🏞️ Hells Canyon Overlook

🏍️ A Must-See Scenic Drive

Voted one of the Top 10 Motorcycle Trips by Cycle Magazine

📍 Directions from the Joseph Visitor Center:

Address: 109 N Main Street, Joseph, OR 97846

👉 Getting to Hells Canyon Overlook

Just a block north of the visitor center in Joseph, turn right onto E. Wallowa Street near Market Place Fresh Foods in Joseph (the building with the big green roof) at 208 N Main Street.

Drive about 5 miles until you see a round red barn on your right called “The Cross Sabres Barn” (about 200 yards off the road).
⚠️ Do not confuse this with “The Walter Brennan Barn” located about 3 miles out.

⛰️ What to Expect on the Drive

• After the barn, the road begins a gradual incline for about 7 miles

• At the top, the road becomes steep heading down into the canyon

• It levels out again but continues downhill overall

🚗 Key Turn

You’ll see a paved road coming from the right called The #39 Road (Salt Creek Pass).

➡️ Turn right onto #39 Road
➡️ Immediately cross Little Sheep Creek

Continue another 7 miles (mostly uphill) until you reach a snowmobile rest stop on your left with bathrooms — this is Salt Creek Summit.

🏞️ Final Stretch

Stay on #39 Road

• Hells Canyon Overlook is about 30 miles from Salt Creek Summit

• About 37 miles total from the start of #39 Road

👉 You’re there!

⚠️ Road Conditions (Important)

• After about the 8-mile mark:

  • ~4 miles of smooth road

  • ~3 miles of potholes

  • Then smooth road again

Drive carefully and allow extra time.

📅 Best Time to Visit

✔ Late May through early October
❌ Avoid November through April (snow and road conditions)

➡️ Continuing Beyond (Optional Routes)

📍 How to Get to Imnaha

Instead of turning right onto #39 Road at Salt Creek Pass:
➡️ Continue straight for about 30 miles
👉 You’ll arrive in Imnaha

🌊 Toward the Snake River

Stay on #39 Road and drive 35–40 miles (~2 hours) to reach the Snake River near Brownlee Reservoir.

🧭 To Boise or Lewiston, Idaho

Cross the Snake River at Brownlee Reservoir Dam, then:

• Boise: Head south via Highway 95

• Lewiston: Head north via Highway 95

🛣️ Toward Halfway & Baker City

Stay on #39 Road until you reach the Snake River area.

Watch for signs to Halfway (do not cross Brownlee Dam).
From Halfway, continue on to Baker City.

From Baker City, you can access Interstate 84.

🗺️ Map Information

This route is part of the NE Oregon / Wallowa County Scenic Byway system.

Distances (approximate from Enterprise):

• Joseph → Imnaha: ~30 miles

• Joseph → Hells Canyon Overlook: ~55 miles

• Enterprise → Hells Canyon Dam: ~99 miles

💡 Travel Tips

• ✔ Fill up on gas before leaving Joseph or Enterprise

• ✔ Bring water and snacks

• ✔ Cell service is limited

• ✔ Watch for wildlife and changing road conditions

• ✔ Check weather before heading out

🌄 Why Visit Hells Canyon Overlook?

• Deepest river gorge in North America

• Stunning panoramic views

• Peaceful, uncrowded experience

• One of Oregon’s hidden gems

📌 Local Tip

This drive is just as much about the journey as the destination — take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way.