Pittsburgh Landing of Hells Canyon National Rec Area

We drove 27 miles north of Riggins to the Forest Service Road that cuts back into the mountains and over to the Hells Canyon area and we got down to the Snake River level.  But again, the climb up and over the mountains (got to Pittsburgh Saddle before dropping down) was not a bad drive.  Two lane dirt road, not washboard, but flat.  Well worn.  Passed a number of homes tucked up into the mountain and some were quite elaborate/expensive.  Also saw a number of businesses like excavation and well digging.

Driving into Riggins, Little Salmon River along side

About 1/2 mile north of Riggins - move into Pacific Time Zome

Salmon River 

Traveled along the Nez Perce Trail that Chief Joseph took his people
escaping the wrath of the US Army

See that house on the Salmon?  I could live there.

And we start our climb up and over 

And up and up

Passed cows lounging right on the road.  Don't hit one and kill it - you would have to pay for it regardless.  As long as the 'open range' signs are up, you have to watch where you go.  Did see a couple of deer skirting around, but for the most part just cows.

We call these Buddy cows - black body, white spots on face 

Yep, we are passing and we will not hit you!  Promise.

Entered the Nez Perce forest - nearing the top

Made it to Pittsburgh Saddle (top)

Way down there is the Snake River (cliffs of Hells Canyon)

Reached the Saddle, stopped to rest the car, then started down.  Way down.  We could see how the road snaked back and forth.  Got down to river level and found the Upper Landing area where we were told a nice hike along the water would be doable.  Except - I nearly hat heat stroke.  Wow - very hot (in the mid 90's) and the sun beating down, just did me in.

And our climb down to the river level

A lone tenter right at the river's edge

Yes, that is smoke from the Pioneer fire (near Boise)

Well worn path, steep at times

As far as we went - the river snakes to the right (get it?)

We did not see any of the images, although they are around

We walked not far, just to one of the rock pinnacles that we could see a clear shot of the river, took some pictures and then returned to the car.  Dave said I looked like a salmon - was beet red.  Rested, drank lots of water, then we drove back to Pittsburgh Landing where there is a 28 unit campground (vault toilets, does have potable water but no other hookups or amenities.)   \

And off they went to the dam

Fishing boat zoomed on north (towards the dam)

No wonder the road was so good - only way to get these boats
in and out of the canyon (they launch at Pittsburgh Landing) 

Watched as a tour boat came in towards the landing, sat and had a picnic lunch, then as we were sitting there a fishing boat came roaring up from the north.   Found out later that the tour boat was from Hells Canyon Dam.

And we start back up and over - car almost overheated

Lovely

Don't have to worry about neighbors 

Way across to next bank of mountains - there are lots of homes up there

The road patrol waiting on us

Started the long hike back up and over the mountain then dropped back down to the Salmon River area and back to the campground.

Driving back to Riggins - saying goodbye to Salmon River

Today is cleanup day (typical for us when we sit still for at least a week.  Will be sad to leave this campground and Sandy and Dave Evans.  Great people and a lovely campground.  They have made so many improvements since we were last here.  Will definitely come back if we are in Idaho.

We move tomorrow to Twin Falls, Idaho - about 240 miles south and east of us.  Then start planning our downward trek to get back to Arizona and avoid the snow flurries.