I planned a solo camping/kayaking trip to Hells Canyon this weekend. Here is the intended route:
https://goo.gl/maps/qimX8
Notes to self:
Cuprum, Idaho info:
http://pnwphotoblog.com/ghost-town-cuprum-idaho
Directions: From Ontario, Oregon head north on US-95 North for 44 miles. At the town of Cambridge Idaho, take a left on to ID-71. The road will cross the Snake River to Brownlee, Oregon and then join OR-86. Take a right towards Copperfield, Oregon, then take the next right to cross the Snake River again on NF-4545. After crossing the river take a left onto Hells Canyon Road. Just under six miles, take right onto Kleinschmidt Grade. This road is also labeled National Forest Development Road 050. In 5 and half miles Windy Ridge Road joins Kleinschmidt Grade at a “Y” intersection.
Sight-seeing goals:
Hells Canyon Dam
Kleinschmidt Grade (Nat for Dev Rd 050)
Wallowa-Whitman scenic overlooks of Hells Canyon (National Forest Development Road 490, OR 97842)
Possible camping spot owned by Idaho Power in canyon at bottom of K Grade:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138350 (But sounds like it will be super hot in canyon.)
Continue for another two and half miles, when Council Cuprum Road joins Windy Ridge Road. Cuprum is 1.6 miles further.
Good reference trail journal:
http://www.brian894x4.com/Lowerhellscanyontrip.html
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Post adventure update: Took an adventure this weekend from Cascade over Boise NF to Council to Payette NF, down the Kleinschmidt Grade and into Hells Canyon area. I did not make it to Sheep Rock Overlook or Hells Canyon Dam. The smoke from nearby fires was too thick to see or do much. It was about 105F in Hells Canyon, so I did not go kayaking in Oxbow Reservoir to go to the hot spring across the way. I also only camped one night vs the 2 due to the smoke. I did encounter the most amazing people at the Horse Mountain Fire Lookout- they live there 4mo of the year looking for fires. They have the most basic amenities, no sewer, power, gas, etc. They rely on propane showers and food/water driven in. Awesome! I now know what I want to do after I retire!
And, of course, no adventure is complete without a break or few. Right off the bat I snapped my parking brake before I even got started too far. Then my kayak rack broke and I had to tie to together with a spare tie-down strap and some paracord the fire people gave me. *sigh* I guess Yakima roof racks are not meant for off roading with a kayak, haha!
Here are some highlight pics:
Council-Cuprum Rd (near Ox Ranch):
Camping Lone Wolf style- all the needed amenities
Turn off for Horse Mountain vs Cuprum:
Horse Mountain Fire Lookout Station:
Toward Hells Canyon (smoke from fires was horrible):
Looking toward Cuprum:
View from Horse Mtn overlooking Hells Canyon (stupid smoke):
Road into Horse Mountain Lookout:
Abandoned mine near Cuprum, ID:
Lake at abandoned mine:
Sign to Kleinschmidt Grade:
Kleinschmidt Grade:
Sign at bottom in Hells Canyon:
Snake River in Hells Canyon area: