We began our journey on the Snake and Columbia Rivers by jet-boating up the Snake River into Hells Canyon, and what a way to begin this adventure! In clear weather and with high spirits, we made our way into not only the deepest, but also one of the most rugged, scenic, and remote, river-carved canyons in North America—Hells Canyon. The origin of the name “Hells Canyon” is a bit of a mystery, but it could refer to the hellishly high temperatures that turn Hells Canyon into a furnace in summer. Our jet boats roared along, swerving around rocks and through rapids, into the heart of the canyon. Rocks, rugged and steep, loomed above us on either side. Along the way, we saw mule deer and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and had many sightings of eagles, other raptors, and waterfowl.