Snake River Idaho and Oregon

[AndAction]

I'll be going into Hell's Canyon on the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon (and eventually between Idaho and Washington) for a few days next week. I know the regulations and restrictions for Washington and I've read up on tributaries going into the Snake in Washington but the majority of the time I will be in Oregon and Idaho.

I've pulled up some information on Oregon here: Wetlands/Waterways Removal-Fill Recreational Placer Mining

And some info on Idaho here: Idaho Department of Water Resources

Are these the best places to learn about the rules and regs for these two states? Anyone familiar with the Snake River and it's tributaries in regards to restrictions? Either way I would like to read up on it myself but would love to know if there are better resources.

I'm not looking to do much, I have a pan and aMini Bazooka. I haven't read up on anything yet so not even sure I can bring those with.

Any thoughts or info welcome.

Best,

Action

 

[rodoconnor]

As far as Id goes, the information from IDWR should cover everything. The EPA hasn't crippled us yet as far as pans and sluices go. The Snake sure has gold in it but can be frustrating to recover. G/L

 

[AndAction]

Thanks Rod!

 

[allen_idaho]

Here in Idaho you do need a permit if you are going to do any dredging. Or if you are planning to alter the flow of any stream channel. But anything other than that is fair game. So you should most likely be just fine without a permit.

The only other thing is that there are some culturally significant Native American artifacts down in Hell's Canyon, including a lot of ancient petroglyphs. You can look at them, but whatever you do, don't disturb or damage them.