Revisiting the Oregon Trail: Historic Sites in Fabulous Oregon
Bring on those sturdy walking shoes and immerse yourself in the footsteps of pioneers; nobody knows the treasure trove of history that is the Oregon Trail quite like us locals. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into a chronicle of the path that has been witnessed by countless boots, hooves, and wagon wheels.
Embark on Historic Baker City
There’s no better way to start than from the beginning at Baker City. Once a prominent starting point for pioneers, the district is peppered with charming 19th-century architecture. Don’t miss the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center perched atop Flagstaff Hill. The panoramic views of the original wagon routes and historic dioramas create a vivid picture of the early settler life. But be prepared, make sure to carry sunscreen, as the high desert sun can be relentless.
Echoes of the Past at the Barlow Toll Road
Paying homage to pioneer Sam Barlow, this portion was considered the last overland hurdle of the Trail. Today, portions of the original road are swallowed by Highway 26, but there’s a lovely detour via Mount Hood which follows the original wagon route. If you’re visiting during winter months, make sure to pack some extra layers, as Mount Hood is known for its snowy peaks.
Step Back in Time at The Dalles
Don’t miss out on historic The Dalles, one of the oldest cities in Oregon situated on the east end of the Columbia River Gorge. The Dalles was once a bustling end of the overland trail and gateway for inland river transportation. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center provides an in-depth account of the dramatic history leading up to this significant point of the Oregon Trail. An insider tip: try to visit in the spring when the cherry trees bloom; they turn the town into a beautiful pink paradise.
Fort Vancouver, A Fort with a Rich Past
Kick-off your visit to Fort Vancouver back across the river. Established as a fur trading post by the British, it subsequently served as a military reservation. At the reconstructed fort, you’ll witness a snapshot of 19th-century life. Take care to schedule your visit because the fort is closed on Mondays.
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Oregon City
Symbolizing the last stop, Oregon City’s End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center stands as a testament to the journey undertaken by so many. The visitor center is interactive and family-friendly, with a pioneer dress-up area and countless engaging learning experiences. Locals know to try and hit this place on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Exploring the Beautiful Willamette Valley
On the trail, the Willamette Valley was the final destination. Nowadays, this fertile region is peppered with historic sites and more than 500 wineries. If you fancy a hike, Champoeg State Heritage Area offers trails through the historical marker of a bygone ghost town. Remember, Oregon’s Willamette Valley experiences quite the rainy season in the winter months, so pack accordingly.
Oregon Trail Ruts, a Witness to History
To really feel the reverberations of history, a visit to Grover’s Creek in Ash Hollow to see the actual Oregon Trail ruts is a must. The marks tell of the heavy wagons that traversed the path in the 19th century. After seeing these ruts in person, every tale of the trail starts to become a bit more real.
Drawing our historical jaunt to a close, remember to take a moment and bask in the realization that you are standing on the same earth that welcomed the weary feet of countless pioneers from the past. Every site has a story to tell, and every rut in the ground reverberates with history.
See Oregon through the eyes of those who made the trek so many years ago, and your perspective will be indelibly changed, and remember, hitting the trail involves getting a good dose of Oregon’s wonderfully unpredictable weather! So lacing up the boots, checking the forecast, and taking a good raincoat along is all part of the adventure!
Here’s hoping this rundown brings the Oregon Trail to life and helps explore the history of beautiful Oregon a little more intimately. Enjoy the journey; it’s not every day you get to time-travel on foot. Happy trails!