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Hells Gate State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,394 Google reviews · Running trail in Lewiston, Idaho · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hells Gate State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Riverside campsites & rental cabins, plus water sports, an education center & scenic hiking trails.
What runners say about Hells Gate State Park
“The campground is large and well maintained with a mix of RV spaces, fifth wheels, and tent camping areas.”
“Is a beautiful place, the hiking is a little bit of a come down after climbing in the superstition mountains near Phoenix Arizona the day before.”
“Well spaced well shaded camp sites, many pull through.”
This was a great park. There was plenty of space for everyone, and the sites each had spacious grassy areas. There are lots of beautiful deciduous trees and plenty of trails for hiking. We enjoyed the waterfront trail and the scenic elevated trails accessible from the park.
Thoroughly enjoyed our camping trip here to Hell's Gate State Park. We came towards the end of June, so the weather was nice. No rain while we were here. It did get in the 90's several days, but the nearby river gave us the chance to stay cool. Park is well maintained. Abundant wildlife all over the park.
One of the best State parks we have camped in. On the Snake River but most camp sites only have a peek of the river. Well spaced well shaded camp sites, many pull through. Only 9 sites have sewer hookups. I stayed 4 days so to be safe I emptied my wastewater into a tote.
It was very well maintained. The trails were well marked but beware of the fresh and dried horse poop along the way. We did 3 trails: Easy Street, River Run and The Rollers. They all have fantastic view.
Trail conditions & character
“Is a beautiful place, the hiking is a little bit of a come down after climbing in the superstition mountains near Phoenix Arizona the day before.”
“It’s a little longer walk to the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center and marina on the paved trail.”
“My wife just opened the door one morning to go out with the dog.”
“Well spaced well shaded camp sites, many pull through.”
“This time we were in the cottonwood loop with no services.”
“As the author of The Motivated Amateur’s Guide to Winter Camping, I appreciate outdoor areas that stay accessible and practical without feeling overly built up or artificial.”
Plan your run at Hells Gate State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparksandrecreation.idaho.gov
- Phone(208) 799-5015
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
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