While road-trippers flock to Yellowstone or Glacier in the summer months, savvy travelers are slipping off the main highways and into places like Hells Canyon — a wild and wondrous detour where adventure runs deep (literally) and the crowds are refreshingly few.
The gateway to this hidden gem is right here in the Lewis Clark Valley! Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge, carved by the mighty Snake River and wrapped in layers of natural beauty, Indigenous history, and rugged solitude. It’s a jaw-dropping destination — and it’s surprisingly easy to reach.
Take the Scenic Route
Rather than following the masses, take the scenic route from Boise or Missoula and wind your way through golden hills, canyon country, and riverside towns. Base your stay in Lewiston or Clarkston where riverfront lodging and local flavors await — or go full remote and stay overnight inside Hells Canyon at one of its remote lodges.
Start in the Heart of the Valley: Lewiston & Clarkston
Base your stay in Lewiston, Idaho or Clarkston, Washington — twin cities connected by the Snake River and full of cozy stays, local bites, and access to unforgettable canyon tours.
Stay:
• Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (Lewiston) – An elegant hotel with river views, spacious rooms and close to downtown. Home to the delicious Meriwether’s Bistro for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Holiday Inn Clarkston – Set right on the Snake River, this comfy and convenient hotel is steps from the Hells Canyon jet boat tour dock. Fuel up with a hot breakfast, walk the river path, then head straight into adventure. Access miles of scenic paved paths on the Clearwater-Snake River Recreation Trail.
• Jet Boat Tour Lodges – Looking for a next-level experience? Book a tour that includes an overnight stay in the canyonat Garden Creek Ranch, Copper Creek Lodge, or Kirby Creek Lodge. These off-grid gems are accessible only by river — and trust us, that’s part of the magic.
Fuel Up & Wind Down
Eat:
In Lewiston:
• Jollymore’s – White tablecloth vibes with big flavor. Perfect for a date night or special celebration.
• Brava’s – A local hotspot serving bold steak bites, tapas, and creative cocktails. A must for foodies.
• Mystic Café – Start your day with avocado toast, locally roasted coffee, and sweet + savory brunch favorites.
In Clarkston:
• Saute on Sixth – Inventive, seasonal menus in an upscale-yet-casual setting.
• The Quay – Relaxed riverside dining with sweeping Snake River views.
• Roosters Landing – Patio dining with pub-style comfort food and a friendly atmosphere.
Wine Lovers, Rejoice!
The Lewis-Clark Valley AVA is one of the most exciting emerging wine regions in the Northwest. Taste your way through these boutique wineries, many with scenic tasting patios and estate vineyards
Sip:
• Basalt Cellars Winery – Award-winning wines, welcoming tasting room, and serious valley charm. Their Syrah and Viognier are local favorites.
• Clearwater Canyon Cellars – Known for robust reds, including Syrah and Malbec, grown right here in Idaho soil.
• Rivaura Estate Vineyards & Winery – Stunning views, sleek design, and estate wines that tell a story.
• Lindsay Creek Vineyards – A relaxing hilltop escape with delicious pours and often live music.
• Jovinea Cellars – Intimate tasting room, bold varietals, and warm hospitality.
• Two Bad Labs – Big reds, great views, and very good dogs.
• Riverport Brewing Co. – A casual taproom pouring handcrafted beers like “Old Man River” Oatmeal Stout and the refreshing “Bullseye” Pale Ale. Cheers to river days and wide-open skies!
• MJ Barleyhoppers Brew House – Located inside the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel, this lively brewpub serves up house-made beers and classic pub fare with river views and regular live music.
• Groundwork Brewing (Downtown Lewiston) – A modern microbrewery with a creative tap list, often featuring NW-style IPAs, porters, and rotating seasonals. Great indoor vibe with community events and trivia nights.
• River Ranch Brewing Co. at Rivaura – A new addition to the valley’s beverage scene, this craft brewery pairs small-batch beers with the same stunning views and high standards as its sister winery.
Experience the Wild Side
Whether you’re jetting into the canyon for the day or hiking to a remote overlook like Suicide Point, Hells Canyon delivers big on outdoor adventure. And with fewer crowds than its national park neighbors, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto your own private wilderness.
Pro tip: Book a jet boat tour that includes a lunch stop at a riverside lodge, or plan a guided fishing trip to land a trophy bass or steelhead, or a catch-and-release famous white sturgeon, a river monster that can be 10 feet long! There’s something about this place — the quiet, the scale, the stories — that stays with you long after the road trip ends.
Make It Yours
So, skip the crowds this season. Detour into the Lewis Clark Valley, discover Hells Canyon, and experience the kind of trip that’s as authentic as it is awe-inspiring!