Hells Canyon Overlook
Joseph, OR
A viewpoint on the rim of North America’s deepest river gorge, looking across to Idaho’s Seven Devils peaks. It sits on Forest Road 39, which closes in winter.
Hells Canyon Overlook is a viewpoint on the rim of Hells Canyon in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in north-eastern Oregon. From the rim you see McGraw Creek and, on the other side, the Seven Devils Mountains in Idaho. The Snake River itself cannot be seen from here.
From Joseph, follow Wallowa Loop Road (Hells Canyon Scenic Byway), which becomes Forest Road 39, for about 34 miles to Forest Road 490; turn off and drive about 3 miles to the overlook. The site is accessible, with paved parking and paths, interpretive signs, toilets and picnic tables; RVs and trailers can park too. There is no drinking water, no fee, and overnight stays are not allowed.
The scenic byway is usually closed by snow from late October through late May or early June and impassable to vehicles; outside the season the site is not maintained (as of October 2026, check road conditions in advance).
- Nearest town
- Joseph, OR
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.1600, -116.8300
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Blackhorse CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 14 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesToilets
- Big Bar Camping AreaCampsite5 mi from Hells Canyon OverlookTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Copper Creek CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Hells Canyon OverlookTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Hells Canyon ParkCampsite8 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 34 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Copperfield ParkCampsite13 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 69 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- McCormick ParkCampsite21 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 36 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hells Canyon Overlook?
Hells Canyon Overlook is in Joseph, OR, at GPS 45.1600, -116.8300. It is about 24 mi from Halfway.
Can you camp near Hells Canyon Overlook?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Blackhorse Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hells Canyon Overlook?
Hells Canyon Overlook is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon.
What is there to see near Hells Canyon Overlook?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wallowa Lake (21 mi), Payette Lake (40 mi), National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (50 mi) and Old Idaho Penitentiary (113 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hells Canyon Overlook?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)