A wagon swale is cut deep into limestone rock with trees in background.

Oregon National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

NPS photo

📍 StateIdaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
🏛️ TypeNational Historic Trail
🎟️ EntryFree
🏃 Activities9
Official NPS Website →
Oregon Trail

Historic migration route spanning Independence, MO–Oregon City, OR

The Oregon Trail was a 2,170-mile (3,490 km) east–west, large-wheeled wagon route and emigrant trail in North America that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon Territory. The eastern part of the Oregon Trail crossed what is now the states of Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The western half crossed the current states of Idaho and Oregon.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

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.

Park Photos

A wagon swale is cut deep into limestone rock with trees in background.
A rock buttress with a notch in it surrounded by sagebrush flats.
An exhibit with an illustration in front of green trees and a rock ledge.
A large yellow flowering desert shrub in front of sagebrush and a large rock buttress.
Two people walk on a green lawn in front of historic fort buildings.

Activities

Operating Hours

Oregon National Historic Trail

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Oregon National Historic Trail?

Oregon National Historic Trail is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Oregon National Historic Trail?

Popular activities at Oregon National Historic Trail include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Junior Ranger Program.

What is the weather like at Oregon National Historic Trail?

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 Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov

How do I get to Oregon National Historic Trail?

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.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

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 Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov

Directions

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 on Google Maps →

Location

Official Resources

NPS Official Website