Hess Road

Hess is one of those trails that makes you gasp at its steepness, but the climb rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the Snake River and Hells Canyon. As you ascend from the arid lower reaches, the landscape transforms dramatically. Sparse grasses and sagebrush give way to dense forests of Ponderosa pines, and as you climb higher, Douglas firs begin to appear. The Wallowa Mountains, cradling the canyon, present a picturesque ensemble of high peaks, alpine meadows, and valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. This area is teeming with biodiversity; spotting bighorn sheep, deer, eagles, and other wildlife is common.

While no discernible campsites are directly off this road, spurs lead to primitive camping spots. This single-lane trail is unmaintained, and a high-clearance vehicle is advised to navigate the washouts and gullies. Hess can be accessed from the north at Wallowa Mountain Loop or the south at Homestead Road.