Oregon National Historic Trail

Oregon National Historic Trail is a national historic trail run by the National Park Service in 7 states.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• 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 a site along the Oregon National Historic Trail. Worksheets can be submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!
• 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 a trail rut. Luckily, there are still places where you can have that experience today. Take a look at the the list below and plan your visit to the mid-1800s today!
• 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 home and walk for weeks? Travel the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and be reminded of the sacrifices, struggles, triumphs, and impacts of early American settlers. There are a variety of h
• 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 views, and from short to longer trail rides. Riding the Trail is a great way to connect to this fascinating story, as your experience will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs o
• 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 interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in the location will enrich your experience, even with minimal facilities. Visit one of these locations to learn more about the history an

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. 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.

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.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

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

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Grand Teton, about 134 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Oregon National Historic Trail (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.