Further downstream, the Clearwater and other rivers dump their flows into the Snake River, creating the Columbia River's largest tributary. The Canyon is mostly public land, much of which is designated wilderness. The Canyon is massive, arid, and provides extremely stark, spectacular scenery. The lower river is often crowded on summer weekends. Few roads enter the Canyon, and those that do exist usually require 4-wheel drive.
Fishing is good for trout, bass and catfish.
Odds are good that you'll see bighorn sheep, ospreys, eagles, chukar partridge, and deer on your trip. You also might see turkeys, elk, bears and otters. Most of the difficult rapids are at the beginning, then the pace of the trip slows considerably. The two major rapids, Wild Sheep and Granite Creek, should be treated with respect, especially at high flows. Those with kayaks and other small boats can portage these rapids.