It’s funny how much Idaho’s beautiful landscapes transform throughout the seasons. You can visit one place in summertime and again in wintertime and have a completely different experience. That’s exactly why you should consider revisiting some of your favorite summertime spots this winter. We can think of one destination that is especially breathtaking during the colder months. Often considered “The Grand Canyon of Idaho”, Hells Canyon in Idaho is one of those jaw-dropping landscapes that will leave you in complete awe… and it’s even more spectacular in the winter.

Encompassing a remote region that's shared between Idaho and Oregon, Hells Canyon is by far one of the most impressive natural wonders in the country.
Barry Wright / Google Reviews
Many adventurers consider it an excellent spring and summer destination, but we'd argue that winter is also a great time to visit it.
The 10-mile-wide canyon is considered North America's deepest river gorge.
Baker County Tourism / Flickr
The canyon itself is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area which is made up of roughly 215,000 acres, including nearly 900 miles of hiking trails! There's no arguing that "Idaho's Grand Canyon" is a bucket list destination, for sure.
Recreation season in the Hells Canyon NRA typically begins in spring and extends through November.
Baker County Tourism / Flickr
However, the great thing about the outdoors is that it never really closes. Whitewater rafting and kayaking may be out, but there's still plenty to do in the winter season.

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First off, there are dozens of hiking trails that are perfect for exploring the canyon and taking in its winter beauty.
Barry Wright/Google
Popular day hiking trails include Black Lake Campground, Heaven's Gate Trailhead, and Windy Saddle Trailhead—all of which are easily accessible from the town of Riggins.
Additionally, there are plenty of outfitters that will happily take visitors on a jet boat adventure or fishing charter, even in the winter.
Russ H / TripAdvisor
Based out of Cambridge, Hells Canyon Adventures offers morning, afternoon, whole day, and overnight jet boat trips all year long.
Alternatively, simply pay a visit to one of the many viewpoints or recreation areas where you can explore at your own pace and in your own way. Popular recreation areas include Hells Canyon Wilderness, Black Lake, Heavens Gate Lookout, and the Seven Devils Recreation Area.
Baker County Tourism / Flickr
A snow-covered Hells Canyon is a sight worth going out of your way for. Just be sure to take the proper precautions when it comes to driving on icy roads and exploring remote areas.
Barry Wright / Google Reviews
A snow-covered Hells Canyon is a sight worth going out of your way for. Just be sure to take the proper precautions when it comes to driving on icy roads and exploring remote areas. Learn more about the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and what it has to offer year-round at the U.S. Forest Service website.

Enjoy footage of a beautiful winter at Hells Canyon in this video from Pete Gertonson:

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hells Canyon in Idaho this winter? You should get on it soon if you haven’t. For more bucket list winter spots, check out this list of eight awesome places to visit in Idaho this winter.

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More to Explore

Winter In Idaho

Chris Muras | January 10, 2024

What are some things to do in winter in Idaho?
Winters in Idaho can get blustery, blowy, and pretty snowy, so if you love spending time in the snow, there is plenty to do here. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in winter in Idaho:

  • Snowscapes, Driggs, ID: If you are ready to be mesmerized by creative snow sculptures, head to Driggs toward the end of January for this fun winter event. Local and national artists spend several days creating elaborate figures and scenes all made out of snow. Then, the entire town has a block party to vote for the best of the show. If you are looking for something fun to do during winter in Idaho, bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and come out to Driggs.
  • Discover frozen waterfalls: Numerous beautiful waterfalls in Idaho are fun to hike to in the warmer months. But just because the ground is covered in snow and the air is a bit brisk doesn't mean we can't enjoy the beauty of a nice waterfall. When these waterfalls freeze over they become even more enchanting. Some of our favorite Idaho waterfalls include Jump Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and Shoshone Falls.
  • Brave the snow mounds in McCall: McCall, Idaho is one of the snowiest places in the country with more than 130 inches of snowfall in a typical winter. But this small Idaho town is absolutely beautiful in the winter because it is surrounded by majestic mountains. If you enjoy winter sports like skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, tubing, or cross-country skiing, you'll love a weekend getaway to McCall. Hole up in the cozy Lemonwood Cabin with a toasty hot tub while you spend the days on a fun winter adventure.

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Hells Canyon, Idaho 83835, USA