Some historians believe, the name Hells Canyon originated in 1895 when a cargo ship pilot name Haller made a trip down the Snake River rapids. The circumstances surrounding the name’s origin are sketchy. It may have been inspired by an expletive Mr. Haller used as he tried to pilot the boat; or it may have come about as a result of the inaccurate repetition of Haller’s name in the phrase, “Haller’s Canyon.” Whatever the circumstances, the name, Hells Canyon stuck.

Hells Canyon Park is on the Idaho side of Hells Canyon Reservoir, six miles downstream from Copperfield Park. Its 24 recreational vehicle (RV) sites offer electrical hookups, with water available in some units. Tent spaces are located on a large, grassy area complete with four barbeque stands and picnic tables. Each of the park’s two restrooms is equipped with a shower stall. Link to a printable Hells Canyon Park map (PDF, 77Kb).

Hells Canyon Park has a boat ramp, four boat docks, RV dump station and a public pay phone located at the entrance to the park. For driving directions, click here.

Three other parks are maintained by Idaho Power in the Hells Canyon area: Copperfield, McCormick, and Woodhead. Check out the Hells Canyon trail map (PDF, 236Kb) or Hells Canyon parks map (PDF, 468Kb), for more details. Our Hells Canyon Area Slide Show is a collection of 50 photos capturing the area's scenic wonders and wildlife.

For information about amenities at each park, and our other parks and recreational facilities, visit the Idaho Power Parks and Recreation section.

 

Hells Canyon Map

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