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Snaky Hell's Canyon

Hell's Canyon is a very interesting place to say the least!

Hell's Canyon is a 10-mile wide canyon located along the border of eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and western Idaho in the United States. It is part of the Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area and is North America's deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet. The mighty Snake River runs it's course through this canyon.

Surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains, Hell's Canyon is also called "Little Switzerland". It was all brown this time of the year but upon further research, it looks amazing in the springtime when it is green on the cliffs.

The Hell's Canyon Scenic Byway is a 208 mile horseshoe route. Mike and I only went as far as Hell's Canyon Dam. I would love to someday do the whole route but we were on a time crunch!

The road in is a very narrow, winding road. Made for some great shots with my Lensbaby Sol 22.

Hell's Canyon Scenic Byway - Photography by Michele James Photography, a California photographer

There were several scenic overlooks looking into this interesting area.

the Snake River in Hell's Canyon - Photography by Michele James Photography, a California Photographer

The bottom of the dam was interesting. There were stairs leading down the one side by the old tunnel for fisherman.

The base of Hell's Canyon Dam on the Snake River - Photography by Michele James Photography, a California Photographer

It was amazingly beautiful and steeped in history. I highly recommend this trip!

For more information and directions for the Hell's Canyon Scenic Byway click here!

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