Idaho Oregon Trail
The 510 miles of the historic Oregon Trail in Idaho offer
travelers the opportunity to view some of Idahos beautiful
scenic sites while revisiting the journey made by pioneers who
were traveling to the West. Travelers
can start out on the trail in the southeastern corner of
Idaho, making stops along the way to view many of the Oregon
Trails historical and scenic areas.
Driving along Idaho 111-mile Bear Lake Scenic Byway, visitors
can stop at Minnetonka Cave and the Paris Tabernacle historical
site, both located off of the byway. The largest developed
limestone cave in Idaho, Minnetonka
Cave offers a variety of stalactites and
stalagmites within its walls. The U.S. Forest Service provides a
half-mile tour of the cave during the summer. Contact:
208-847-0375,
www.fs.fed.us/r4/curlew
Nearby, travelers can find the town of Paris, which is home to
one of the true pioneer landmarks of the West, the Paris
Tabernacle historical site. Listed with the National Register of
Historic Places, the Romanesque Mormon Tabernacle features
intricate wood ceilings and stone carvings. The red sandstone
used to complete the structure was hauled by wagon or sled from
a quarry 18 miles away. Heirlooms and objects of art that were
left behind by homesteaders are showcased in a small museum.
Contact 208-945-2072.
The settlers traveling along the Oregon Trail helped pioneer the
west with the largest mass migration in American history.
Accessible from the Bear Lake Scenic Byway, The National Oregon/
California Trail Center at Clover Creek in Montpelier explores
the historical background behind the Oregon Trail migration. The
center offers a ride in a computer-controlled covered wagon,
guided trail tours and features various pioneer tools and
artifacts. Contact: 208-847-3800, www.oregontrailcenter
Travelers may want to make a stop and stay at the Lava Hot Springs
Resort to Cave experience the areas natural hot
water springs, providing a relaxing getaway along the Oregon
Trail. The springs, which were used by Indian tribes for
centuries, remain between 102 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit
year-round. The resort offers hot mineral baths that are sulfur
and odor free, along with other area recreational activities
such as horseback riding, golf and nearby shopping areas.
Contact: 800-423-8597, www.lavahotsprings.com
Once an important stop for emigrants traveling to the west, Fort
Hall continues to welcome todays travelers from the Oregon
Trail. The replica, located in Pocatello, shows visitors the
inner workings of the fort along with an outdoor exhibit.
Contact: 208-234-4636,
www.pocatelloidaho.com
Close to Pocatello is the Fort Hall reservation. Here travelers
can visit the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum, which contains
various artifacts from tribes and information about the
Shoshone-Bannock tribal history. Contact: 208-237-9791,
www.sho-ban.com/history.asp
The town of American Falls is home to Massacre Rocks State Park,
a site where early pioneers traveling through the area feared
Indian attacks. Ten emigrants were killed on their journey along
the Oregon Trail in 1862 when Indians ambushed their party. The
park features rugged lava rocks and is home to almost 300
species of desert plants and 200 species of birds. Contact:
208-548-2672, www.idahoparks.org