BENTZ RIVER EXPLORATION 

Hells Canyon of the Snake River is the deepest river-carved gorge in North America at 9,393 feet.  The Snake River originates in the Teton Mountains of Wyoming and travels through three other states on its journey to the Columbia River.

For thousands of years Native Americans wintered in villages along the Snake River because of the mild climate.  They sheltered in pit-houses and relied heavily upon fishing and the plentiful wild game herds.  The Snake River "Nez Perce Indian Crossing" dates back to the war of 1877.  Many reminants left behind by the Native Americans such as pit-houses, pictographs, petrogliphs and grave-yards exist today.  Populations of Rocky Mountain Elk, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, and much more still inhabit the canyon today.

Like the Native Americans, homesteaders utilized the Snake River Canyon for its mild climate.  There many cattle and sheep ranch operations, as well as mining activity dating back to the 1800's help form the historical record of the canyon.  This evidence, commonly found today, is a testimonial to the survival of the early pioneers.