRA. 

In addition to highlighting the continued threats to Hell's Canyon, the newsletter shared the rich history of the area. It relayed the narratives of a captain in the 1800s navigating a ship over Copper Ledge Falls, and the adventures of fur traders through Hell’s Canyon. The article brought to life individuals who had long ago traversed the area and the struggles they would have faced. Hells Canyon has an incredible history, which only adds to its value and need for continued preservation.

Protecting an area doesn’t stop with the passing of one legislative bill. There will always be more work to be done, new interests that want to take advantage of the resources, and environmental disturbances. This thirty-year-old newsletter reminded me that conservation is an ongoing project, with new developments and potential threats waiting to strike. Even places already designated as Wilderness or a National Recreation Area still need our attention to ensure they are able to provide habitats for the wildlife and unparalleled recreational opportunities for generations to come. 

Photo Credits
Photos by Octaviano Merecias (right) and Beth Kerschen (bottom)