WILDLIFE IN HELLS CANYON
Snake River Adventures, LLC
One of the highlights of traveling through Hells Canyon is never knowing what wildlife might appear around the next bend.
The tremendous range in elevation, climate and vegetation throughout the canyon creates habitat for hundreds of species.
Bighorn sheep are among the canyon’s most recognizable residents. They can often be spotted navigating rocky cliffs and steep slopes that seem nearly impossible to climb.
Elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer also inhabit the region, while mountain goats occupy portions of the higher country.
Other wildlife found throughout Hells Canyon includes:
- Black bears
- Mountain lions
- Bobcats
- Coyotes
- River otters
- Beavers
- Rattlesnakes
- Golden eagles
- Bald eagles
- Peregrine falcons
- Osprey
- Chukar
- Numerous other mammals, birds and reptiles
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of what makes encountering an animal along the river so memorable. One trip may bring a herd of bighorn sheep along the shoreline, while another might include a black bear, golden eagle, elk or river otter.