The entire stretch, whether floated downstream or jet boated from Lewiston up river, reaches some 110 miles and is highlighted by steep canyon walls and a diversity of wildlife. At one point from the Hat Point Lookout above, the visible drop in elevation from the lookout to the river is more than one mile. Wildlife often seen by floaters and jet boaters includes Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, bear in the spring of the year, golden eagles, osprey, beaver, sturgeon and occasionally bobcat or cougar says jet boater Bill Bonson of Clarkston's Snake Dancer Excursions. Of the 27 outfitters permitted by the United States Forest Service to commercially guide along the river only one, Steen's Wilderness Adventures of Joseph is on the list. Shelly Steen is a nine year river veteran and the wife of 16-year veteran outfitter Shawn Steen.
Most trips are overnight and can last from three to five days.
The Class 4 rapids at Wild Sheep and Granite are within the first 20 miles of the trip. The Steens regularly supply tents, fishing poles, sleeping bags, other equipment and meals. Snake Dancer Excursions presents itself as a smaller jet boat operation out of Clarkston which transports 1,500 adventurers per year into the jaws of the canyon. A typical round trip to Rush Creek within short miles of Hells Canyon Dam can cover nearly 200 miles in a long 10-hour day. Snake Dancer is open year around with peak operations coming in June, July and August, the months recently set aside by the USFS to restrict jet boat traffic.