The Oregon Trail was a major migration route in the mid-1800s for settlers, ranchers, miners and businessmen going west. The main route of the Oregon Trail was over 2,000 miles long and crossed into six states. Today the Oregon National Historic Trail offers a preserved portion of the original trail with markers, suggested routes and stops, including in Idaho. If you travel the trail in Idaho, you will find interesting sites that were once used by settlers heading west. They offer opportunities for hiking, exploring and other types of recreation.
History and Significance
Using parts of trails set by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Astor Expedition, settlers began moving westward in large numbers in the 1840s. The trail's boom period lasted about 24 years until 1869, when the United States' first Transcontinental Railroad was completed. The State of Idaho and the National Park Service have preserved several scenic or significant spots.
The Shoshone Falls
One of the more breathtaking views along the Oregon Trail in Idaho is the Shoshone waterfalls, which once were similar to the Niagara Falls on the New York-Canada border. It is a great place to hike and take photographs. The Shoshone Falls once were impressive all year, but nowadays you must go at the right time of year to see them, because irrigation has robbed the Snake River of constant flow. The falls are still beautiful in early spring or during periods of heavy rains.
Craters of the Moon
This area is now a national monument and preserve located off U.S. 20 between the southern Idaho towns of Arco and Carey. The abundance of animal life makes it perfect for wildlife watching as you hike: mountain lions, marmots, deer, coyotes, bats, weasels and dozens of bird species. The treeless area looks like the surface of the moon. Lava flow and desert conditions created jagged, gray rock formations. The route through here was popular with settlers going west because it bypassed the Snake River.
Replica of Fort Hall
Built in 1834, the original Fort Hall served as the only American outpost in the Oregon country. Traders and trappers exchanged goods there, before the fort fell into British hands in later years. The fort fell into disorder during the Civil War, and it has since been rebuilt by the Fort Hall Replica Commission. The replica houses original diaries and living history exhibits, and it is a great place to learn about how the pioneers lived, as well as the history of the area of Pocatello, Idaho.
Three Island Crossing
Now a state park in Glenns Ferry, Three Island Crossing was once one of the hardest parts for covered wagons to navigate on the Idaho portion of the trail. The Snake River was divided by three small islands travelers traversed on the way to Fort Boise, although some drowned in the attempt. Today the park is host to many types of recreational activities, including boating, biking and horseback riding. The winter season offers recreation as well, including snowmobile rides. There is a fee to use portions of the park.
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