(1) The ecological diversity of the Hells Can-
yon/Wallowa Mountain Region is unique and its cen-
tral proximity to other ecologically intact or rel-
atively intact areas makes it a critical passageway 
for genetic interchange of native plants and animals 
throughout the northwestern United States. 
(2) The deepest river-carved canyon in the 
world at over 8,000 feet deep, Hells Canyon of the 
Snake River forms the centerpiece of the rugged 
Greater Hells Canyon/Wallowa Mountain Region. 
(3) The ancestral home of the Nez Perce Indi-
ans and their famous leaders, Old Chief Joseph, 
Young Chief Joseph, and Ollokot, the region is his-
torically significant and remains spiritually and cul-
turally important to Indian tribes, whose treaty 
rights guarantee their sovereignty and continued use 
of the land. 
(4) The region abounds in cultural and archae-
ological sites, the remnants of the Nez Perce Tribe 
and other aboriginal cultures. 
(5) Breathtaking scenery in the region includes 
the snowcapped peaks of the Wallowa and Seven 
Devils Mountains, ancient boreal forests composed of 
many tree species, semi-arid desert environments, 
rare, intact remnants of native Columbia Basin 
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grasslands, and unique geology and numerous dra-
matic rimrock canyons. 
(6) Endangered Chinook salmon, rare or 
threatened species, such as goshawk, pine marten, 
and bighorn sheep, the largest free-roaming elk herd 
in the United States, and a variety of other wildlife 
species inhabit the region. 
(b) DESIGNATION.—In order to protect the unique 
and endangered Greater Hells Canyon ecosystem, the 
areas described in this section, which comprise approxi-
mately 525,000 acres, as generally depicted on the maps 
with titles corresponding to each area and dated 
llllll, are hereby designated as wilderness. The 
land designated as wilderness by this section shall be in-
corporated into the wilderness indicated or, in the case of 
wilderness designated by subsection (e), shall be known 
by the name given the wilderness in that subsection. Each 
map shall be on file and available for public inspection 
in the Office of the Chief of the Forest Service. 
(c) HELLS CANYON WILDERNESS ADDITIONS.—The 
following areas, consisting of a total of approximately 
400,000 acres, are incorporated into the Hells Canyon 
Wilderness: 
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(1) Rapid River area, consisting of approxi-
mately 76,000 acres administered by the Payette or 
Nez Perce National Forest. 
(2) Salmon Face area, consisting of approxi-
mately 19,000 acres administered by the Nez Perce 
National Forest. 
(3) Klopton Cree/Corral Creek area, consisting 
of approximately 24,500 acres administered by the 
Nez Perce National Forest. 
(4) Big Canyon area, consisting of approxi-
mately 16,500 acres administered by the Nez Perce 
National Forest. 
(5) Other Hells Canyon additions, consisting of 
approximately 264,000 acres administered by the 
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. 
(d) EAGLE
CAP
WILDERNESS
ADDITIONS.—The 
Eagle Cap additions consisting of approximately 100,000 
acres administered by the Wallowa-Whitman National 
Forest are incorporated into the Eagle Cap Wilderness. 
(e) NEW NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION 
SYSTEM COMPONENTS.—The following areas are des-
ignated as new components of the National Wilderness 
Preservation System: 
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