Oregon Trail — Goodale's Cutoff

Goodale’s Cutoff was a 230 mile-long northern alternate to the main Oregon Trail. The main Trail followed the Snake River across southern Idaho. After 1863, most emigrants used Goodale’s Cutoff in an effort to avoid hostilities with American Indians, which were escalating along the main Trail.

Location: Goodale’s Cutoff traverses the northern portion of the Shoshone Field Office.  Excellent trail remnants are visible in several locations. A good place to see the route is along Highway 20-26-93, between Craters of the Moon National Monument and Carey.  Winding through the northern end of the Monument out of sight of the road, it intersects the highway 3.5 miles west of the Monument Visitor Center.

Facilities/Fees: None