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 Park Today
Current Park Conditions (Posted November 3, 2011)
Trailside Campground is open for camping and available to walk-ins.(sites 44-82.) The campground has been winterized, therefore the restrooms and showers are closed and water to the sites are no longer available for the remaining winter months. Sage and Cottonwood cabins are not available until spring 2012.
Reservations may be made with arrival dates starting 04/01/12 up to nine months in advance of the arrival date by calling toll free 888.922.6743 or on line at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.
Wagon Wheel Campground (sites 1-43 and cabin Hilltop)is open for for camping and available to walk-ins. The campground has been winterized, therefore the restrooms and showers are closed and water to the sites are no longer available for the remaining winter months.
Reservations may be made with arrival dates starting 04/01/12 up to nine months in advance of the arrival date by calling toll free 888.922.6743 or on line at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.
Reservations are available year round for the cabins located along the Snake River in the Day-Use Area. Dogwood, Elm, Aspen, Oak and Juniper) The restrooms are closed for the remaining winter months. A portable toilet is available at the east end of the cabin area.
Shelter reservations (Western Pine, Sunrise View and River View) are made directly at the park by calling 208.366.2394.
The Oregon Trail History and Education Center is closed and will open in the spring 2012.
Admission to The Oregon Trail History & Education Center is free, however a $5 Day Use Vehicle Entry Fee is assessed per vehicle, per day at the park entrance for non campers.
The Oregon Trail History and Education Center
The History Center is closed for the winter but will open in Spring 2012.
Admission to The Oregon Trail History & Education Center is free, however, a $5 Day Use Vehicle Entry Fee is assessed per vehicle, per day. Annual passes are available.
Idaho State Park annual passes offer tremendous savings for individuals or families planning to frequent their Idaho State Parks this year, by providing unlimited vehicle access until December 31st of the purchase year. The $40 pass 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 $15.
Click here to purchase an annual pass.
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.
NOTICE: This year, The 2012 Crossing Celebration will not be held at Three Island Crossing State Park. The event, now called Three Island Days, will be celebrated at the Elmore County Fairgrounds located in Glenns Ferry on August 10th, 11th & 12th.
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.