Oregon Trail

Following the historic Oregon Trail, which thousands of emigrants took to reach the bounty of the west, offers an educational, historic and fun adventure.  You can pick up the trail at Oregon’s border with Idaho, or another great place to stop by is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center outside Baker City. You can find many spots along the way where the ruts from the settlers’ wagon wheels are still visible scars in the landscape.  There are rocks carved as grave markers, pioneer cemeteries, incredible views and signs explaining the sites.  Many interpretive centers are along the route, providing a variety of activities.  Kids especially will love panning for gold, the Native American beading and arrowhead-making activities, baking biscuits and trying to get everything into a covered wagon. You can camp at government sites along the trail.  It’s one of the best things family adventures available, and your whole group will remember it forever.

Many towns along the way offer enhancement activities. One favorite is in Pendleton, where there is a preserved underground town used by immigrants who came to build the railroads.  Beautiful interpretive murals are painted on downtown buildings, to enhance a walking tour. 

• Visitor center
• Trained guides available
• Interpretive signage
• ADA accessible
• Fees required at some sites