Snake River (Columbia River)

The Snake River, the largest tributary of the Columbia River, stretches about 1,080 miles from Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming across the broad plains of Idaho and through the dramatic Hells Canyon along the Oregon border before joining the Columbia near the Tri-Cities in Washington. It traverses diverse landscapes ranging from high mountain valleys and volcanic plateaus to one of North America’s deepest river gorges, with steep walls rising up to 8,000 feet. Within the protected stretches of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, thrilling whitewater sections invite rafting and kayaking, while anglers pursue trout, sturgeon, and steelhead. Hiking, horseback riding, and camping in the remote canyon country complete the recreational offerings and provide immersive outdoor experiences.