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2008 Hells Canyon Run

This year's run is scheduled for the weekend of September 13th and 14th.  For those who are unfamiliar with this event, it is held at Pittsburg Landing on the Snake River in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area along the Idaho/Oregon border.  WWA organized activities will take place on Saturday the 13th, but a number of people will arrive a day or two early to fish or just relax and most members will stay through Sunday.  Folks generally overnight at Pittsburg Landing Campground through the weekend, although some camp up or down the river. 

The main event will be a 53 mile round-trip run down the Snake from Pittsburg Landing to the confluence of the Salmon River.  The run to the confluence is long, presents a considerable amount of whitewater, and can be quite arduous for those who are new to whitewater jetboating.  For this reason, the WWA discourages individuals with no whitewater jetboating experience from taking their boats on this trek.  To lessen the impact on the lower section, some of the more experienced boaters will run up river from Pittsburg Landing.  At the far end of the upper section, there are some very large and technical rapids.  The length of any up river trips may be short or long, depending on the demonstrated skills of the drivers within each group, river conditions at the time of travel, and the judgment of the leader.  The extent and nature of travel for each group will be left to the sole discretion of the group leader. 

There will be sign-up sheets at Pittsburg Landing Campsite site #15 (next to the usual dinner site).  Please cooperate and sign in upon your arrival, indicating you skill level, and choice of down river or up river travel.  Pre-registration is extremely important for the assessment of driver skills, the formation of workable travel groups, and the assignment of group leaders.  If you have limited whitewater experience, please do not place your passengers, yourself, or your group leader in jeopardy by requesting to participate in the up river runs.  Group leaders volunteer their time, their equipment, and their expertise to enable group members to participate in this wonderful event and improve their whitewater skills. 

Saturday morning there will be two separate meeting and launch times.  Boats running down to the confluence will meet at 9:00 a.m. MT at Fishtrap Bar just up river from Pittsburg Landing to organize groups for the down river run.  The down river launch should begin shortly thereafter and most groups should be on their way down river before 10:00 a.m.  Boats running up river will meet at 10:00 a.m., also at Fishtrap Bar, and should be headed up river by 10:30 a.m.  As always, please be courteous, cautious, and patient when parking at Fishtrap or elsewhere on the river.  Please watch your wake and take time to pull safely in alongside other boats.  All organized river activities are expected to be wrapped up by 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday night there will be a no-host social hour starting around 6:00 p.m. and the club will host a steak dinner beginning at about 7:00 p.m.  Plates, plastic utensils, and napkins will be provided, but you may want to bring your own steak knife.  You will need to provide your own beverages and please bring a side dish to share with the group.  We recommend that you bring along some chairs and/or a portable table, if you have them as seating is limited at the dinner site. 

If you stay at the campground, please respect the rules: pay your fees within 30 minutes after occupying a campsite, avoid parking on non-paved areas, and no campfires if the burning ban is in effect.  Additional information about the campground and driving directions can be found at the Pittsburg Landing Campground link below.

The drive into Pittsburg Landing from Highway 95 is only 18 miles, but it will take about an hour to complete the trip.  The road is paved for the first few miles, but if you have 4-wheel drive, it is advisable to engage it when you get to the gravel.  If you are pulling a trailer with surge brakes you should definitely consider locking those brakes out before beginning the descent to Pittsburg Landing.  The grade on the back side is very steep - 16% in some places and it is a long descent.  It is also highly advisable to put your vehicle in low range, before starting down.  Take it slow and easy as it is very easy to burn out your brakes.

You will need to complete a self-issue river permit before you launch.  Permits are available at the Forest Service office above the boat ramp.  Also, remember that every boat is required to have a portable toilet or other solid waste carryout system onboard at all times while on the river within the HCNRA.  More information about HCNRA and its regulations can be found at the links below.

Useful Links

    River Run Information for New Members
    Run Chairman's Checklist
    Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
    Snake River Powerboaters Guide
    Pittsburg Landing Campground
    Weather at Pittsburg Landing
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