Oregon National Historic Trail

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A wagon swale is cut deep into limestone rock with trees in background.
The Guernsey Ruts in Wyoming feature deeply eroded rock from wagon traffic.
A rock buttress with a notch in it surrounded by sagebrush flats.
Devil's Gate was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.
An exhibit with an illustration in front of green trees and a rock ledge.
Alcove Spring Park is located in Kansas near Blue Rapids and Marysville.
A large yellow flowering desert shrub in front of sagebrush and a large rock buttress.
Split Rock was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.
Two people walk on a green lawn in front of historic fort buildings.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site features a replica fort with exhibits, located in eastern Wyoming.
Photos: National Park Service

About Oregon National Historic Trail

Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave home and walk for weeks? More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and serve as reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.

Quick Facts

State Idaho
Designation National Historic Trail
State Code ID,KS,MO,NE,OR,WA,WY
Weather Due to the length of the Oregon National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National…

Location & Map

Oregon National Historic Trail is located in Idaho.

Operating Hours

The Oregon National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a corridor that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operation and access. Please contact trail sites before your visit for more information.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Getting There

More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states- reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address National Trails Office - Regions 6, 7, 8, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone N/A
Email ntir_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American Heritage Arts Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Forts Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Wars and Conflicts Westward Expansion Rock Landscapes and Features Trails

Things To Do

Become an Oregon Trail Junior Ranger

Become an Oregon Trail Junior Ranger

Learn about the Oregon Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting…

Junior ranger activites are completed using the Oregon Trail National Historic Trail official brochure. This brochure is also available at…

Go See Oregon Trail Ruts

Go See Oregon Trail Ruts

One of the best ways to experience the Oregon Trail is by taking a step back in time while visiting…

Plan a roadtrip to see Oregon Trail wagon ruts along the Oregon Trail. Trail sites are listed by state, so…

Hike on the Oregon Trail

Hike on the Oregon Trail

Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave…

Horseback Riding on the Oregon Trail

Horseback Riding on the Oregon Trail

Take a ride back in time on the Oregon Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to modern…

Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Oregon Trail

Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Oregon Trail

There are a variety of museums and visitor centers along the Oregon Trail. In some places, you may find more…

Visitor Centers

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Baker City, Oregon. The large interpretive center contains exhibits…

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