Idaho Power Campgrounds

     Camping fees at Idaho Power parks in Hells Canyon range from $10 for a tent space to $16 for an RV space. Discounts are available for campers over 60 and active duty military and veterans, but only if paying by credit card in advance or at the park. Discounts are not available for cash payments. For a full rate schedule, maps, and other park information, visit the Parks link at the Idaho Power website.

     In-season campsite reservations may be made on-line as much as nine months in advance. There is a fee for reserving on-line, and reservations may be made for visits scheduled between the first Friday in April through the last Sunday in October. A phone reservation option is also available for $15; call 1-844-472-7275.

     Smaller overnight campsites are not included in the reservation system. In Hells Canyon, Carter's Landing and Moonshine Mine remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.

     Visit the Idaho Power recreation updates page for the most current information.

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Oxbow Fish Hatchery Closed

Idaho Power's Oxbow Fish Hatchery in Hells Canyon was closed to the public beginning Wednesday, June 1, 2022, while the hatchery's water intake system was upgraded. Pending approval from federal regulators, an extensive remodel and expansion of the hatchery itself was to begin in late summer 2022, potentially extending the facility's closure through the summer of 2024.

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Kirkwood Creek Bridge Closure

   The bridge located at the Kirkwood Historic Ranch about 5.5 miles south of the National Recreation Trail #102 trailhead at Upper Pittsburg Landing is closed. A new bridge is in process, but has yet to be finished and open.

   An alternative crossing for hikers may be available at the footbridge near the mouth of the creek, approximately 300 feet downstream of the closed bridge. This is a small bridge, not suitable for stock use, and high water flows during the spring may submerge the deck at times.

   For more information, contact the Forest Service offices in Joseph (541-426-5546) or Riggins (208-628-3916), or visit the website.

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Water Safety

    If you are going to spend time on the water, the Baker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind boat operators and passengers to pack extra supplies and be prepared for water-related outings. Weather can change drastically in a matter of hours, and water rescues are especially dangerous at night due to decreased visibility and often high winds on the reservoir.

     Be sure to make friends and family members aware of your plans, including departure times and specific travel routes or destinations. This will significantly decrease rescue time if something happens. Plan ahead, be prepared, and enjoy your boating activities.

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Health Advisory

     Idaho DEQ has issued a health advisory for waters near the Big Bar camping area on Hells Canyon Reservoir and the Woodhead Park area in Brownlee Reservoir. Recent samples indicate high concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria, commonly known as a toxic algae bloom, which can be harmful to people, pets, and livestock. Visitors are urged to use caution when recreating in or near the reservoirs: avoid swimming, wading, or other activities. Keep children, pets, and livestock from the water. Do not drink or cook with water containing a bloom. Boiling and filtering the water can actually increase risk. Wash hands thoroughly after handling fish caught in water experiencing a bloom. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water, and any internal organs disposed of before consumption. For more information, visit the Idaho SW District Health website.

 

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Christmas Tree Permits

Christmas tree permits are now available to purchase at Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offices, online, and locally at the Halfway Market and the Hitching Post in Richland. Permits are $5 each, and are limited to one per household. There is an additional $2.50 fee for permits purchased online.

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Snow Pack Information

    As of November 29, the Schneider Meadows SnoTel site, elevation 5400 feet, is reporting a snow depth of 20" with a total precipitation accumulation of 5.9" since October 1.

     Check the recent weather and snow pack reports from Schneider Meadows SnoTel site and the Sparta Butte RAWS site for updates. More information is also available from the Wallowa Avalanche Center.  The WWNF also has snowmobile trail maps and condition reports available on their website.

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Brownlee Reservoir Update

    As of November 29, Brownlee Reservoir is at 2,058 feet, 19 feet below full pool level of 2077. This level allows access to all boat ramps, including Spring Recreation and Steck Park. For current reservoir elevation information, check the Idaho Power website.

     A health advisory has been issued for Brownlee Reservoir due to a harmful algae bloom caused by high levels of toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Please use caution in or near the water. See the Southwest District Health Department's advisory for additional information and resources.

 

 

Antlerless Elk Damage Tags

    ODFW has announced that a new general season tag will replace 19 controlled hunts and the need to obtain specific landowner damage tags from local ODFW offices. Hunters will need permission to hunt on private land to use this tag, because the majority of land included is privately owned. No application is necessary, and this general season tag is available as long as the hunter has not purchased another tag, such as archery. The season runs August 1 to November 30 in Pine and Eagle valleys. For more information, call the ODFW Baker City Field Office at 541-523-5832, or visit the website.

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ODFW Electronic Licensing System

    ODFW's electronic licensing system allows hunters and anglers to carry their documents electronically on their smart phone or tablet and tag fish and wildlife with a mobile app that will even work off-line. An FAQ about the system is available at the ODFW website.

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