Oregon National Historic Trail

Driving Tour

The 135-mile section of the Oregon National Historic Trail that traverses the Field Office presents various opportunities for recreation.  Experience this area’s beautiful scenery from your car, explore on foot, or combine travel modes to discover ample opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, OHV riding and scenic/wildlife viewing.

In the mid-1800s, thousands of pioneers followed the Oregon Trail 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon in search of a better life.  But the Oregon Trail was never just a one-lane route. Some emigrants deviated from the main trail in search of water and livestock forage, while others found shortcuts and better routes to avoid difficult terrain.  Two segments of the primary route, North Trail and Sinker Creek, are located in southwestern Idaho. Visitors today can still see original wagon ruts.  Bonneville Point, 16 miles southeast of Boise, explains the challenges faced by intrepid pioneers.  The Milner Historic and Recreation Site, west of Burley, also offers views of wagon ruts.  In southeastern Idaho, the Trail traverses the BLM Pocatello Field Office.  In the Shoshone Field Office, find the ruts of Goodale's Cutoff, near Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Location
Trailhead Location: Bonneville Point, Three Island State Park & CJ Strike Reservoir among others

Trails can be accessed through: Boise, Glenn's Ferry, Murphy, or Bruneau

Accessibility: Only at Bonneville Point and Three Island State Park

For descriptions on specific sections, contact the BLM or purchase books on the many different segments of the Trail.  One highly recommended book is Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho. 

• Visitor center
• Road surfaces: dirt, gravel, paved
• Highly variable elevations
• Use seasons: spring, summer, fall