In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From the Wallowa Mountains in Oregon into the deepest gorge in North America, along the Salmon River to Riggins and over the Lewis and Clark route along the Lochsa River to Lolo Pass.
The spirit of the route
The Wallowas are not called the Switzerland of Oregon for nothing: at Wallowa Lake the moraine rises like a rampart between lake and mountains, and in Joseph bronze sculptures stand in front of wooden façades. Then the world drops away. Imnaha lies at the bottom of a gorge where it gets scorching hot in summer, and Hells Canyon stretches south of it as the deepest river gorge in North America, about 2,400 metres from the Seven Devils down to the Snake River. Further east the Salmon River, the River of No Return, flows in a canyon on whose slopes US-95 climbs to Riggins. Finally the route follows the Clearwater and the Lochsa River, which Lewis and Clark crossed hungry in the autumn of 1805, over Lolo Pass into Montana. The roads are steep, the distances great, and the landscape is hard to beat in its stillness.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Joseph (Wallowa Lake) to Imnaha (approx. 50 km)
- The drive
- From Joseph take OR-350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) north-east over the plateau and into Imnaha Canyon: paved, narrow road with a descent of several hundred metres and switchbacks at the end; driving time about 1 hour. Long motorhomes and combinations should check the descent beforehand; wildlife and livestock on the road. The village of Imnaha has small shops, little fuel and weak mobile coverage. Fill up in Joseph or Enterprise.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Wallowa Lake and Wallowa Lake Tramway: gondola up Mount Howard with a view over the lake and mountains (operation seasonal, check opening and prices in advance); boat rental and lakeside trails at the south end of the lake.
- Joseph: bronze art on the main street and home of the Wallowa History Center; shops and cafés. The town is named after the Nez Perce chief Joseph.
- Imnaha River Canyon: orchards and pasture at the bottom of the gorge, with viewpoints along the route and a trailhead for the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Wallowa Lake State Park on the south shore of Wallowa Lake: large campground with hookups, showers and a dump station; reserve via Oregon State Parks, check vehicle length and season in advance. In Imnaha itself campgrounds are limited; check status in advance. Forest Service campgrounds in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offer basic facilities.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Wallowa-Whitman National Forest dispersed camping is usually allowed for up to 14 days; access roads are partly steep and unsuitable for large motorhomes. On private land and around the lake overnighting outside the campground is prohibited.
- Insider tip for campers
- The descent to Imnaha is steep; spare the brakes and drive in a low gear. Hat Point Road (about 24 miles of gravel, partly very steep) is not suitable for motorhomes and trailers; check status and suitability with the Forest Service. Take insect repellent and sun protection.
2Stage 2: Imnaha to Baker City (approx. 240 km)
- The drive
- Back via Joseph and Enterprise on OR-82 to La Grande, then south-east on I-84 to Baker City: first a winding, then a wide road; driving time about 3.5 to 4 hours. A long stage; splitting it with an overnight stop in La Grande or Elgin is possible. Fuel stations in Enterprise, La Grande and Baker City. In winter OR-82 and I-84 are often snowy or icy.
- Highlights & must-sees
- La Grande: university town at the foot of the Blue Mountains with shops and workshops; a good place for shopping and water and waste disposal.
- National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City: museum on the history of the Oregon Trail with a view over the valley; opening times seasonal.
- Baker City: historic gold-rush town with an old town and museums; starting point for the drive to Halfway.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Private RV parks in La Grande and Baker City with hookups, waste disposal and laundry; Forest Service campgrounds in the Blue Mountains offer basic facilities; check status and lengths in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On National Forest and BLM land in the Blue Mountains dispersed camping is usually allowed for up to 14 days; observe fire bans and access roads. In Baker City and La Grande overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is prohibited.
- Insider tip for campers
- This stage is long; take care of fuel, water and waste disposal in La Grande. If you want to drive less, overnight in La Grande.
3Stage 3: Baker City to Hells Canyon Dam (approx. 150 km)
- The drive
- On OR-86 east to Halfway, then on the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to Oxbow and on along Hells Canyon Road to Hells Canyon Dam: paved, narrow road along the Snake River, with bends and some tight spots; driving time about 3 hours. Fuel stations in Halfway and Baker City; there are hardly any supplies along the way. In summer it gets very hot in the canyon.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Halfway: small town in Pine Valley, starting point for hikes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness; shops and fuel station.
- Oxbow Dam and Brownlee Reservoir: dams on the Snake River with viewpoints and boat ramps.
- Hells Canyon Dam: dam on the Snake River, with a view and access to the Snake River; visitor information and hiking trails around the dam.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Copperfield Park (Idaho Power, near Oxbow) and Hells Canyon Park (Idaho Power, about 6 miles further downstream) are both on the Oregon side of the Snake River; both have sites with electricity (30 A) and a dump station. Hells Canyon Road is at times closed because of maintenance or weather (information from Idaho Power, 541-785-7251); check status, lengths and fees in advance. In Halfway private RV parks.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On National Forest and BLM land around Halfway dispersed camping is possible on forest roads; access roads are partly narrow. In the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area special rules apply; obtain information from the Forest Service.
- Insider tip for campers
- The road to Hells Canyon Dam is narrow; watch for oncoming traffic and cyclists. Fill up with water and fuel in Halfway. In high summer the canyon is hot, take heat protection and plenty of water.
4Stage 4: Hells Canyon Dam to New Meadows (approx. 175 km)
- The drive
- Back along Hells Canyon Road to Oxbow, then along Brownlee Reservoir to Brownlee Dam and over the Snake River bridge onto ID-71 (about 29 miles) south to Cambridge, from there north on US-95 to New Meadows: narrow, winding road along the river, later wide; driving time about 3.5 hours. Fuel stations in Cambridge and New Meadows. In winter ice and snow are possible.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Brownlee Dam and Brownlee Reservoir: reservoir on the Snake River, with fishing spots and viewpoints.
- Cambridge: small town in the Weiser River valley with shops and a fuel station.
- New Meadows: town on US-95 in the McCall area, starting point for Payette Lake and the Seven Devils Mountains.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In New Meadows and Cambridge private RV parks with hookups; Forest Service campgrounds near McCall offer basic facilities. Check status and lengths in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On National Forest land around New Meadows dispersed camping is usually allowed for up to 14 days; observe the rules and fire bans.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fuel up and shop in Cambridge or New Meadows before heading into the Salmon River canyon. Take care of water and waste disposal in advance.
5Stage 5: New Meadows to Riggins (approx. 60 km)
- The drive
- On US-95 north through the Little Salmon River valley to Riggins: well-built, winding road following the river; driving time about 1 hour. In the canyon lorry traffic, rockfall and wildlife are possible. Fuel stations in Riggins and New Meadows.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Little Salmon River Canyon: road alongside white water, rafting operators and viewpoints.
- Riggins: rafting and fishing town on the Salmon River with shops, a fuel station and restaurants.
- Salmon River: River of No Return with rapids, viewpoints and access to gravel bars.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Spring Bar Campground (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, tent sites only, no hookups) is on the Salmon River near Riggins; Pine Bar (BLM) is on the Lower Salmon River with access via Graves Creek Road from Cottonwood, camping only at numbered sites, fee payable, maximum 14 days. Check facilities, fee and length limit in advance. Private RV parks in Riggins with hookups.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On BLM land along the Salmon River dispersed camping is allowed in some places, check rules and access roads in advance. In Riggins overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is not permitted.
- Insider tip for campers
- In the canyon it is very hot in summer; drive early and carry water. Seven Devils Road (Heaven’s Gate) is steep and gravel; unsuitable for large motorhomes.
6Stage 6: Riggins to Kooskia (approx. 130 km)
- The drive
- On US-95 north over White Bird Hill (switchbacks with a long view over the prairie) to Grangeville, then on ID-13 to Kooskia: wide road with steep downhill stretches, driving time about 2 hours. Fuel stations in White Bird, Grangeville and Kooskia. White Bird Hill has switchbacks and truck stops; drive in a low gear.
- Highlights & must-sees
- White Bird Battlefield (Nez Perce National Historical Park): site of the first battle of the Nez Perce War of 1877; information boards and a view.
- White Bird Hill: viewpoint with a view of the prairie and the Salmon River; switchbacks on the descent.
- Grangeville: town on the Camas Prairie with shops, a fuel station and a museum.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Forest Service campgrounds in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest offer basic facilities; in Grangeville and Kooskia private RV parks with hookups. Check status and lengths in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On National Forest and BLM land dispersed camping is usually allowed for up to 14 days; observe the rules and fire bans.
- Insider tip for campers
- On White Bird Hill drive in a low gear and spare the brakes. Fuel up and shop in Grangeville; after that supplies become thin.
7Stage 7: Kooskia to Lolo (approx. 215 km)
- The drive
- On US-12 (Lewis and Clark Highway) east along the Clearwater and Lochsa River over Lolo Pass (about 1,600 m) into Montana and to Lolo: narrow, winding road in the Wild and Scenic River corridor, few pull-outs, driving time about 4 hours. Hardly any fuel stations; mobile coverage drops out. In winter and in snow the pass can be closed.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Lochsa River: wild river with rapids, waterfalls and viewpoints at the roadside; hiking trails to the river.
- Lolo Pass Visitor Center: information on the Lewis and Clark route and Nez Perce history; opening times seasonal, check in advance.
- Lolo Hot Springs: thermal springs in Montana near the summit of the pass (privately run); check opening and admission in advance.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Wilderness Gateway Campground (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest) on the Lochsa River: larger campground with water and toilets, reserve via Recreation.gov, check lengths and status in advance. Lolo Creek Campground (Lolo National Forest) on the Montana side offers basic facilities. In Lolo private RV parks with hookups.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and Lolo National Forest dispersed camping on forest roads is usually allowed for up to 14–16 days; observe the rules and fire bans. The area is bear country.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fill up completely with fuel and water before the drive: there are few supplies in the Lochsa corridor. In summer watch for slow drivers and wildlife; carry bear spray.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Dispersed camping is widespread in Wallowa-Whitman, Nez Perce-Clearwater, Boise and Lolo National Forests and on BLM land, usually for up to 14–16 days in one place; observe the rules of the Ranger District and fire bans.
- In the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and in wilderness areas special rules apply; obtain information from the Forest Service.
- In towns such as Joseph, Baker City, Riggins and Grangeville, overnighting in a vehicle in car parks is mostly prohibited; ask in the store about supermarkets.
- On tribal land (Nez Perce) access is limited to approved roads and sites; ask the tribe about permits.
- Bear safety: black bears occur; store food and rubbish bear-safe. Watch for rattlesnakes in the canyon.
- Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Recreation.gov; road status: Oregon TripCheck, Idaho 511 and Montana 511.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Hookups and dump stations in La Grande, Baker City, Halfway, Riggins and Grangeville at private RV parks; rare in the canyon.
- Drinking water from taps at campgrounds; filter or boil river and stream water.
- Propane in La Grande, Baker City, Riggins and Grangeville; European cylinders need adapters.
- Fuel: fuel stations are rare; fill up in Enterprise, Baker City, Halfway, Riggins and Grangeville.
- Shopping: supermarkets in La Grande, Baker City and Grangeville; in small towns only a basic range.
- Electricity: hookups in Wallowa Lake State Park and at private RV parks; generators only at permitted times.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits in mph: interstates up to 65–70, highways mostly 55–65, in built-up areas 25–35, canyon roads often signposted 35–45.
- Tolls: no toll roads on the route; admission to state parks and museums charged individually.
- Dimensions: legal height 14 ft (4.27 m); gravel roads and narrow canyon roads are unsuitable for large motorhomes.
- Season: summer very hot in the canyon, winter snowy; wildfire season July to September with smoke and closures.
- Traffic law: right turn on red after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it; mobile phone use while driving: hands-free only in Oregon and Idaho, not regulated statewide in Montana; open alcohol containers in the passenger compartment prohibited.
- Emergency: 911; mobile coverage drops out in Hells Canyon, on the Salmon River and on the Lochsa River; carry a reserve of water and fuel.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Plenty of drinking water and sun protection: in Hells Canyon and on the Salmon River it gets very hot in summer.
- Brake-sparing driving: low gear and reserve for steep descents; check the vehicle before the trip.
- Bear spray and snake boots or sturdy shoes for hikes in the canyon and in the Lochsa corridor.
- Offline maps, a paper map and an emergency device: in the canyon and in the Lochsa valley there is often no reception.
- Binoculars for elk, bighorn sheep and eagles on the canyon walls.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
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