It is undammed and unspoiled as it passes through central Idaho's Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest federally protected Wilderness in the lower 48 states. Attractions include water falls, hot springs, and Indian pictographs. No motorized boats are allowed on this river. The river is perfect for paddle rafts and kayaks. This is a great family trip.
Fishing is available for trout, smallmouth bass, and white sturgeon.
These canyons are home to a large variety of wildlife and song birds. The Salmon Canyon has one of the world's highest concentrations of raptors. The area's backcountry history includes tales of the Nez Perce War, long abandoned homesteads, and Chinese miners. The country is amazing. Hells Canyon offers more American Indian and pioneer historic sites than any other river in the region, including abandoned homesteads, pictographs, house pits, and petroglyphs.