Exploring the Deepest, Darkest Canyon in North America

[@timfarness9949]

I've been watching for years. The quality of the videos has been astounding. Using the drone has given you and us a great perspective. Thank you!

[@docwatson1134]

I was wondering, till it was mentioned, that it's a recreation area on the Idaho side, and wilderness on the Oregon side of the river.

[@timfarness9949]

@docwatson1134 yes it is illegal to launch a drone in wilderness.

[@docwatson1134]

@timfarness9949 yes, I know that, no drones in areas designated as wilderness. That was why I was curious at first, since Idaho designated the Idaho side as a wild scenic area, not as wilderness, it made more sense that these drone videos are possible.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Tim! I appreciate the kind words 😁

[@cargotrailerkenny]

Thanks Tristan, I always enjoy your videos. You definitely put in the time to deliver consistently quality videos.

[@SUVRVing]

I try! 😁

[@artat777]

So right about at 16:09 you open up a pack of olives. Where can you get a snack pack of olives at? I’ve never seen that. Olives are a fantastic source of energy and so good for you.

[@TheFreewheelinNomad]

Incredible descent! 8,000 feet is mind-blowing-hard to imagine something deeper than the Grand Canyon 😮🌄. Late September must’ve been perfect for exploring. Thanks for sharing this epic adventure! 🚶‍♂️📹

[@Happycamper1998]

Waking up to a new video fills my heart with the spirt of adventure. Keep them coming!,

[@SUVRVing]

Will do! 😁

[@JAYFEATHERBOONDOCKS]

I'm always looking for your video every weekend when I first have the chance to open youtube and watch some videos. Thanks for being consistent I know the effort involved it is not wasted on me.

[@SUVRVing]

I appreciate that! Thanks for sticking around and watching every weekend!

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

You do get around dude! I appreciate you doing the foot work to show us these cool places to be considered if I'm in the neighborhood. Your header music could be the Johnny Cash standard "I've Been Everywhere" except for infringement issues. The spot in the Bitterroot valley area up to that arch was brutal.

[@chrishansenbiz]

Your videos make me realize how much I took the majesty of Idaho for granted when exploring these places in boy scouts while growing up.

[@SUVRVing]

We all did that when we were kids 🤷‍♂ Hopefully we're wiser now that we're older!

[@lmb2761]

Wonderful way to start the day - with Tristan on an awesome adventure 😊

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for tagging along!

[@k.a.davison9897]

I couldn't get the "thumbs-up" to register but this was a definite thumbs-up video. Sometimes my old bones do envy you your adventures, but then again, it's probably best to leave it to the young, and that you are.

[@MrTk582010]

I live in SE Idaho. My mother grew up in Hells Canyon in here younger years, on the Oregon side in a small community called Homestead, down river a short ways from Oxbow Dam. She had so many stories about those years there. I grew camping and fishing the Snake River. Never did catch a sturgeon, but plenty of Trout. Thank you for show casing this wonderful territory.

[@ytubechannel997]

Awesome hike Tristan. Really enjoyed the scenery. Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimprocarione5473]

Wow! Great place! You take us to the coolest, least known places of any channel I have ever seen. And you do it so well! Thank you again, Tristan. There are some I've seen that feel l8ke they're trying to copy you, but they haven't made it past trying. 😊

[@gina50gina]

Thank you once again for taking us onto this beautiful hike. I love your detailed explanations and descriptions.The rocks look like they have been dusted with cinnamon. Very different.

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

Yet again, quite the views and a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing.

[@sagecoach]

Lived in that area and found endless wonders in landforms. The forces that shaped it are beyond imagination.

[@susanharrigan5583]

What another great area. I love hiking along those traverse trails that give you high views for miles. Cool museum and historical artifacts too. 👍🏼

[@phillaroe6107]

I am so glad you found a hike that is up hill in one direction and downhill on the return. Every hike I find seem to be uphill in both directions.

[@lynnef3297]

Thanks Tristan. I always, always enjoy your videos ❣️ What an amazingly beautiful hike ❣️

[@cmpe43]

The spider web glinting in the air while you were seated at the picnic table was a nice added touch.

[@CrowBrosRacing]

That was an awesome trail along the river. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@mariawalsh335]

Love to come along with you to the very interesting adventures 😊 thank you for your time and sharing 😊

[@Meggligee]

I’ve been watching your videos for years now too and this one just makes me want to go to Hells Canyon all the more. It has been on my bucket list for years!

[@zentothemax299]

Ahhhhhh! The best way to start a Saturday-with an SUV RVing adventure. Interesting how the depth of the “canyon” is measured. Not as dramatic as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison (I believe you have adventured there as well)-but looks like a fun and challenging hike. I hope to do it one day. Thank you again for all of the Inspiration you provide, Tristan.

[@dondopf3109]

@@zentothemax299 the canyon is much more dramatic and defined about 30 miles upstream from where this video was made. Measured in feet from river level to immediately adjacent canton walls.

[@myjourneysinfaith]

Wow how cool. Love the miners cabin. Looks like it is driveable from a different direction to the ranch

[@michaeldeal1625]

I though it was a little strange when you approached Kirkwood Ranch and said "This ranch, I don't really care that much about." I thought those were the kinds of historic places you enjoy visiting. And in fact, you ended up liking the place. And I ended up ordering a copy of the Home Below Hell’s Canyon book. Haha.

[@georgeboron9878]

Living in South Florida, I had to chuckle hearing you talking about the hot weather you're experiencing. We'd consider that pleasant here because we have that temperature along with the humidity in the 80-90s. Always look forward to your adventures.

[@paulseidel5819]

Cool video. Thanks for showing the canyon. I want to go next spring. 😊

[@drp551]

I enjoyed it immensely! You never disappoint me with your adventures! Thank you!

[@jimmassey2120]

Up early, watching the weekly video before even getting the email :) I have hiked down the Imnaha river (Oregon side) to the Snake and had the place to myself. Another great trail is along Lightning ridge (Idaho side) - I think it's called the Boise trail, with views of the canyon and the Seven Devils. $18 for a truck stop shower is crazy! Can hardly wait for the next video! Thanks!

[@edmor1086]

Love your videos. Keep rolling my man.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@gi7892]

I love the history lessons in your videos.

[@virginiaallen4723]

I have heard of that canyon. Another great video showing us places we won't be able to hike in person.

[@maggiesfarm7970]

I live in Idaho. I was there during August. Oh, the heat!!

[@FireFighter1512]

Another great video and beautiful location! Thanks for sharing.......

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Beautiful 😍 canyon. It's been on my list for awhile. Now I have to ✔ it off. Looking forward to what's to come. Thanks Tristan!👏👌

[@llorylloyd]

what a beautiful place I'd love to live there.

[@stanmustard7292]

Glad to see you made it up to my favorite stomping grounds...the east slope of the Washington Cascades. So many incredible places there, hoping you spend some time.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

He really should!...The Cascade Mountains are totally awesome, and have hundreds of well-maintained hiking trails...the views along the range are stunning! The taller mountains are rugged, but still have trails that make it possible to summit most all of them...and yeah...the fishing is great too!

[@TheSpine409]

Always enjoy your content, keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@fscottgray9784]

I stayed at Seven Devils in August. Great trails and very scenic. Many Alpoine lakes in that area.

[@virginiabennett9156]

Great episode! Love the ranch and the moonshiners’ mansion! My thought was, if I volunteered there for two weeks, I’d sweep out that cabin and put plastic over the windows while there. It’s on the Nat’l Historic Register, for goodness sake!! ❤

[@WilliamFulton-dw4ph]

great video as you always produce...hiked and camped that trail and your video is best..thanks

[@tericampbell570]

Oregon Public Television did a documentary piece about the Chinese massacre in Hells Canyon a few years ago. Hello Canyon is such a beautiful place. Thank you for another great video.

[@dfreak01]

That was a good show!

[@RylandBingham]

My old neck of the woods! I lived a few miles downstream in Asotin WA. Great video but can’t help thinking that you missed the perfect opportunity for the pack raft… You could have hiked up to the turn around and then floated back to your car. This is something I would do during the summer with my kids.

[@SUVRVing]

The rafting there is a bit more intense than what I would do with the packraft!

[@markg3025]

Tristan that was quite the hike, you deserve pizza for dinner. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ericorange441]

That was beautiful

[@bobbeckman3735]

Thanks Tristan. I have always wanted to go to hells canyon so this video is a help.

[@richard_n]

I will never forget my visit to Hells Canyon because of the beauty and the fact that I almost froze to death in my tent since I forgot my sleeping pad.

[@StirlingPrice]

Thanks Tristan! It was fun watching you on the hike. I did the full trail twice this year: mid-April and May. The weather was amazing but met plenty rattlesnakes. Would love to go back but likely in October/November.

[@3generations393]

Thank you Tristan. 92* is crazy hiking weather & may God bless you for enduring 🙏🙏❣️

[@curbozerboomer1773]

He is a stalwart guy!...I used to go for 11 mile walks around the Everett, Washington area, most every day. sometimes, the rare 90* day would find me sweating like a hog...and I was NOT wearing a packpak...just carrying a bottle of water...you are one tough dude...keep it up, walking/hiking is the best general exercise anyone can indulge in, and over the years, it will keep you in better health, compared to most! I am in my late 70s now, and have some heart problems (inherited!) that keep me from walking longer distances...but my Cardiologist praised me for doing that walking, as my heart muscle itself is stronger for doing that.

[@artat777]

Great video loved it. Thanks for sharing it

[@butchpemberton6143]

Another OUTSTANDING video and hike along the snake river...You are a Horse for sure....

[@thegzak]

Looking forward to the Lake Chelan video next!!

[@tundo1101]

Great job ! Loved it !

[@McClungMichaell]

Nice hike. That is indeed Poison Oak which grows out west and Poison Ivy grows back east. Similar terrain here in Oregon Poison in huge bushes.

[@DG_253]

I’m going to backpack this next year now. Looks nice

[@dondopf3109]

Nice video. Were you aware that you can drive on a nice paved highway into the deepest part of the canyon on the south end below Hells Canyon Dam? Rafting and jet boating are available at this launch point and take out at Pittsburg Landing. If you are in the area again I strongly recommend a visit.

[@glennk.7348]

Thanks for taking us with you to these great places!! 😃

[@briank1471]

WE did the jet boat trip that took us 60 miles upriver - great experience!

[@the_pov_channel]

Brilliant as always

[@gaywalker4387]

Another great one!!

[@jasonmears4393]

Awesome video, Tristan. Loved the lookout tower and the incredible views. I hike to many firetowers where I live every chance I get . Hells Canyon is amazing. Thanks so much for taking us along.

[@NW918]

Come back to Arizona this fall/winter. Lots to explore here!

[@kathleenstabler6591]

That's a beautiful trail through Hell's Canyon with the Snake River below. Something about it reminds me of the Rogue River Trail from Galice to Illahe, OR, including the old homestead/ranch. New bucket list item, thanks!

[@davec9244]

You are ambitious thank you. The ranch is quite a story a rancher a bootlegger and a politician walk into Hells Canyon. good job

[@toddshook1765]

Always look forward to Saturday morning for your post. Love learning the history of places you visit. Another channel in England “ the map reading company” teaches map reading, compass use, and navigation and always take a moment to discuss some historical fact while hiking. You can see the excitement as he talks. Thanks much for showing us these sites.

[@laureneolsen8624]

Thank you so much for going to Hell’s Canyon, Tristan! It’s my husband and my favorite spot. We’ve read so many books by the people who lived in the canyon from the twenties to the fifties. We’ve were able to see some of those places from the jet boat. We’re in our eighties so not up for hiking there . We love your show. It makes our Saturdays.

[@Alexander-uj5pb]

Thank you, really interesting --👍👍

[@katz551]

Graves Point Lookout! Benn there many times. One of my favorite places-

[@katz551]

Pittsburgh Landing-

[@katz551]

Kirkwood Ranch is accessible from the top, at Cow Creek Saddle via offroad vehicle for the adventurous if you do not mind the steep trail. There is a point at the top called “Chicken Point”. That is where the more sane vehicle operators will turn around. Thank you for the trail walk from Pittsburgh Landing.

[@debiebrumley3104]

loved it , thank you !

[@krismaki757]

As always I enjoyed the video. Hell's Canyon looks amazing. You do give us lots of great ideas of places to go without too many people around. My kind of places!

[@minimalist_adventurer]

Interesting, I had thought off the top of my head Kings Canyon was the deepest. Beautiful scenery!

[@gailnewcomb8256]

Pretty nice! Thanks❤

[@lizard2425]

Excellent. Thanks as always.🙂

[@ScottTrost-e1v]

2 fyi's. 1: That jet boat on the beach was picking up a rafting group to shuttle them back up to the dam (launch site) their trip was over. 2: the massacre sight you mentioned is on the other side of the river. Best route in is down the Imnaha rv (oregon side) and driving over to Doug bar and following the trail up river a few miles. Good trip for another day

[@colinbaird7789]

Amazing scenery, nearly twice as deep as Ben Nevis is high (Scotland) 1345mt (4413ft)

[@stevethompson8154]

I would love being in the area of the trail along the river to do some night sky photography THANKS!

[@lalapeluso]

Thanks Tristan!

[@johnvoris5190]

Tristan, you never disappoint. I enjoy watching your videos every Saturday morning. I was wondering why you didn’t pack your little inflatable raft and use that on your return after visiting the ranch? Perhaps the river rapids would’ve been too much for your small inflatable?

[@stanleylogan7139]

The weird Boulder reminds me of a Henry Moore sculpture. Not one in particular but the style.

[@jorjastonej]

Very cool canyon and hike!

[@jackfabulous758]

Looks so fun

[@wanderlust62]

Stunning hike!

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

Oh interesting. I always assumed Kings Canyon was the deepest. Wasn't even familiar with this one. I always like when I learn something new from these videos.

[@tuckerg1975]

We hiked that stretch of Hell's Canyon last summer. Took a jet boat upstream and hiked back, about 30 miles. I loved it. My wife observed that she didn't like the poison ivy, the cacti, and the rattlesnakes. (We've seen more rattlers in that canyon tan anywhere else in the rest of our lives). "They don't call it Heaven's Canyon, dear!”

[@therifftones2198]

Good Morning !

[@SUVRVing]

Morning!

[@stevecarlson2346]

Agreed, that is poison ivy.

[@gregoryeastman6804]

That was super beautiful

[@kevinw7347]

I live in McCall ID and will often go to Pittsburgh Landing in April when the road is clear of snow to experience some warmer temps. Spring is the best time to go there and hike to Kirkwood.

[@jaystewart9947]

Great area. Thanks for all of the tips and suggestions you provide. Looks like later on October time frame might be a better time. Just wondering if there was closer Boondocking sites to this area. I’ll have to look it up. 👍

[@BillSchlichting]

I think it was about 1997 when I boarded a jet boat in Clarkston and departed at 7 a.m. to head 100 miles upstream. Had continental breakfast at a lodge near the mouth of the Grande Ronde River and loaded up with lunches. We got to where we had to turn the boat around (like a mile below the most downstream dam) then we stopped for lunch at Kirkwood. That's a cool place. We got back to Clarkston at 5 p.m. in the ugly canopied jet boat. I drove across to Lewiston and had dinner at Wendy's before returning to Enterprise where I was staying with a friend.

[@stevescramo592]

What brand hiking pants and red hoodie are you wearing. Awesome trail

[@epic7002]

You are something Tristan. I don’t know how you hiked for that long and able to drive for several hours. I would be dead tired after the hiking. Great video btw!

[@williamweiss6128]

Yep. Live in Nampa. Lots of Owyhee cool areas. High desert.

[@brianshracta3838]

Good video.

[@LisaR-g1x]

Excellent.!

[@villagelightsmith4375]

Boated & packed in there across the years. We miss the land, the river, the mountains, and our donkeys.

[@corpseplague]

Tristan, If you're in southern Arizona this winter and haven't checked them out , Tonys Ranch and Reavis Ranch are cool hikes in the Superstitions

[@jensenJensen-dx5dk]

Been to that campground. Would like to go back and do that hike. Thank you!

[@dfreak01]

Thanks! We camped on the oregon side one summer. SO HOT!!! My dog was terrified of the wolves we could hear. He was never afraid of coyotes so that was interesting.

[@1ouncebird]

Another great video Tristan. Beautiful. So, away back in those days when it was constructed how the heck did they get all of that building material and farming equipment and what not to the location of the Kirkwood Ranch? Did they use a boat/barge on the river? It seems to be a very remote spot to have all of that. I guess humans can be very resourceful when they want to be.