The Snake River National Recreation Trail #102 is in Hells Canyon, on the Idaho side of the River. The North terminus trail head is at Pittsburg Landing. From Pittsburg Landing, the trail goes to the south, upstream, along the Snake River for approximately 31 miles. The trail is normally maintained from Pittsburg Landing to Granite Creek. The trail above, upstream, from Grainite Creek to Lamont Springs, was never fully completed and should be considered a “primitive” trail.

The trail section from Pittsburg Landing to Granite Creek is considered to be in “good” condition and is passable by foot, horse, and bicycle, however, I am told this is a marginal trail for mountain bicycle use. A video exists (Outdoor Idaho production) that shows moutain bikers using this trail.

The “primitive” section of the trail from Granite Creek upstream to Lamont springs is not passable (March, 2018) by either bicycle nor horse.

The bride that crossed Granite Creek was washed out sometime in the 1980’s and was never replaced. The water crossing can be difficult depending upon water flows at the time. In the spring of 2016, the water flows were high and water crossing was not advisable, however two trees were across the stream that provided a crossing. On March 30, 2018, the water levels allowed wading across the stream at the old bridge location/abutments. The trees/logs, downstream from the bridge crossing were still in place and passable. It appears a horse could cross the stream with help of a little brush cutting on the south side of the stream.

THE TRIP REPORT:
On March 29, 2018, Wally Kimball, Leo Hennesey, and Mike Allen, took a Hells Canyon Adventurers jet boat from the launch site below Hells Canyon Dam (near the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area visitors center) downstream about one mile to Lamont Springs. We planned to backpack down river to Granite Creek (6.5 river miles) and be picked up by jet boat two days later. Due to the primitive nature, and brushed-in, condition of the trail, we walked about 8 miles and it took the two days to walk the trail. Because the trail is difficult to locate, it took extra time (effort and mileage) to locate and traverse the route. Many section of the trail have completed rockwork sections around outcroppings and across the talus slopes, however, several of the grassy-slope sections of the trail is difficult to locate and is essentially “game-trail” condition. Much of the trail is overgrown with thorny brush, making travel slow and difficult with backpacks.

Between Lamont Springs and Granite Creek, we discoverd only one spot were the trail would be flooded out in extreme high water (perhaps 40,000 cfs), but there is a manageable route around the area.

None of this section of the trail could be considered a “riverside” trail, that is, the trail us up and down the hillside, rather than a river level trail. The elevation ascent on this section of the trail is about 2300 feet.

Water sources (besides the Snake River) exist at Lamont Springs, Brush Creek and Warm Springs Creek.

Campsites are available at several locations along this section, including at Lamont Springs, Chimney Bar, Warm Springs Bar, Birch Springs and Rock Bar. Lamont Springs and Warm Springs campsites are nice because spring water is near by.

Several Native American sites exist on this section, including many pit houses and on very well preserved pictograph.

In summary, this is a seldom traveled trail. Route finding skills and patience is required to find and traverse this primitive section. This trail should be considered by experienced hikers/backpackers only that are in good physical condition. However, if this trail was brushed out, it would be an exciting adventure trail, with a decidedly historic, primitive nature. No trail pad work would be necessary as the trail is holding in place as it is; simply by adding a few well placed cairns the trail route finding would be enhanced and make the travel much easier. The trail is available almost year round as snow seldom stays long in this section of the canyon. Summers can get very warm.

Great canyon views with great wilderness experience. Wildlife in the area include deer, elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, and Bald Eagles and wild turkeys. While there are cougar, bear, bobcat, and wolves, they are rarely seen. On our trip in March 30, 2018, we did see tracks of River Otter on a sandy beach. Rattlesnakes and King snakes (seem to be rather rare) do exist in the canyon. Ticks can be a nuisance.

Poison Ivy is abundant.