Hells Gate State Park

Hells Gate State Park is called the gateway to Hells Canyon and to Lewis and Clark country in Idaho. There are plenty of campsites that stretch alongside the nearby Snake River. These make great base camps to start a exploration trip from. From the Hells Gate Park docks you can book jet boat trips up the river into Hells Canyon. There is a wide range of shopping and restaurant st to be enjoyed in nearby Lewiston, Idaho which is just several minutes away by car.

Directions To Hells Gate State Park

If you are traveling from the South, East, or North to the town of Lewiston, take highway US 12 into the town, you will cross over the Clearwater River Bridge along the way. Keep following US 12 West straight through Lewiston until you come to Snake River Ave. Make a right on Snake River Ave and look for the signs that lead to Hells Gate State Park. If you are traveling from the West, just take US 12 to Clarkston and you will cross the Snake River Bridge that leads into Lewiston. Once you reach the Idaho side of the bridge, make a quick right on Snake River Ave and follow the signs to the state park.

Hells Gate State Park Camping Experience

The campsites along the along the Snake River are quiet and grassy to make camping an enjoyable experience. Hells Gate State park sits at the lowest point in the state of Idaho, with an elevation that is 733 feet above sea level. You can enjoy year long camping and fun due to the warm weather that last all season long. The camping area is full of shade trees and miles of biking, horseback, and hiking trails, making it a popular place for campers as well as visitors for just the day. You can reserve a covered area that will hold up to 300 people for your weddings, club meetings, picnics or family reunions.

Keep in mind that the state park stays really busy in September and throughout the month of October because of steelhead fishing season and the many hunting seasons. These activities are extremely popular at Hells Gate State Park and throughout Idaho.

The Hells Canyon Experience

Just up the river from Hells Gate is the Snake River. The river winds and twists its way throughout of of the deepest river gorges in North America, Hells Canyon. There are no roads that lead to the canyon. The best way to experience Hells Canyon is by boat. This wild area is covered with old prospector cabins, long forgotten homes, and some fascinating Native American petroglyphs.

From Hells Gate State Park docks you can book a jet boat trip into Hells Canyons. You can book a full day, half day, or even an over night trip. If you are up for a bit more of adventure, book a dory float or a river rafting trip down the river.

The Snake river is a great area for personal jet boats, watercraft, water skiing, and other boats. There are over 100 slips at the Hells Gate Marina. The marina offers mooring, boat fuel and public boat launches. There is a convenience store, plenty of parking, and public restrooms. You can also rent a boat for the day, over night, and on a weekly basis.

Wildlife and Fishing To Be Found

The Salmon, Clearwater and Snake rivers are famous for their steelhead trout runs. The season for steelheads starts in the fall and runs through out the winter. During the summer seasons you can find catfish, trout, sturgeon and smallmouth bass. Anglers can enjoy this exciting fishing from summer well into spring. If you want to fish for salmon, you will need to check with the Idaho Fish and Game Department for availability.

The wildlife residents of Hells Gate State Park are as varied as the visitors. Quail, pheasants, geese, hawks, ducks, canton tail rabbits and owls make their home in the park. If you keep your eyes open you might even see pelicans, swans., deer, or even a bighorn sheep. They are all known to have been found through out the park.

Be Sure To Visit The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center

Located on two acres on the banks of the Snake River, the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center offers a lot of history and information about the surrounding area. The center showcases an outdoor plaza, interactive educational displays, and an amazing moving stream showcasing sculptures made by Rip Caswell. Be sure to watch the half hour move entitled, “From The Mountains To The Sea: Lewis and Clark in Idaho” it is the showcase of the center. After ward visit the Lewis and Clark Center gift shop for souvenir shopping.

The State Of the Park Today

The park will remain open all year long this year. All three road loops through out the camp ground will remain open through out the month of September and into the month of October. At the end of October the Cottonwood Loop, will be close through out the season. At the star of November, Birch Loop or B loop, will be close through out the season. There will still be plenty of campsites open along Aspen Loop, loop A, all through out the year.

Now is the best time of year to take a boat or rafting trip up the winding Snake River. There is plenty of fishing, hiking, and site seeing to be found. The big event this year is the Haunted Hay Ride on October 22nd and October 23rd. The hay ride will take you through most of the park, and is filled with unexpected surprises! Contact the park center for more information on the annual Haunted Hay Ride.

General Information

Location: North Central Idaho, four miles south of Lewiston, ID on Snake River Ave.

Season: All year long

Hours: 9am to 5pm every day

Attractions: Boating, Camping, Trail Hiking, Biking, and Parks.

Fees: $5 per vehicle and separate fees for camping

Facilities: Campsites, Dump Station, Parking, Boating Facilities, Visitor Center and Parking

Contact Information

Street Address: 5100 Hells Gate RD. Lewiston, ID, 83501

Mailing Address: 5100 Hells Gate RD. Lewiston ID, 83501

Phone Number: (208) 799-5015