02:50 PM PST on Friday, January 28, 2005

Northwest Backroads

The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. From mountaineering and camping to kayaking and fishing, you name it and this area will expose you to a world of natural wonder.

One of the most popular recreation destinations in the Pacific Northwest is Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, carved by the great Snake River.

It borders northeastern Oregon and western Idaho and is a place where you can let your senses run as wild as the steelhead.

Steelheading

Hells Canyon evokes a sense of awe – the history, the scenic beauty, the wildlife – and the fishing.

People come from all over the country to experience nature at its best, even in the dead of winter.

file photo

A fisherman shows off his catch. (KTVB Photo)

Hearty souls in search of adventure put their trust and comfort 9in the hands of Vic Dalosto and Jeff Pyle.

Vic is the owner of Hells Canyon Resort. He started fishing the rivers there in 1989 and fell in love with the area.

"One of the things that got us so involved here is the connection with nature. It's a very humbling experience to spend some time here in the canyon, it's ancient and everything is big," he said.

That atmosphere is what draws folks to the nation's deepest river gorge.

Armed with coffee and propane heaters, Vic and Jeff hope to put adventure seekers on one of North America's most sought-after sport fish – the steelhead.

"Steelhead are one of the best fighting fish pound for pound. They just put up a tremendous fight and with light tackle and light gear like this its just an absolute ball," said Jeff.

On a day when most people would prefer to cozy up to a warm fire, the heater and the fishing are the only two things that keeps the group warm, but it doesn't take long before the action heats the boat up.

Steelhead runs are thriving and the best time is the last fall or early winter. But if you come in the dead of winter, be prepared.

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout spending most of their time in salt water. They return to their natal stream to spawn and, unlike salmon which die after spawning, they can spawn several times.

Landing one of these beauties makes grown men as giddy as children. But whether you catch them or not, the camaraderie of winter steelheading is still an experience of a lifetime.

White water scuba

From taking in the scenic vistas that rival any on the planet to hopping a raft and testing yourself on world-class whitewater, thousands come to enjoy the abundant recreational opportunities in Hells Canyon.

But it's what is under the water that draws some adventure seekers.

A few brave souls want to know what's underneath!

Meet a family that likes to be on the Snake River and loves to be in it.

"All of the sudden, you're bein' blasted through the hole, so you've gotta keep your wits about you," said Lenny Frasure.

Lenny Frasure, daughter Lyndee, and son Kurt are among the few daredevil divers who explore the Snake River's rapids below the surface.

"It feels like flying. It literally feels like flying when you get down there," said Kurt.

"You feel completely out of control, helpless. You know you're out there and the water's coming by you so fierce, it's kind of scary, but at the same time, it's fun," said Lyndee.

To give you an idea how powerful the current is and how sharp the rocks are underneath the surface, every once in a while, one of the jet boats on the river sinks, and often all they find are twisted pieces of metal miles downstream.

"The river is always in charge. If you start feeling too cocky, that's when you'll get yourself in trouble," said Lenny.

Of course, Lenny's idea of family fun wouldn't be for everyone.

Camping

If a more calming experience is what your searching for, then you can find that in Hells Canyon as well.

The landscape is a stark contrast from the rugged peaks and Alpine lakes to the steep desert-like lower slopes and sandbars on its edges.

What could be better than a campsite on a sandy beach... on Snake River.

People come from all over to take advantage of the area's peace and tranquility.

There's nothing like camping if you want to get back to nature and nature doesn't get much better than Hell's Canyon.

"It's peaceful, it lowers your blood pressure, you're surrounded by nature and good friends, good food, can't be beat," said Robert Banford.

In the Hell's Canyon area, you can raft, hike, even enjoy a private waterfall, and when it's time to make camp at the end of the day, just hit the beach.

You can't beat the white sand beaches and they're all up and down the canyon. They're the kind of campsites where you'll want to take off your shoes and stay awhile, the kind of campsite with a swimming hole at the front door.

Rodeo roping

Let's head inland and find out why a family that ropes together stays together.

Away from the city where the air smells like sweet hay, George Richmond tends his fields.

He has been changing pipe on his 11-acre farm in Idaho for several decades. And just about every day he gets a visit from his son – not to sit and shoot the breeze, but to saddle-up and ride.

George and Lee are a roping team, a team to be reckoned with.

George and Lee have been a roping team for more than 40 years.

At age 83, George just may be the West's oldest competing cowboy. He has been roping with his son ever since Lee was knee-high to a quarter horse.

"I'm 52 and that was over 40 years ago," said Lee.

Even with years of experience under their belts, the Richmonds still practice at George's corral several times a week.

In team roping, whether you have heads or tails, it takes split-second timing and a perfectly placed lasso to be competitive. One wrong move and you eat dust.

Even for experienced cowboys, learning the ropes can be dangerous.

There's money to be won at rodeos throughout the West, but it isn't much.

The Richmond's have won their share of jackpots.

Bound by family ties, the Richmonds will be back in their saddles' again, riding and roping together at least until the cows come home.

When George isn't roping, he dons an announcer's hat at local rodeo events.

Hells Canyon Resort

The beauty of Hells Canyon is awe-inspiring and a spectacular destination for visitors in search of that perfect eco-adventure.

If roughing it on the sandy banks is a little too much for you, then try "roughing" it at Hells Canyon Resort.

Return to luxury after an exhausting day outdoors.

In the heart of our nation's deepest river gorge, about a 30-minute drive from the small town of Asotin, Wash., is a outdoorsman's paradise.

Perched on the banks of the Snake River, is Hells Canyon Resort, a four-star escape from reality that appeals to all walks of life.

Vic Dalosto and wife Dawna opened the resort's current structure in October 2000. Guests can chose to stay in one of five well-appointed guest rooms with views of the Snake River or a spacious bridal suite.

The stunning log cabin lodge has a certain understated beauty, featuring intricate wood work, cozy warmth, great food and plenty to do.

Hells Canyon Resort is one of the most civilized ways to roughing it.