The trip from Baker City to La Grande and I-84 with no side trips is about five hours. This portion of the byway is open during summer months. The trip takes you well into the steep-sided canyon and to the beginning of the wild and scenic portion of the Snake River. There is a visitor contact facility located at the Recreation site. From here the jetboats and floaters run downstream.
Prior reservations are necessary for floaters during the control period.
The area offers overnight and day use opportunities. Hells Canyon Overlook offers a dramatic view of canyon country with open slopes and rolling hills visible across the canyon. The Overlook is 3 miles from the junction. If you continue past the Overlook the road turns to gravel which will afford you many more spectacular views of Hells Canyon, the Snake River and the Seven Devils on the Idaho side. On this 39 mile journey, you will pass a fish well where the State traps and holds salmon during the summer.