Hells Gate State Park sits along the Snake River just four miles south of Lewiston, serving as the gateway to Hells Canyon — the deepest river gorge in North America. Spread across 960 acres where the Clearwater and Snake Rivers converge, the park offers a rare combination of river access, wildlife habitat, and year-round recreation at one of Idaho’s lowest elevations.

The park is a launching point for jet boat tours into Hells Canyon, one of the most thrilling ways to experience the region’s dramatic basalt walls and whitewater rapids. Back on solid ground, visitors enjoy hiking and mountain biking along riverside trails, swimming at the sandy beach, and fishing for steelhead, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center within the park traces the Corps of Discovery’s passage through the area in 1805.

Camping options include full-hookup RV sites, standard tent sites, and a group camp area, all within easy reach of the river. The campground stays busy through summer, so reservations are recommended from May through September.

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures — summers in the Lewiston valley regularly push past 100°F, making early morning and evening the best times to be outdoors. Winter stays mild compared to the rest of Idaho, keeping the park accessible year-round.

With a 4.5-star rating across 1,350 reviews, Hells Gate consistently earns praise for its scenery, well-maintained facilities, and unbeatable river access.

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