Oregon National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · ID, KS, MO, NE, OR, WA, WY · nps.gov page

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.Photo: NPS photo

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.

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Photos

A rock buttress with a notch in it surrounded by sagebrush flats.
Devil's Gate was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS Photo
A large yellow flowering desert shrub in front of sagebrush and a large rock buttress.
Split Rock was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.