Hells Canyon Idaho

Hells Canyon Idaho Seven Devils area. 8-mile round trip hike. Hells Canyon is wider and deeper than the Grand Canyon and is known for the jet boat rides on the snake river. It lies about 7,000 feet below the Heaven's Gate Lookout. Perched high above Hells Canyon at the entrance of the Seven Devils Mountains, Heaven's Gate Lookout is a view that's well worth the rugged drive. True to its name, the view from this lookout is absolutely heavenly and you'll want to see it for yourself.

The road to Seven Devils Lake and the Seven Devils Campground is a 17-mile dirt affair ascending a vertical mile through a constantly transforming landscape. Arid ranchland evolves into lowland forest dominated by ponderosa, willow and cottonwood before changing into montane, and eventually subalpine, meadows and forest. While almost devoid of potholes, the road does feature a few washboard sections that threaten to rattle your fillings out of your mouth.

The Seven Devils Campground is free, primitive, and first-come, first-served. Nestled in a basin below an 8,800-foot ridgeline. Multiple trails offer fantastic hiking and backpacking opportunities from the campground area, and I opted to do the hike to Heaven's Gate lookout.

There were some unlikely quests that I came across at this elevation. Once you've reached the lookout, you can officially stop and enjoy one of the best views in the Northwest. Mountain peaks in portions of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho are all visible from this viewpoint. See if you can spot where one state ends and the other begins.

I love hiking above the clouds.

Additionally, the Seven Devils Mountains which surround the lookout make for an outstanding backdrop. Reaching heights of over 9,400 feet and often snow-capped even in July, the Seven Devils are definitely a sight to be seen. Keep an eye out for mountain goats which can often be found in the area. No luck for me on the mountain goats....

The lookout is too high to provide a view of the Snake River at the bottom of the canyon, but you'll still have an excellent view of the towering canyon walls.

Heaven's Gate Lookout

For a once-in-a-lifetime view that showcases Idaho's wild backcountry beauty, plan an adventure to Heaven's Gate Lookout. Boasting views of four different states, Hells Canyon, and endless mountain peaks, visiting this lookout will make you feel like you've found the top of the world.

The lookout and surrounding area are only open during the summertime after the snow melts, typically from late June until October. You can get there from Riggins by taking US 95 south for nearly a mile, turning right on Forest Road 517, and driving 17 miles to the Seven Devils Campground.