What We Enjoy Today Is Preserved For Us

Congress protected the cultural resources, historic, and archaeological sites of Hells Canyon by establishing Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. In doing so, they preserved this astoundingly beautiful area and also made it possible for outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating, white water rafting, fishing, hiking and many, many other activities. Hells Canyon is an excellent place to spot soaring eagles, big horn sheep, the occasional bear and to experience the rugged beauty of the canyon.

People Came to Hells Canyon Long Ago

Famed Chief Joseph and his tribe of Nez Perce Indians lived in Hells Canyon. Shoshone-Bannock, Northern Paiute and Cayuse Indians were drawm to the area for its milder winters. Plentiful wildlife for hunting and abundant food for themselves and their livestock made the Hells Canyon area ideal. They left evidence of their presence in petroglyphs and pictographs on the walls of the canyon.

Our Own Early Explorers Came Through Hells Canyon

In early 1806 members of the Lewis and Clark expedition narrowly missed Hells Canyon while they were following the Salmon River searching for a route to the Pacific Ocean. The canyon's ruggedness discouraged many other explorers; but that helped to preserve the area and protect it from development. There were many easier places to establish farms and towns. What we can appreciate and value today didn't much impress our forebears who were more interested in establshing new homes in areas richer and more fertile than what they left behind in the eastern United States.

Gold Seekers Sought to Exploit Hells Canyon

Years after earlier explorers dismissed the area, gold was discovered in the 1860's. Placer miners didn't find much in Hells Canyon, but they left evidence of their presence, still visible today. Hardrock miners had more success. Mining operations helped create and support some of the towns in the area, most of which are mere ghost memories today.

Homesteaders and Ranchers Came Late and Stayed

Homesteaders raising cattle and sheep and depending on public lands, began to arrive in the late 1800's. The more gentle slopes surrounding Hells Canyon made a good living for many. Harsh winters, common in all of eastern Oregon discouraged many of these early families. Many present-day farmers and ranchers in the area can trace their lineage back to those early settlers, though.

For more information check out the official Forest Service Hells Canyon National Recreation Area site. Their page on "People and the Land" contains more details.