Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Forest Road 39)

Forest Road 39 over the Wallowas toward the deepest canyon in North America

Forest Road 39 is the wild heart of the Hells Canyon All-American Road, linking OR-86 near Halfway with the Imnaha country toward Joseph across the eastern flank of the Wallowa Mountains. It is paved but narrow and lightly travelled, with long stretches and no fuel or services, and a short spur leads to the Hells Canyon Overlook above the Snake River. The road is closed by snow from roughly mid-October to mid-May. Mind the lack of guardrails on the high sections, deer and cattle on the road, and over eighty miles without fuel or services.