Three Island Crossing State Park is located on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry. It is home to The Oregon Trail History and Education Center where visitors can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native American history.
Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail. Pioneer travelers used the three-island crossing until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream. The Glenns Ferry community sponsors a crossing commemoration the second Saturday of each August. Events often include living history presentations and historic skills fair.
The Park Today
Current Park Conditions (Posted January 14, 2010)
Trailside Campground (sites 44-82 and cabins Sage and Cottonwood) is closed for the season. Reservations with arrivals of 04/02/10 to 09/30/10 may be made nine months in advance of the arrival date.
RESERVATIONS: 1.888.922.6743
Wagon Wheel Campground (sites 1-43) are available for public use on a first come, first served basis. Restroom and shower facilities are closed and water to the sites have been turned off. Reservations with arrivals of 04/02/10 to 09/30/10 may be made nine months in advance of the arrival date.
Reservations are available year round for the Hilltop cabin located in the Wagon Wheel Campground. Flush toilets are available at the seasonal quarters building located just west of the park entrance which is approximately 200 yards from Hilltop Cabin.
RESERVATIONS: 1.888.922.6743
Water to the dump stations have been turned off.
Reservations are available year round for the cabins located along the Snake River in the Day-Use Area. (Dogwood, Elm, Aspen, Oak and Juniper) A chemical toilet is available year round which is located in close proximity to the Day-Use cabins.
Restrooms with flush toilets located in the Day-Use Area is closed for the season.
The Oregon Trail History & Education Center is closed for the season.
Oregon Trail History and Education Center
The Oregon Trail History and Education Center is closed for the season.
A $5 Day Use Vehicle Entry Fee is assessed per vehicle, per day.
Idaho State Park Annual Passports offer tremendous savings for day visits for individuals or families planning to frequent their Idaho State Parks by providing unlimited vehicle access for the calendar year. The $35 sticker can be purchased at any Idaho State Park, Regional Service Center (Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d'Alene) or by calling (208) 334-4199. A second pass can be purchased for just $5.
The Oregon Trail in Idaho
Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail.
The trail played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of western America. The original course of the Oregon Trail was from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Most pioneers traveled the trail from 1841 through 1848. However, fur trappers and explorers used the travel corridor as early as 1811. By the mid-1860s, the trail was used little as an emigration route.
The Oregon Trail entered Idaho in the southeast corner of the state. At Fort Hall, it joined the Snake River, following the south bank until this crossing was reached near Glenns Ferry. The route left Idaho near the site of old Fort Boise, near Parma, after winding through 500 miles of the state.
A Risky River Crossing
Upon reaching the Three Island ford, the emigrants had a difficult decision to make. Should they risk the dangerous crossing of the Snake, or endure the dry, rocky route along the south bank of the river? About half of the emigrants chose to attempt the crossing by using the gravel bars that extended across the river. Not all were successful; many casualties are recounted in pioneer diaries. The rewards of a successful crossing were a shorter route, more potable water and better feed for the stock.
The Three Island ford was used by pioneer travelers until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream.
Crossing Celebration
While 2009 was the last actual crossing reenactment, The Glenns Ferry community will sponsor a Three Island Celebration the second weekend of August 2010. Please check back for additional details. Updated information will be posted as it becomes available.
Modern travelers will find a stay at Three Island Crossing much more hospitable than did the pioneers. Located just off Interstate 84 at the Glenns Ferry exit, the park offers a full-service campground, cabins, picnic areas, historical interpretive programs and a fascinating admission-free interpretive center. You can take the self-guided tour, see the replica wagons and dangle your feet in the Snake River where emigrants made their historic crossings.