Jet Boat Ride in Hells Canyon on the Snake River

[monik7]

I had a wonderful experience taking a jet boat ride in Hells Canyon on the Snake River out of White Bird, ID. The ride was a total of 65 miles and started out of Pittsburg Landing on the Snake. This is where the wild part starts on the river. I didn't choose a tour from further north out of Lewiston, ID because it's much tamer and more scenic. The boat had three 350 HP engines and is capable of 65 mph, but we stayed at about 35 mph. The ride went up the Snake through many class 3 rapids and a number of class 4 and 5 rapids. We traveled south all the way to the Hells Canyon Dam. Along the way there is a point where the gorge is the deepest in North America (deeper than the Grand Canyon). Very spectacular and heaven for this geology lover. We stopped at a number of historical sites along the way. They must have been hearty folk to settle there. At the dam there was a visitors' center and that's where we ate the quite good lunch that was provided. We could take pictures on the leg to the dam, but they recommended stowing cameras for the return trip because it was a WiLD ride back and so much fun. One highlight was that we saw a mama bear with her two little cubs. They were at the water's edge and we watched them scamper up the bank and into the underbrush. I would recommend this fun tour to everyone. Nothing to fear. There was even an 8-year-old girl along. The company was Killgore Adventures out of White Bird, ID. They also provide the upper scenic tour for the less adventurous. Killgore also has an RV park in White Bird which was so convenient. There's a 17 mile drive from there to Pittsburg Landing which customers can drive themselves or you can do what I did and take the shuttle they provide for $20 RT. It was nice to sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

I wish I could provide a picture, but the service where I am just can't upload it.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

My son and his family took the scary trip, but someday I would like to try the more scenic one because I am a coward when it comes to water. And the title of the canyon does not give me much confidence!

[chalet05]

That has been on my bucket list for too long!! So glad you enjoyed it!!

[snowball]

how fun!!! I'm more scenic but have only gone on rafts so perhaps this would be good
sheila

[Bethers]

What a great adventure. Just added this to my list, also.

[OregonLuvr]

Sandi, sooo glad you got to do the Jet Boat trip and it sounds fantastic. I will put the info you provided in my folder of things to do in that area. Thanks so much for the info. YOU are a "hearty one". One of the 3 survivors of the Oregon GTG ha ha.

Laura and I are over at the coast (Waldport) wearing our sweatshirts and loving every minute of this clear, slightly breezy at times weather today. Earlier we had on short sleeve shirts but had to don the heavy duty gear when the wind kicked up LOL We are moving to the Marina in Newport tomorrow for 3 days. Then will make our way inland as Laura has to return to "work".

karen

[MandysMom]

That sounds like so much fun! Last ride like that I did was mail boat rides,on the Oregon Rogue river and riot was tame but way fun.
Thanks for,sharing your story with us.
Velda

[gypsyrose1126]

Sandi - thanks for the great description -- I can't wait to try it!

[Liz]

That sounds like a lot of fun, but I would also like the calmer scenic one.

[avalen]

and the NW fun continues, sounds like a fantastic time you had on that tour, I could see me doing that too, actually putting it on my list of places to explore. Perhaps another gtg in the future for the NW crew

[mtngal]

Pics will be great when you get to a fast connection but in the meantime the excitement in your voice comes through loud and clear! Awesome adventure!

[sharon]

That has been on my bucket list for too long!! So glad you enjoyed it!!

Mine too!

[WickedLady]

I have been on that dam and saw one of the boats....I want to do that!