Hunters in this unit enjoy the unique experience of hunting in the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon of the Snake River.

Most hunters can do well in this unit, and have the possibility to take some mature mountain goats.

This unit contains a large part of the Hells Canyon Wilderness along the Snake River, which includes the Seven Devils Mountains and other rugged mountains west of U.S. Highway 95. Most of the land is in Idaho County, but the southern tip of this area is in Adams County and includes Jackley, Curren, Echols and Middle mountains and the western part of Pollock Mountain. High points include 8,940-foot Monument Peak and the twin 9,420-foot peaks known as He Devil and She Devil.

Most goats are found above 7,000 feet in elevation during the hunting season. Cliffs, exposed rock formations, rock slides and talus slopes characterize the high country along with alpine basins and some long ridges that overlook terrain with a lot of cliffs. Most of the land between 3,500 and 7,500 feet above sea level is covered with conifer forests. Main tree species are ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, larch, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Many areas are covered with grasses and low brush, such as snowberry, wild rose and bitterbrush. Most of the west and south-facing slopes in the steep ridges above the major rivers are open and grassy. Sometimes goats drop to some of the steep terrain below forests but usually stay at higher elevations.

Roads are limited due to the steepness of the terrain and the wilderness designation of much of Hells Canyon. No vehicles of any kind, including mountain bikes and deer carts, are allowed in Hells Canyon Wilderness. The main roads that are useful to goat hunters are probably Seven Devils Road and Black Lake Road. Seven Devils Road runs along some high ridges and peaks and reaches closer to the tops of the Seven Devils Mountains than any other road. Hunters can reach Seven Devils Road off U.S. 95 at the mouth of Squaw Creek. Another useful road for goat hunters is Black Lake Road in the southwestern part of the unit. It reaches Black Lake, which is less than 3 miles south of Monument Peak and about 2,700 feet lower. Farther south, Race Creek Road leaves U.S. 95 at Race Creek and forks up the Creek’s west and south forks. The road up the west fork eventually leads to other interior forest roads that provide good access for hikers.

A lot of hunters spike camp in mountain goat country, but there are also some campsites in the area, and lodging in Riggins. Pittsburg Landing on the Snake River has 28 campsites at $8 a night. Hoots Motel and Café and Swiftwater RV Park & Store are near White Bird just outside the north end of the unit. Short Bar Campground is east of Riggins on Big Salmon Road. Lodging is available in Riggins. Choices include Big Iron Motel, Riggins Motel, Salmon River Motel and Salmon Rapids Lodge. Hunters can also find some primitive campgrounds in the high country.