Hell Canyon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a great loop trail that packs both a ridgetop traverse and a meandering canyon route into one manageable run. Parts of this area were burned in wildland fires back in 2000, but they have since regrown and created beautiful scenery along your route. If you're interested, the fire damage is especially visible along the ridge at the beginning of the run.

If kids are part of your running party, you might want to consider running this trail in the counterclockwise direction, opposite to how it's mapped. This allows for more gentle inclines as you ascend from the canyon floor to the ridge above. If adults comprise your group, however, then the mapped direction is the way for you.

• Much of the trail is exposed, so take precautions for the sun.
• Ticks are prevalent in the area, so always check yourself after your run.
• There are NO bathroom facilities or trash services at this site.
• Don't expect cell coverage anywhere in this area.

Running is definitely possible, but EXTREME caution should be taken as many sections are rough/loose rock.

Trail maps are available from the US Forest Service at the trailhead in a box mounted to the kiosk at the trailhead, or you can bring the Trail Run Project mobile app along on your phone to keep you on track.

Starting from the trailhead, follow the trail as it ascends the steepest part of the run right away. Your efforts will quickly pay off though, as the rest of the run is quite leisurely as you take in the views from the ridgeline. If you'd like, veer onto the Hell Canyon Spur for an interesting look into the canyon.

Past the spur, the trail continues through a small drainage before quickly climbing again over a varied tread along the canyon wall. Eventually, the trail enters the mouth of the canyon and begins a steady descent to the canyon floor. While in the canyon, soak up the views of your surroundings as you make your way back to the trailhead and parking area through lush, verdant undergrowth.

Much of this trail exhibits loose and rocky footing, so you might have to find a balance between enjoying the views and watching where you place your feet.

Deer, skunk (didn't see but could smell), prairie song birds, and ticks are some of the wildlife you may see on this trail. Be careful around the edges of the tread, as poison ivy and oak are both present.