Information AboutHells Canyon |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT HELLS CANYON | |
| canyons and gorges of oregon | |
| canyons and gorges of idaho | |
| snake river | |
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Hells Canyon is a ten mile wide Canyon located along the border of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho in the United States . It is North America 's deepest river Gorge at 7,993 feet (2436 m) and the most important feature of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area . DESCRIPTION viewed from Suicide Point in Hells Canyon]] Aside from being known as the deepest river gorge in North America, the area offers scenic vistas of mountain peaks and cascading waters, and glimpses of abundant wildlife in a remote wilderness setting. HISTORY The earliest known settlers in Hells Canyon were the Nez Perce tribe. Others tribes visiting the area were the Shoshone-Bannock , northern Paiute and Cayuse Indians. The mild winters, ample plant and wildlife attracted human habitation. In 1806, three members of the Lewis And Clark Expedition entered Hells Canyon along the Salmon River . However, they turned back without seeing the canyon. It wasn't until 1811 that the Wilson Price Hunt expedition explored Hells Canyon while seeking a shortcut to the Columbia River . Hunger and cold forced them to turn back, as did many explorers who were defeated by the canyon's inaccessibility. There remains no evidence in the canyon of their attempts, except their expedition journals. The early miners were next to follow. In the 1860s gold was discovered in river bars near Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and miners soon penetrated Hells Canyon. Gold mining was not profitable here and evidence remains of their endeavors visible along the corridor of the Snake River . Later efforts concentrated on hard-rock mining requiring complex facilities, and evidence of the history of these developments are on view today, especially near the mouth of the Imnaha River . In the 1880s there was a short-lived Homesteading boom but the weather was too severe for farming and they soon gave up. Some ranchers still remain today operating within the boundaries of the National Recreation Area. SEE ALSO REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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