Anti-Quagga Mussel Treatment Begins Oct. 8 on Snake River Near Twin Falls; No State Parks Directly Impacted. See http://idaho.gov/quagga for Details
Official Government Website
PARK UPDATE:
June 2024 Update:
  • The Oregon Trail History and Education Center has transitioned to summer hours and will be open 7 days a week from 9 am – 4 pm.

General

  • The Wagon Wheel Campground is now reservable all year long!
  • Campsite check-in time is 2 pm and checkout time is 1 pm.
    • Cabins require reservations year-round, and they must be made at least 48 hours prior to the arrival date.  The Cottonwood and Sage Cabins are closed from November thru mid-March.
  • Cabin check-in time is 3 pm and check-out time is 11 am. You can arrive early but you will not be able to enter the cabin until 3 pm.
  • These times are being strictly enforced. If you arrive before your check in time, you may park in the overflow parking area and visit the rest of the park.
Park Reservations
By phone: 1-888-9-CAMPID or 1-888-922-6743
covered wagons with horses on the Oregon Trail

Oregon Trail pioneers knew Three Island Crossing well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail and the most difficult crossing in Idaho. Crossing the Snake River was always dangerous, but when the water was low enough to negotiate, everyone crossed who could, to take advantage of the more favorable northern route to Fort Boise. During high water, most emigrants were forced to travel along the South Alternate route into Oregon — a dry, sandy, dusty, and hot trail that wore out man and beast.

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 Three Island 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. 

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. Some travelers continued to cross at Three Island to avoid paying for the ferry.

Current Conditions

Contact the Park

Address: 1083 S.Three Island Park Dr.
Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Phone: (208) 366-2394
Hours of Operation: Oregon Trail History Center: Daily 9 am - 4 pm

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