Hells Canyon Adventure Run
Link to Web Site: www.seaportstriders.com/hell/hellscanyon.htm
Rating: 
Date of Run: 20 Mar 2004
Reviewed By: Foo
Comments: An unorganized event, this is truly a great run. The Corps of Engineers doesn't like organized events here, so somebody (no-one knows who) arranges for a jet boat to pick up runners at Pittsburg landing (you must have $50 in cash) and drop them off either 16 or 27 miles upstream in the canyon, or just about anywhere, really. Then you run out on the sometimes precipitous trails, back to your car at Pittsburg landing. Only the occassional jet boat and hiker spoil the serenity. The scenery is unparalleled. And to enjoy it, and for your safety, you don't really run full blast the entire time. I did 16 last year (dropped off at Sheep Creek) in about 3 hours. That's about 11:15/mile, where I usually do 7:30/mile for a road half marathon. I walked up every hill, and there were some doozies, and I took a break about 1 minute in every 10. Taking that easy, my quads were still shot when I got back. But you really have to watch your footing. There are rocks everywhere, and you wouldn't want to turn your ankle out here. The uneven surface, by the way, also does quite a number on your feet. Just tie your shoes tight and be prepared to treat the blisters when you make camp. And it's not just the run that's an adventure -- it's an adventure just getting there. You drive on Idaho's scenic highway 95 to Hoot's Cafe (can't recommend the food), then cross the bridge and head up the hills to the west. This road qickly turns to gravel as you head up a 5000ft or so to cross the range between the Salmon River and the Snake. The switchbacks down into Pittsburg are choice. Around the campfire the night before, I heard some tell of heavy snowfall the day of the run in a previous year, preventing a number of people from leaving the canyon.