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Editor's pick

Hells Canyon Overlook

Joseph, OR

Views

A viewpoint on the rim of North America’s deepest river gorge, looking across to Idaho’s Seven Devils peaks. It sits on Forest Road 39, which closes in winter.

Nearest town
Joseph, OR
Category
Scenic viewpoints
GPS
45.1600, -116.8300
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon – South end Wallowa Lake, Oregon (25920361117)© Bonnie Moreland from Oregon, United States · Public domain
82
Things to do in…

Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon

157 mi8 stops4 days

Nearby

South end Wallowa Lake, Oregon (25920361117)© Bonnie Moreland from Oregon, United States · Public domain
Nature

Wallowa Lake

Joseph, OR
Payette Lake – McCall District Administrative Site 91001892 Valley County, ID© Jon Roanhaus · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nature

Payette Lake

McCall, ID
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in 2017 - 011© Rick Obst · CC BY 2.0
History

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Baker City, OR
Old Idaho Penitentiary – Old State Penitentiary in Boise Gatling© Christopher from Salem, OR, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
History

Old Idaho Penitentiary

Boise, ID

Campsites nearby

  • Blackhorse CampgroundCampsite
    2 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 14 pitches
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Big Bar Camping AreaCampsite
    5 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook
    TentsCaravansToiletsFree
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Copper Creek CampgroundCampsite
    6 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook
    TentsCaravansToiletsFree
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Hells Canyon ParkCampsite
    8 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 34 pitches
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Copperfield ParkCampsite
    13 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 69 pitches
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • McCormick ParkCampsite
    21 mi from Hells Canyon Overlook · 36 pitches
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Hells Canyon Overlook?

Hells Canyon Overlook is in Joseph, OR, at GPS 45.1600, -116.8300. It is about 24 mi from Halfway.

Can you camp near Hells Canyon Overlook?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Blackhorse Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Hells Canyon Overlook?

Hells Canyon Overlook is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon.

What is there to see near Hells Canyon Overlook?

Places worth a stop nearby: Wallowa Lake (21 mi), Payette Lake (40 mi), National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (50 mi) and Old Idaho Penitentiary (113 mi).

When is the best time to visit Hells Canyon Overlook?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)