Three Island Crossing State Park
Three Island Crossing State Park
Located on the Snake River near Glenns Ferry, Three Island Crossing State Park is the site of one of the most famous river crossings on the Oregon Trail. Until Gus Glenn built his ferry crossing about 2 miles upstream in 1869, Three Island Crossing was used by a significant number of pioneer emigrants headed west.
Upon reaching this part of the Oregon Trail, emigrants had to chose between following the dry, rocky route along the southern bank of the Snake River, or try crossing the river on the gravel bars that existed here. Crossing the river meant a shorter route to Oregon, better drinking water supplies and better feed for the livestock. But the crossing was dangerous and many people didn't make it. Today, Three Island Crossing State Park is the site of the Oregon Trail History and Education Center.
Three Island Crossing State Park is located at the Glenn's Ferry exit, just off the I-84. The park offers picnic areas, cabins, 2 full-service campgrounds, historical interpretive programs and a very interesting, admission-free visitor/interpretive center. There is also a self-guided tour of the crossing area, complete with replica wagons. To make things even more interesting, you can camp overnight in one of the tipis...
Upper photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management
Map courtesy of National Geographic Topo!
Map courtesy of National Geographic Topo!
Related Pages
Area map courtesy of National Geographic Topo!