Go to Hell! Hell's Canyon
By Mike Marino

On their journey to find the Northwest Passage, Lewis and Clark passed through one of the most rugged areas of their trip to the Pacific Ocean as they rode the rapids of the Snake River. The days of Lewis and Clark may be long past faded into history, but anyone who enjoys the raging rush of a Pacific Northwest River through rugged canyons will tell you that to them it is pure whitewater heaven. But to get to heaven, you first have to go to Hell.

Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, is nestled in the Lewis-Clark Valley, on the Snake River where the biggest rapids in the Pacific Northwest rock and roll so the seasoned pro can experience the thrill river ride of a lifetime. It is an ancient canyon with rock walls, and over the centuries boulders and rock slides have found their way into the waterway and have created some Godzilla sized rapids to fuel inject the adrenaline rush. Along with awesome rafting adventures, you can also take to the river on a jet boat in summer and during the winter season there is plenty of opportunity for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. When the sun goes down, the nearby towns of Lewiston, Idaho Clarkston, Washington and Asotin, also in Washington are not only the gateway cities to the canyon but offer relaxation with vino from the wineries or a Pacific West Coast Microbrew in a local pub to unwind after a day on the rapids.

Along the way there is a variety of Western wildlife from bighorn sheep, mountain goats and monster sized elk. Along with rafting there is plenty of Terra firma activity available with trails for hiking and biking, and numerous campsites to rough it in a rustic Garden of Nature's Eden. On the calmer stretches of the river there are lazy beaches where you can enjoy the ample sunshine, have a picnic or enjoy swimming.

Kurt Armacost grew up on the river as a teenager and it was his family that started the Hells Canyon Raft Company. "It's a magical place," he said. In 1976 my family took their first trip through Hells Canyon. By the summer of 1977 we had our own gear, beginning the foundation of a long legacy of guiding and rafting in the Hells Canyon Region. When my family was just beginning, trips were usually small. Those were the good old days. At 14 years of age I would follow my Dad down the river. He had the guests on his boat, and I would carry the gear. At 18, I started to lead trips down the river. Last time I counted I had logged over 500 trips on the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Believe me, just being there on the river changes the way you see things."

If you want to add a little fuel injection to your river adventure hop aboard a jet boat for a fast paced romp on the river at high speed. This is the jet boat capital of the world by the way so you can count on the ride of your life! Racing along the river, water splashing, and your heart racing. The jet boat tour operators offer a variety of trips including some where you journey the canyon and spend the night in a luxury lodge in the remote back country of the canyon, or you can opt for a stay in a private cabin to let the romance work it's magic after a day of adrenalin rushing adventure. There are shorter trips available and on all trips the jet boats will stop along the way at secluded white sandy beaches for a dip or swim and to grab a lunch on the beach in the great wilds of the great outdoors.

On the nearby Salmon River is the longest remaing free flowing river system in the lower 48 states. It has a plethora of white sandy beaches for swimming or volleyball, the perfect co-ed sport, and it has a huge paddle boat water slide. There are even rapids, but these are a little tamer and family friendly. One trip on the Salmon is a one day getaway on rapids that are perfect for the beginner and families. You can raft or for a solo thrill test your skills in an inflatable kayak. Along the way you guides will point out the sites and wildlife you may encounter and tempt your taste buds as you take a break for a gourmet lunch served on the banks of the river. There is also a two day 40 miler you can sign up for that includes that includes camping and a riverside dinner under a canopy of brilliant Pacific Northwest stars. The trip is also educational for the kids as they learn about the variety of wildlife, local geology and formations along with information about the regions Nez Perce Indians who have dwelled for centuries in the region and today live on a reservation not far from the river.

Along with the river and nightly micro brew infused entertainment, summer events in the Hells Canyon area are pure rock and roll. Every summer they put on a bash called "Rockin' on the River" and has featured music from artists ranging from the red hot rock of Joan Jett to the grunge of Everclear who unleash their music to the massive crowds relaxing on the banks and beach of the Snake River. Motorheads and rock and roll get together to kick asphalt in nearby Lewiston every August for "Hot August Nights" when classic cars with lots o' chrome and oldies rock the valley. Powerful machines and live concerts on the weekends make it a perfect way to rev up and unwind after a day on the river.

For more information on the Hell's Canyon Raft Company visit their website at www.hellscanyon raft.com

For information on other events and activities in the region go to www.http://hellscanyonvisitor.com/

So grab your adrenaline, stock up on courage and make your way to whitewater heaven, but remember to get there..first you have to go to Hell!!!