Do I need a permit to float Hells Canyon Snake River?
Yes. You need a permit to float Hells Canyon Snake River in Pacific Northwest Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
Lottery permit
What the Hells Canyon Snake River permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $6 non-refundable application and reservation fee. There are no per-person recreation fees for a Snake River permit.
- Group size limit
- 24 people
- Applications open
- December 1, 2025
- Applications close
- January 31, 2026, 11:59 pm PST
- Results
- February 14, 2026; confirm by March 15, and unconfirmed dates release March 16 at 8:00 am PST
- Season starts
- May 22, 2026 - the Friday preceding Memorial Day
- Season ends
- September 10
What the rules require
- The primary permit season runs from the Friday preceding Memorial Day through September 10 - May 22 to September 10 in 2026
- Three private launches and two commercial launches per day during the primary season
- Party size cannot exceed 8 craft or 24 people; the permit holder must be 18 by the launch date
- Firepans are required and no cutting or gathering of firewood is allowed
- Washable, leakproof toilet systems are mandatory and human waste must be packed out
- A PFD is required for each person, and children 12 and under must wear one
- Wood fuel is prohibited June 1 through September 30
- Motor operation on the Wild River section is prohibited except in emergencies; kicker motors are limited to 15 hp
- Camping limits: 3 days/2 nights per site on the Wild River, 4 days/3 nights on the Scenic, 1 night at Upper and Lower Granite and Oregon Hole. Maximum trip length 14 days
- An Idaho or Oregon aquatic invasive species permit or sticker is required
Published rules for the Hells Canyon Snake River, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Hells Canyon Snake River and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Hells Canyon Snake River permit
Do I need a permit to float Hells Canyon Snake River?
Yes. You need a permit to float Hells Canyon Snake River in Pacific Northwest Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
How much does a Hells Canyon Snake River permit cost?
$6 non-refundable application and reservation fee. There are no per-person recreation fees for a Snake River permit..
When can I apply for a Hells Canyon Snake River permit?
The application window opens December 1, 2025. It closes January 31, 2026, 11:59 pm PST. Results: February 14, 2026; confirm by March 15, and unconfirmed dates release March 16 at 8:00 am PST.
How many people can be on one Hells Canyon Snake River permit?
24 people.
When is the Hells Canyon Snake River permit season?
Season starts: May 22, 2026 - the Friday preceding Memorial Day. Season ends: September 10.
What if I lose the Hells Canyon Snake River lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Hells Canyon Snake River for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.