Living in Hells Canyon

hellscanyon — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:26:21 +0000

Although people have lived on Kirkwood Bar since prehistoric times, the most famous resident was Len Jordan, who later became Governor of Idaho and a US Senator. His wife, Grace, wrote Home Below Hells Canyon about her family’s years at Kirkwood Bar. The Jordan family lived and prospered in Hells Canyon from 1932-43. The historic ranch is now a museum offering a taste of canyon life in the 1930′s in Hells Canyon. A Hells Canyon Raft trip is not complete without stop here. Many families homesteaded and lived in the canyon starting in the early 1900’s.

Many different types of people have lived in Hells Canyon. The earliest firm date comes from a rock shelter at Bernard Creek, 7,100 years ago. A Clovis point found near the south end of the canyon indicates the possibility of human occupation 15,000 years ago. These people left ample evidence of their passing including some magnificent rock art at places Granite Creek. Figures carved into the rock are called petroglyphs, and pictures painted on the rock are called pictographs. They are not a form of written language; their meanings are lost in time.

How long have people lived in Hells Canyon?

hellscanyon — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:16:45 +0000

The earliest firm date comes from a rock shelter at Bernard Creek, 7,100 years ago. A Clovis point found near the south end of the canyon indicates the possibility of human occupation 15,000 years ago. These people left ample evidence of their passing including some magnificent rock art at places like Buffalo Eddy. Figures carved into the rock are called petroglyphs, and pictures painted on the rock are called pictographs. They are not a form of written language; their meanings are lost in time.