2023 Map of Heavens Gate

About this map

Heavens Gate rises as a prominent high point in this remote corner of Idaho, where the Nez Perce National Forest and Payette National Forest meet. The terrain is defined by a series of sharp ridges and deep gulches, including White Bird Ridge and Windy Ridge, which drop away from peaks like Cannon Ball Mtn and Mt Sampson. These geographical barriers historically dictated movement through the region, often limited to saddles such as Game Warden Saddle and Wildhorse Saddle. Drainage patterns are intricate, with the West Fork Rapid River and South Fork Shingle Creek carving through the landscape. This area remains largely undeveloped, preserved within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, with travel primarily facilitated by forest routes like Whitebird Ridge Rd and remote paths including the Bryan Mountain Trl.