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The Oregon Trail

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The Oregon Trail is back, and you can now play it on Nintendo Switch™!

The Oregon Trail™ by Gameloft—Experience The Oregon Trail™ like never before. A modern twist on the trials and tribulations of the road to Oregon, this official successor to the global phenomenon will immerse players in exhilarating journeys ranging from the historically accurate to the totally extreme. Players will pick their traveling party, stock the wagon with supplies, and embark on an adventure filled with tough choices, new dangers, and unexpected situations. Surviving blizzards, broken limbs, snakebites, exhaustion, starvation, and the dreaded dysentery is no small feat; all the while navigating an untamed frontier to get your party to their new life in Oregon before the winter. Track down a missing party in the aftermath of a fierce blizzard, transport volatile gunpowder through blistering desert heat, compete in challenging hunting mini-games, and meet a broad cast of historic figures. With procedurally selected random events where players’ choices affect their party and future game events, there’s always a new adventure on the horizon every time you play. Always a New Adventure • Build and name your party from different classes—each with their own starting items, skills, and personalities—to make every journey to Oregon unique. • Overcome hundreds of random events where your choices affect the fate of your travelers, and are influenced by their unique skills and traits. • Remember to take care of your party, wagon, and oxen, or they’ll become casualties of the trail. Fresh Features • Take on 15 playable Journeys. • Experience 7 Quests inspired by historical events. • Monitor your party members’ health, morale, stamina and hygiene. • Manage your inventory to squeeze everything you can into the wagon. • Maintain your wagon to prevent breakdowns and inventory loss from spoiling or spillage. • Learn about real people and places in your interactive Journal. • Collect and learn about the many interesting animals you’ll see on the trail. • Catch 80+ species in the new Fishing mini-game. • Obtain 140+ achievements. True to the Original • Hunting and Rafting make a long-awaited return, with faithful gameplay and all-new visuals. • Dysentery, river fording, broken legs, and many more classic hazards await! Striking Art Direction and Score • A beautiful blend of charming pixel art characters, 3D environments and cutting-edge lighting and visual effects creates a unique visual style that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. • An all-original soundtrack of alt-country-inspired music combined with 8-bit-style sound effects. Respectful Representation • For the first time, the game features Native American playable characters and stories, celebrating the history and cultures of the peoples who first lived on this land and still live here today. • Thorough research and multiple academic consultants were involved in this game’s production to ensure accuracy and respectful representation of all peoples depicted in the game. Officially Licensed & Supported • The Oregon Trail™ is an officially licensed game from HarperCollins Productions, who supported the evolution of The Oregon Trail™ so it would be true to the original, but with updated gameplay and visuals. • 2016 Video Game Hall of Fame inductee.

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The Oregon Trail

Inducted Year: 2016

As the longest-published, most successful educational game of all time, The Oregon Trail has blazed a path for the use of video games in learning.

Three student teachers, Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger, created The Oregon Trail in 1971 to help Minnesota schoolchildren learn American History. First programmed on a primitive teletype printer, the game challenged students to assume the role of Western settlers crossing the continent on the way to the Pacific coast. Players had to choose which items to bring, how fast to travel, and what to do when food ran low or disease struck.

When Rawitsch joined the Minnesota Educational Computer Consortium (MECC) in 1974, he brought along the code for the game and MECC developed a version for distribution to schools—first in Minnesota and then around the United States. The game has been widely available ever since, appearing on every major computing platform, from mainframes to smartphones.

In the 1970s and 1980s, when computing access was rare, The Oregon Trail not only instructed players in American history but also introduced them to computers. The more than 65 million copies of the game that have been sold testify to the game’s appealing story and fun play.

The Oregon Trail is perhaps the oldest continuously available video game ever made, but more importantly, it pioneered a blend of learning and play that showcases the valuable contribution games can make to education.

Did You Know?

Game players follow an actual historical covered wagon route across the United States, beginning in Independence, Missouri and ending in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

The Oregon Trail

Press Keyboard right side: Alt+Enter keys to switch to full screen game play, and Alt+Enter keys to return.

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How to play The Oregon Trail

Press Enter Key to start or stop walking Use Arrow keys to point the rifle (novice hunters) Press Space bar to fire the rifle. Control-A also allows you to erase messages (epitaphs) written on the tombstones for "emigrants" who died along the trail.

The Oregon Trail Description

Choose a persona and jump right into exploring the Oregon Trail on Classic Reload! First released to the masses in 1974 by MECC, The Oregon Trail stands out as the most important educational game of all time, holding a worthy spot in the Video Game Hall of Fame. You will need to ration food, hunt, trade, and ford rivers while prioritizing your party’s survival. The character you pick will determine the difficulty level of the game since the banker can afford food and supplies for most of the trip, while the carpenter has a smaller budget, and the farmer must rely mostly on skills to maneuver the trial. The game ends when your party is eliminated or when you reach Oregon. Your character choice also influences the points you earn when the game ends. Since the game is easy for the banker, no point multipliers are applied. Carpenters get a 2x point multiplier, while farmers get a 3x point multiplier. The random challenges in the game can change the entire course of the game for a player. Therefore, new players must try beating the game as a banker before trying it at other difficulty levels. Learn about the difficult life of pioneers in the 19th century by playing The Oregon Trail. Good luck!

The Oregon Trail walkthrough

The Oregon Trail - additional information

Oregon Trail: A Pioneering Adventure in Gaming

Oregon Trail stands as a monument in the landscape of educational video games, merging historical learning with engaging gameplay. Initially created in the 1970s, it has educated and entertained generations, allowing players to experience the trials and tribulations of 19th-century pioneers on their journey westward across North America. This article delves into the rich history, gameplay mechanics, and enduring legacy of Oregon Trail, offering insights into why it remains a beloved classic.

The Historical Journey Behind Oregon Trail

Oregon Trail was developed with the intention of teaching schoolchildren about the life of pioneers during the 1840s to 1860s, a period marked by mass migration along the Oregon Trail. The game's educational foundation is solid, rooted in historical events and challenges faced by travelers. Players must navigate their party through harsh conditions, manage resources, and make critical decisions, mirroring the real-life decisions of the pioneers.

Gameplay Mechanics: A Test of Strategy and Survival

At the heart of Oregon Trail's gameplay is resource management and decision-making. Players start by choosing their profession, which affects their starting resources, and then embark on the journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valley. Along the way, they hunt for food, manage health conditions, cross rivers, and face unexpected events, such as wagon breakdowns and disease outbreaks. The game's unpredictable nature and the need for strategic planning make each playthrough a unique challenge.

The Cultural Impact of Oregon Trail

Oregon Trail's influence extends beyond the classroom, embedding itself in popular culture. Its references in television, literature, and internet memes attest to its widespread recognition and nostalgic value. The game not only introduced many to the concept of educational gaming but also sparked a lifelong interest in history for countless individuals. Its legacy is evident in the fond memories shared by those who navigated the perilous journey to Oregon City.

Educational Value and Modern Relevance

Despite its age, Oregon Trail remains an effective educational tool, offering insights into American history, geography, and the pioneer spirit. Its ability to blend learning with fun is a testament to the potential of video games as a medium for education. Modern iterations and remakes continue to introduce the game to new generations, ensuring its lessons and experiences are not forgotten.

Exploring Similar Games for History Enthusiasts

For those captivated by the blend of history and gameplay in Oregon Trail, there are several similar games worth exploring:

Carmen Sandiego Series: Offers a globe-trotting adventure that educates players on geography and history. SimCity : While not historical, it teaches about urban planning and management. Civilization : Players can guide a nation through history, making decisions that influence its development. Age of Empires Series: Focuses on historical empires and military strategy, offering a hands-on lesson in ancient and medieval history.

The Enduring Legacy of Oregon Trail

Oregon Trail's journey from a simple educational game to a cultural icon is a remarkable story. It proves that video games can be powerful teaching tools, offering both fun and learning in equal measure. As we look back on the trail blazed by this pioneering game, we're reminded of the countless virtual wagons that set off, seeking the promise of the Oregon territory. For many, Oregon Trail was more than just a game; it was an unforgettable adventure through history, teaching valuable lessons about perseverance, decision-making, and the indomitable human spirit.

As Oregon Trail continues to be celebrated and remade for new audiences, its legacy as a cornerstone of educational gaming is secure. Its blend of historical accuracy, engaging gameplay, and educational value makes it a timeless classic, cherished by gamers and historians alike. Whether you're a veteran trailblazer or a curious newcomer, Oregon Trail offers an adventure that is as educational as it is thrilling, proving that sometimes, looking back is the best way to move forward.

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Oregon Trail

1 Understand
4.1 Independence, Missouri
4.2 Across Nebraska
4.3 Chimney Rock & Fort Laramie
4.4.1 Wrong trail. Lose 3-4 days.
4.5 Snake River Crossing
4.6 The Dalles
4.7 Oregon!
6 Stay safe
7.1 See also

The Oregon Trail is a 2,200 mi (3,500 km) National Historic Trail across the United States , traditionally beginning in Independence , Missouri and crossing the states of Nebraska , Wyoming , and Idaho before ending near the Pacific coast in Oregon City , Oregon .

An estimated 400,000 settlers used the Oregon Trail or other Emigrant Trail branches to migrate west between the early 1830s and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Today, the memory of the Oregon Trail lives on in books, cinema, and tales of the Old West . Countless more have undertaken the journey – at least vicariously – through one of the earliest (and greatest) educational computer games, The Oregon Trail .

The Oregon National Historic Trail is today's recreation of the trail, maintained by the National Park Service.

Understand [ edit ]

The Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition opened the Northwest for white settlement, and marked the beginning of the Wild West era. The "mountain men" and fur traders who traveled upstream in the early 19th century were few. The first known mountain passes were barely adequate for a horse and rider.

As better routes were found, wagon trails gradually were built westward, laying the groundwork for the Great Migration of 1843 . Nearly a thousand settlers crossed the Rocky Mountains in that single year. The Organic Act of the Oregon Territory (1843) granted 640 acres (a square mile, 2.56 km²) of free homestead land per couple in the vast Oregon Territory, which covered what is now Washington state , Oregon , Idaho and parts of Wyoming and Montana . The weakened position of southern states during the American Civil War (1861–1865) gave U.S. federal authorities free rein to promote homesteading and westward expansion. Unimproved homestead land was often free or available for as little as $1.25/acre.

The Emigrant Trail flooded with Oregon-bound homesteaders (1843–1854), who were soon followed by Mormon pioneers (1846–1847) and California gold rush prospectors (1849) heading west. Travelling by wagon, an average group of migrants could complete the Oregon Trail in about six months.

Weather was a major concern; as some mountain passes and river crossings went from treacherous to impossible in winter , expeditions departed in early spring to give time for safe arrival. Hundreds of settlers travelled together as large wagon trains, keeping mutual assistance available in time of need. Migrants traded with other travellers when supplies ran low, abandoning items on the trail when wagons became too heavy for animals to pull. An ox-drawn cart at two miles an hour would need to crawl ten hours a day for more than a hundred days to cover the 2,200-mile trail – and obstacles and delays routinely increased that time. Horses were faster but more expensive, and needed to be fed, while an ox could graze like a cow. Mules had their own stubborn characteristics.

The people and animals often needed to stop for food and water, resting if they were injured or had fallen ill. At night, groups circled the wagons with the livestock in the middle to prevent animals from being stolen or wandering away. On arrival, a successful party could claim contiguous 320-acre parcels for each adult in an entire extended family. Arriving early meant a better chance of claiming prime locations with control over river valleys with water for irrigation.

From 1843–1869, four hundred thousand brave pioneers had heeded the call to "go west, young man", making the arduous trip on trails and infrastructure which had seen few gradual improvements. Some split from the path to colonize Utah or join the California gold rush and some safely reached Oregon's Willamette Valley . Quite a few did not survive the long and arduous journey.

And then, almost overnight, it was over. On May 10, 1869 the Last Spike was driven in tiny Corinne , Utah, thereby joining the Union and Central Pacific railroads; a journey that had taken half a year was abruptly reduced to one week. Where travel by wagon might have cost $200 per person, the train fare was $60 and that with a roof over everybody's heads. It wasn't much of a choice. Before long, the Oregon Trail was a relic of a bygone age, of hardy adventurers and America's first age of westward migration. In movie serials and cheap westerns, the Oregon Trail became a scene for danger and derring-do, full of sinister forces determined to prey upon innocent settlers and tragedy around every bend.

However, the story of the Oregon Trail had a surprising turn ahead. In 1971, a student teacher and amateur programmer named Don Rawitsch created a text-based computer game for his eighth grade history class called The Oregon Trail . On-line gameplay was BASIC and primitive, relying on expensive terminals linked to a distant time-sharing system. As the frontiers of desktop computing advanced, subsequent Oregon Trail versions added graphics, more choices for players to make, and dire consequences for their mistakes.

On The Oregon Trail , students had to name their characters and then subject their creations to mortal peril, from starvation to disease and injuries of every kind. Unlike any other educational game, characters could die ; as holding no funeral for a deceased traveller would cause morale of the party to decline, the game allowed players to erect gravestones (usually with profane epitaphs) for subsequent players to find. Players had to choose whether to interact with natives , buy or beg for aid, examine landmarks like Chimney Rock – and, in later versions, hunt for food in a mini-game whose environmentalist message could almost be heard over the howls of bloodthirsty kids. Befuddled teachers found themselves mediating fights between students over whether capsizing a wagon in the Snake River was accidental or a deliberate attempt to lose unwanted members of the party, and who wrote what about whom on a tombstone by the Blue Mountains .

Ported to the Apple ][ in 1979, the Macintosh and IBM PC in 1990, and to game consoles and smartphones in 2011, the game was actually quite good at teaching the history of the Oregon Trail. And, above all else, it was fun .

This itinerary is designed to cover major sights from the real Oregon Trail and the computer game alike. While a full checklist of every wagon rut and historical marker would take months, the goal of this journey is simply to see the vastness of the land, as the original settlers would have experienced it long before steam power and rail travel slashed the duration of a trip around the world from the original three years to a mere eighty days .

Prepare [ edit ]

In the pioneer era, this lengthy journey required careful planning. A farmer often already owned wagons and oxen, but many supplies needed to be purchased and unnecessary items kept off the wagons to keep weight down. Dried, salted or tinned foodstuffs were chosen as they could be preserved for long periods of time. Firearms and ammunition allowed hunting to stretch limited food stocks, if the traveller was skilled in their use. Supplies and skills to repair damaged wagons or treat injured voyagers were essential; opportunities to acquire needed items en route were few and prices became progressively worse as the pioneer ventured further into the hinterland.

Today, the trail can be spread out over a week without much difficulty.

It's a good trip for summer, between June and August. Too early or too late in the year may find some roads impassable due to snow, particularly in Wyoming, and some sights are closed between November and March. Summer will be hot but manageable as long as you carry sunscreen (and your wagon has air conditioning). There will be some long days on the road, so it would be wise to choose a comfortable vehicle and agree upon a code of conduct among the members of your travel party.

You can stock up on provisions at the start of the trail in Independence or Kansas City. While prices have risen since Matt's General Store was selling foodstuffs at $0.20/lb in the game, there are many places to eat meals and buy snacks each day along the trail. With prices and selection largely consistent along the route, there is no need to load hundreds of pounds of supplies into wagons at the trailhead.

Trail-side accommodations of all sorts are available. Major hotel chains can be found off the interstates, while there are motels with local charm (for better or worse) in smaller towns on state routes. There are plenty of campgrounds , which may be closer to the conditions in which early pioneers slept when circling the wagons for the night. Reservations may be necessary during the height of summer in national parks .

The U.S. National Park Service is a good source of information on the Oregon National Historic Trail ; their site includes downloadable maps, brochures and state-by-state Auto Tour Route interpretive guides which may be invaluable when trying to follow the historic trail using multiple modern roads and highways.

Get in [ edit ]

The journey begins in Independence (Missouri) , which is directly southeast of Kansas City , Missouri .

Kansas City has been a rail transport hub since 1865, having seen a dozen railways come and go over the years. Amtrak 's Missouri River Runner reaches KCMO from St. Louis today, with onward connections to Chicago . Well served by highways, Kansas City ( MCI IATA ) is also the nearest major airport ; several rental car firms operate from the Kansas City airport, downtown Kansas City or Independence.

Go [ edit ]

Independence, missouri [ edit ].

Day 1 Distance: 20 mi (32 km) Pace: Steady

The National Frontier Trails Museum in 39.08 -94.43 1 Independence is the perfect place to get into an Oregon Trail state of mind:

39.0868 -94.4195 1 National Frontier Trails Museum , 318 W. Pacific, Independence , ☏ +1 816 325-7575 , fax : +1 816 325-7579 . M-Sa 9AM-4:30PM, Su 12:30-4:30PM, open year-round . Dedicated to several pioneer trails and America's westward migration as a whole, beginning with Lewis & Clark and the early fur trappers, but some fun exhibits challenge you to prepare as a pioneer would. Be sure to gather your travel party for a run at the test wagon. It's surrounded by shelves of weighted sacks of supplies like bullets, beans, and biscuits for you to choose; an alarm goes off if you overload the wagon. This is a great opportunity to argue about who would last how long on the trail without bacon or coffee and really stir up some emotions at the outset. Tales of woe from the trail, artifacts that were abandoned by actual emigrants, and heated debates over the relative merits of mules vs. oxen. $6, $5/seniors, $3/kids .

As the birthplace of U.S. President Harry Truman, Independence boasts a few memorials to its favorite son; as he was born 20 years after the heyday of the Oregon Trail, it's best to try to ignore them.

The 39.0935 -94.4154 2 1859 Jail and Marshal's Home is period appropriate, in case you'd like to get further into the mindset. It's open April to October.

Having stocked up on supplies, make it an early night, because tomorrow the journey begins in earnest.

Across Nebraska [ edit ]

Day 2 Distance: 555 mi (893 km) Pace: Strenuous

This is a lot of driving for one day, but you might as well cover a lot of ground while spirits are high and the members of your party are still getting along. (The day could be split in half around Kearney if you prefer, but there aren't many trail-related sights in eastern Nebraska, so it will be a flat start to your trip.)

Starting from Independence , take I-435 N to I-29 N toward 41.27 -96.03 2 Omaha . Carry on to 40.83 -96.7 3 Lincoln , where you'll pick up I-80 W. Either Omaha or Lincoln will make a good stop for lunch. This should get you to Fort Kearny in 40.7 -99.085 4 Kearney , Nebraska with enough time to poke around:

Once you're west of 41.146 -100.761 5 North Platte , you can begin looking for somewhere to spend the night. If you'd like to get off the Interstate, pick up Route 26 just west of 41.125 -101.718 6 Ogallala . The landscape changes very quickly from acres of corn to rolling hills and gorges, lone trees, and distant rock formations. There's an Oregon Trail Trading Post in 41.326 -102.129 7 Lewellen , which is good for fuel, supplies, and taxidermy, and there are some motels as you head northwest, the best of which are in the town of 41.67 -103.1 8 Bridgeport (which also has a decent spread of restaurants and cafés).

Chimney Rock & Fort Laramie [ edit ]

Day 3 Distance: 220 mi (350 km) Pace: Steady

Get an early start, because this will be a great day. West on Route 26 (which becomes Highway 92) is one of the best sights of the trail.

You have reached Chimney Rock . Would you like to look around?

Down the road is a small 41.699 -103.3406 4 historic cemetery that is also worth a stop. Out front is a sign about the rigors of the trail and those who died along the way. There are gravestones erected in the last few years for ancestors who are buried in the vicinity of the cemetery, and older gravestones for people who died some 20-30 years after the end of the trail.

Back on Route 26/Highway 92, head northwest until you reach the town of 41.88 -103.66 9 Scottsbluff . Nearby is the 41.836 -103.708 5 Scotts Bluff National Monument , another important landmark on the trail. Stick with Route 26 when it splits from Highway 92 on the other side of Scottsbluff and head northwest. Like the original emigrants, you are following the Platte River, and will soon cross the state border into Wyoming.

The next major stop is 42.213 -104.518 10 Fort Laramie , with a national historic site near the town of the same name. Turn left from Route 26 to Highway 160 and the fort will be 3 mi (4.8 km) down the road.

As you continue west, you'll begin to see signs excitedly advertising the presence of "wagon ruts." These are tracks that were worn into stone by the wheels of countless wagons and remain intact today. The best known are the 42.257 -104.749 7 Guernsey Ruts , three miles south of the town of 42.2698 -104.7415 11 Guernsey (which is about 13 mi (21 km) west of Fort Laramie). They're certainly worth a look to soak up some of the atmosphere the settlers would have experienced. The site is open year-round. Look for the gloriously overheated prose of the Works Progress Administration historic sign nearby.

Route 26 will end at I-25. Head north to 42.855 -106.297 12 Casper , which is a good place to stop for the night. 42.836306 -106.370799 8 Fort Caspar Museum is a reconstructed 1865 fort at a major crossroads of several trails heading West. The Fort buildings are open April to October, while the museum of both Fort and regional history is open year round.

Independence Rock [ edit ]

Day 4 Distance: 350 mi (560 km) Pace: Strenuous

Wyoming has done a particularly nice job commemorating the state's ties to the Oregon Trail. There are plenty of historical markers along the way, ranging from little white marble blocks saying 'Oregon Trail' to big, grandiose signs from the 1930s and school lectures from the 1980s. But this is also the state where following the original route takes you furthest afield, so have your navigation and supplies in order before you set out.

From Casper, head southwest on Highway 220 for about 55 mi (89 km), and look for signs for a rest area – with smaller signs referring to a historic site nearby.

You have reached Independence Rock . Would you like to look around?

This is another of the trail's most iconic sights:

Another trail waypoint, 42.449 -107.21 10 Devil's Gate , is ahead on Highway 220. The "gate" is a gap in a mountain ridge, carved by a river long ago, which opens to a pretty scenic vista.

Highway 220 ends shortly afterward at Highway 287, near the town of 42.352 -107.457 13 Muddy Gap . You can take Highway 287 south to join I-80 W, but an interesting detour lies nearby. (Check your fuel before you commit, because there will be no service stations for a while.) Take 287 northwest past the near-ghost town of Jeffrey City and Sweetwater Station to Highway 28, which you can take southwest. On a hillside is another near-ghost town called 42.497 -108.731 14 Atlantic City , which has some eccentric art and an occasionally open café, and an actual ghost town , 42.468 -108.802 15 South Pass City . Visitors are welcome to wander around this atmospheric mining town, which has several surviving buildings in various states of preservation. The site is overseen by a passionate group of volunteers who will be glad to share information about the history of the area. There's also a surprisingly large souvenir shop. While it can get really hot here, the scenery alone is worth the detour.

Highway 28 meanders south to meet Route 191 at a crossroads in the small town of 42.109 -109.448 16 Farson (which has a gas station). Turn left (south) to meet I-80 W at 41.587 -109.203 17 Rock Springs , where you can find a place to sleep for the night, or...

Wrong trail. Lose 3-4 days. [ edit ]

At this point, the members of your travelling party could probably use some time outside of the car. If hiking or overnight camping sounds appealing, then take a break from the trail and enjoy two of America's most spectacular national parks: 43.78 -110.68 1 Grand Teton National Park and 44.42 -110.57 2 Yellowstone National Park .

Leave I-80 W at Rock Springs to take Route 191 north; or, if you took the South Pass City detour, follow Highway 28 west until the crossroads in Farson, and then turn right to go north on Route 191. The road will join Route 189 and lead directly into 43.48 -110.762 3 Jackson Hole , a tourist town that serves as gateway to the Tetons. (This route winds uphill through the mountains, and while an average driver will be fine in more or less any vehicle, it may be tough for inexperienced drivers, particularly at night, and should not be attempted during winter weather without precaution and experience, assuming the road is even open.)

Continuing north, you'll find Yellowstone, and accommodations should be easy to find in surrounding towns such as 44.645 -111.104 4 West Yellowstone .

Hunting was one of the most popular parts of the computer game, offering an out for players who failed to buy enough food in Independence or at one of the forts along the way. Hence, the opportunity to see Yellowstone's majestic herds – and possibly even bears, from a very safe distance – is practically a must for fans of the game. (Bison top sirloin is on the menu at a few of Yellowstone's restaurants, for anyone who would like to extend the verisimilitude.)

When you're ready to rejoin the trail, take Route 287 north from West Yellowstone, then I-90 W for a short distance to I-15 S.

Snake River Crossing [ edit ]

Day 5 Distance: 290 mi (470 km) Pace: Strenuous

If you are rejoining the trail via I-15 S, you could make one further stop at 43.205 -113.5 11 Craters of the Moon National Monument , which is well worth the visit off Route 26 (which joins with Routes 20 & 93). A northern spur of the Oregon Trail ran through the Craters of the Moon area; in search of a safe alternative to travel through Shoshone and Bannock Indian lands, a mountain man named Tim Goodale led a party of 1,095 people in 338 wagons through the bumpy lava flows in this area, and soon 43.301 -115.315 18 Goodale's Cutoff overtook the original section of the trail in popularity.

Routes 20/26/93 will diverge, but all three will join I-84 W eventually, and then you're back on the main trail heading west.

If you didn't detour at all, take I-80 W from Rock Springs toward the state border. Fort Bridger, another trading post, is next to the interstate near a tiny hamlet of the same name:

At this point the Oregon Trail turns north from Fort Bridger, while the Mormon Trail continues 100 miles westward to the Salt Lake Valley .

Retracing the original trail gets a little complicated here. Take Highway 189 north to Route 30, then travel west on Route 30; when it branches, follow the route north toward 42.085 -110.948 19 Cokeville instead of over the border into Utah. Route 30 will continue into Idaho through 42.3224 -111.2974 20 Montpelier and 42.655 -111.604 21 Soda Springs . Continue on Route 30 until it merges with I-15 N in 42.66 -112.2 22 McCammon , then stick with Route 30 through 42.87 -112.45 23 Pocatello to meet up with I-86 W, which will eventually become I-84 W.

This section of the trail follows the Snake River through a long, hot stretch of Idaho. Unlike the original settlers, you will not need to make any special effort to cross the Snake River. Unfortunately, few sights of note remain. You'll pass by the city of 43.02 -112.635 24 Fort Hall , which was named for another trading post; the actual fort and its namesake successor are long gone, though, leaving just a replica at Pocatello.

About 10 mi (16 km) west of 42.785 -112.854 25 American Falls , 42.681 -112.984 2 Massacre Rocks State Park shows why voyagers wanted to avoid the Shoshone and Bannock tribes. Ten emigrants were killed here in 1862, just east of the park. Today, the park offers campgrounds, access to the Snake River, and some wagon ruts. Look for 42.6524 -113.0167 13 Register Rock , a boulder where travellers carved their initials. (It's now protected by a shelter and fence.) The park is open year-round.

The Snake River and Raft River split 15 mi (24 km) further southwest; California -bound prospectors part ways here to head southwest to Nevada .

For those continuing to Oregon, the 43.618 -116.216 26 Boise area makes a good place to stop for the night. The 43.5423 -116.11 3 Oregon Trail Reserve (E Lake Forest Dr & Idaho Rte 21) includes a mile of the original trail for hiking and sightseeing on 77 acres of city parkland, at a point where wagons crossed the Boise River.

The Dalles [ edit ]

Day 6 Distance: 338 mi (544 km) Pace: Steady

Crossing the border into Oregon (and pausing for a brief celebration), take I-84 W toward 44.78 -117.83 27 Baker City . You'll soon have your first sight of the Blue Mountains, which travellers knew meant the end of the journey was near; they usually reached this point by late August or September.

As a side trip, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway ends at Baker City; if you're doing well on time and the weather is favourable, it is well worth a look to soak up more of the scenery.

When you're ready to move on, continue west on I-84, which meets and follows the famous Columbia River from 45.84 -119.7 28 Boardman onward. The Columbia drains into the Pacific Ocean near Astoria ; it was the primary inland route for European traders and settlers, and today is popular for both windsurfers and hydroelectric dams. (Hard to say which an Oregon-bound expedition would have found stranger.)

45.6 -121.14 29 The Dalles is a good place to make camp for the night. There are a couple hotels away from town, near the river, which should add to the excitement. Tomorrow...

Oregon! [ edit ]

Day 7 Distance: 93 mi (150 km) Pace: Steady

It is strongly recommended that you become insufferable in your period-appropriate speech and behavior, and if you have been saving a good Oregon Trail game t-shirt, now is the time to don it. Because the Willamette Valley is at hand.

An emigrant party would have faced a difficult decision at The Dalles . There was no trail beyond this point, due to 45.3735 -121.696 32 Mount Hood . Pioneers had to convert their wagons to rafts and float down the Columbia River, which carried considerable danger, or shell out a whopping $5 or more to travel the eighty-mile Barlow Toll Road. This mountain road was steep and winding, with wagons pulled on ropes along grades of up to 60% at some points.

Today, you may keep your wagon dry and avoid the Barlow Road by driving west along the south shore of the Columbia River on I-84 (US30) through the 45.723 -121.572 4 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – a good place for hiking and natural scenery.

With civilization soon surrounding you, I-84 W will join I-205 S.

Take exit 9 into 45.36 -122.61 33 Oregon City where Abernethy Green, George and Anna Abernethy's 640-acre homestead along the Willamette River, formerly represented the end of the Oregon Trail. This encampment and adjacent properties would fill rapidly with wagon loads of poor and exhausted pioneers seeking shelter from their first Oregon winter. Once here, they could resupply in Oregon City, scout possible homestead locations and file claims at the General Land Office. The original site was destroyed by flooding in 1861; by then, travel time along the Oregon Trail had been nearly halved and emigrants no longer needed to winter over. A visitor center now stands in its place:

45.365 -122.595 15 End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive & Visitor Information Center , 1726 Washington St, Oregon City ( at Abernethy Road ), ☏ +1 503 657-9336 . M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM, Su 10:30AM-5PM . As close to an official "end" as there is. The steps outside list many of the landmarks that you've passed along the way, giving a great sense of culmination to the journey. Regrettably, the museum is a bit of a dud, lacking the verve of its eastern counterparts. A souvenir shop sells commemorative patches for those proud few who have completed the trail and there's a sign out front that makes a good photo-op.

Congratulations! Award points for every member of your party who survived the trip and any provisions that you have left, including a working vehicle; triple points if you began as a farmer from Illinois . Alas, land claims are no longer free, but the beauty of the Willamette Valley is yours to enjoy.

Respect [ edit ]

This journey crosses native land .

The history of The Oregon Trail tends to be told through the eyes of early settlers on the wagon trains, an individualistic viewpoint focused on whether the voyager successfully reached the end of the trail. American cinema portrayed the Old West as a place of armed conflict between "cowboys and Indians", but these conflicts were rare in the early days. Between 1840-1860, fewer than 400 people on each side had been killed by conflict between colonists and natives while thousands annually died of disease, infighting, accident and misfortune.

The natives were trading partners and their assistance often invaluable.

Native relations soured when imported measles, smallpox, typhus and dysentery started causing the death of entire villages. Buffalo, once plentiful, declined in number and were disappearing from entire regions.

The Massacre Rocks incident of August 9th, 1862 killed ten settlers. In the retaliatory January 1863 42.1462 -111.914 16 Bear River Massacre , Col. Patrick Conner (stationed in Salt Lake City) and his California Volunteers marched north to the Bear River to kill 250 to 400 Shoshoni natives.

The educational video game is careful to label raids “riders attack” since they often came from “white bandits” and not Native Americans, but even its approach oversimplifies a complex history. The game includes no native playable characters and no explanation, from an indigenous perspective, of the impact on native communities as hundreds of thousands of migrants carved wagon roads, polluted water supplies along the trail and decimated wildlife through overhunting.

There is one lone native history museum on the trail:

Stay safe [ edit ]

You have dysentery.

Do you want to ford the river or caulk the wagon and float across?

Carry a spare tire and watch your fuel gauge. There are some long stretches between fuel stations.
Mobile phone reception is not guaranteed all the way through Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho.
A good road atlas should suffice for navigation. GPS is valuable if you veer off the route, Donner Party-style.
All but a few hundred miles of the original trails have been paved over by two-lane roads; some of the original U.S. Highway System, in turn, has been paved over or replaced by Interstate freeways. Non-motorized vehicles may need to take alternate routes at some busy points.
Take care when wandering through the sagebrush that you don't disturb any critters , such as snakes .

Go next [ edit ]

Portland is a half hour from Oregon City; enjoy some time outside of the car with some good food, drink & live music.
Champoeg, 6.6 mi (10.6 km) SE of Newberg on the Willamette River, was the original location of the provisional government that launched the 1843 land rush. The village was destroyed by a December 1861 flood, the site is now a state park.
Some travelers ended their journey in Astoria on the coast, a good place to relax.
Heading south, the lovely Crater Lake National Park is about 3½ hours away.
If you're inclined to embrace urban environs, continue north on I-5 N to Seattle (3 hours) and Vancouver (5½ hours).
If you're planning to head back east by car and still have some time to spare, it might be worth taking a northern route on I-90 E through Washington , Idaho, Montana , and South Dakota , all of which offer some interesting sights along the way.

You can still follow the Oregon Trail today — and it's the perfect road trip for hardcore fans of the '90s game

Immortalized in the '90s-kid-favorite computer game of the same name, The Oregon Trail makes for an epic 2,000-mile road trip, perfect for history buffs and fans of vast natural beauty.

The trail spans six states (nearly seven, if you count the marginal border area between Oregon and Washington ), and we’ve found the prime historical sites, helping you break up the car trip and keep on learning throughout the voyage.

The 2,000-mile Oregon Trail was used by pioneers headed west from Missouri to find fertile lands.

Today, travelers can follow the trail along Route 66 or Routes 2 and 30. Two bloggers who recently undertook the trip for the National Parks Service blog suggested spending around 3 weeks on the road to get the best experience.

Independence, Missouri

A satellite city of Kansas City, Independence served as a popular trading post for westward travelers during the peak years of the Oregon Trail. Thanks to its location near the easternmost point of the Oregon Trail, Independence rose to prominence as a jumping-off point for pioneers to stock up on supplies before beginning their long journey, receiving Congressional recognition as the official beginning of the Trail in the mid-19th century .

Visitors eager to learn more about this historic trail-launching spot can visit the National Frontier Trails Museum , which outlines not only Independence’s role on the Oregon Trail but also its significant status on the Santa Fe Trail and the California Trail. The museum features authentic wagon ruts on the grounds, rotating exhibits with Oregon Trail artifacts, and a wagon tour through Independence’s historic district.

Fort Kearny in Nebraska

Founded in 1848 as an outpost for the United States Army, Fort Kearny is found just outside the town of Kearney, Nebraska. Located about one-sixth of the way down the Oregon Trail, the fort was a major restocking station for pioneers, also providing shelter and protection for travelers concerned about looting.

If you stop off at Fort Kearny, you'll want to spend some time at Fort Kearny State Historic Park, with an interpretive center that hosts exhibits about the fort and its place on the Oregon Trail, reconstructions of original fort buildings, a hiking & biking trail across the Platte River (once a well-used crossing point for trail pioneers), and, if you'd like to spend the night in the great outdoors, a large campsite.

Alcove Spring in Kansas

Notable for its unique rock formations and scenic waterfront vistas, Alcove Spring was a well-used campsite for Oregon Trail travelers. Modern-day visitors can see evidence of its popularity by checking out the rock ledge over the stream; pioneers carved initials and messages in the stone, many of which are still preserved today. The site also held significance for the Donner Party, who lost a member of their group at the spring (a monument to Sarah H. Keyes stands at the top of the Spring’s rock formation).

The wagon trail can be followed on-foot at Alcove Spring; visible wagon swales still exist, and they’ll lead you to the patch of land that once served as the emigrants’ campground.

Guernsey Ruts in Wyoming

For history aficionados in search of the most authentic artifacts from the Oregon Trail era, the preserved wagon ruts (track markings) along the route are as close to the action as you can get. Just outside of Guernsey, WY, you’ll find a sandstone ridge with some of the deepest and clearest wagon ruts on the entire trail. These paths were so frequently-used by pioneers that the tracks became embedded in the stone of the terrain, reaching depths up to five feet .

After tracing the wagon tracks, you’ll want to finish up with a stop at Register Cliff, an adjacent site that once served as a popular emigrant campground. As with the cliff at Alcove Spring, this one’s got plenty of pioneer initials and messages carved into the stone.

Three Island Crossing in Idaho

For Oregon Trail pioneers, Three Island Crossing in Idaho prompted a crucial decision. They had to choose whether to take the safer route along the south side of Snake River, which would add time (and dry, desolate conditions) to their journey or to cross the river at this point, which was a notoriously challenging and perilous endeavor.

Located just outside Glenns Ferry, ID, Three Island Crossing is now the location of a national park, where visitors can see interpretive trail recreations, museum exhibits about the Oregon Trail, and, if they’re lucky, a one-day-only reenactment of the crossing itself in the summertime, complete with horse-drawn wagons and a festival with food vendors and live music.

Farewell Bend in Oregon

As the Oregon Trail pioneers left the treacherous stretches of Snake River Country behind, they celebrated their arrival at the aptly-named "Farewell Bend" in Oregon. The region around the Bend is now an Oregon State National Recreation Area , with wagon ruts, markers to designate specific pioneer campsites, and live reenactments of life on this stretch of the Oregon Trail.

Courthouse Rock/Jail Rock and Castle Rock in Bridgeport, Nebraska

These historic rocks had some pretty big significance to pioneers along the trail. Their iconic shape guided fur traders and emigrants in finding their bearings , according to the Oregon Trail website.

They got their names from their shapes, which people have likened to a courthouse and jailhouse or a castle.

Soda Springs Complex in Idaho

Despite its name, this body of water is not made of carbonated beverage. But, it was a particularly important refuge for pioneers along the trail. They were able to wash and bake bread using hot water of the springs and take in the beautiful atmosphere.

Although you may not need to wash your clothes in the spring, you too can see what marveled the pioneers.

Flagstaff Hill in Baker City, Oregon

You can get a great view of the rest on Flagstaff Hill, which overlooks seven miles of the Oregon Trail. But this area was not always a favorite of the pioneers. According to the National parks Service, this area was often challenging, as they waded through "shoulder-tall sagebrush" to get up the hill.

But once they reached the top, and saw the seven miles in front of them, it was a good reminder of the hope that awaited them. Now the area features history programs, dioramas, and an amphitheater to help you understand the history of what occurred there.

Red Bridge Crossing in Kansas City, Missouri

This gorgeous park was the site of the first river crossing encountered by pioneers heading west from Independence on the trail. You can actually still see wagon wheel tracks in the form of a "swale" from the pioneers when visiting there, according to Smithsonian.

Today, the park is a great spot for families and people who want to feel in touch — literally — with history.

California Hill in Brule, Nebraska

Another tough spot pioneers encountered, the hill is about a 240 feet climb. And since most pioneers had to pass through this way, it was the first challenge the most every one of them had to deal with .

Hat Rock in Oregon

The distinctive rock offered a focal point for the merging of two states — Washington and Oregon. It sits on the east side of the border and was the first distinctive landmark noted by Lewis and Clarke when they passed into what is now Oregon .

Today it is now home to a state park where you can enjoy picnic tables and volleyball courts .

Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska

This monument sits in an area of the trail that has been used by everyone from pioneers on the Oregon trail to modern day travelers . It features steep hills and iconic views, which were used to guide travelers along.

Today it is used to educate people on the trail and is a great spot to learn about how the trail is preserved.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Nebraska

Part of Scotts Bluff National Monument, this is possibly the most iconic site on the trail. The name, obviously given because of its shape, likely came from fur traders who were visiting the region, according to the NPS. It was the most mentioned landmark when the NPS reviewed journals from pioneers.

Today you can view this historic site, as well as the visitors center, to learn more about the history of this spot.

Fort Laramie in Wyoming

This spot, known as an important trading post, was an important landmark for traders and pioneers alike.

It was the economic hub of the region and because of that, maintains its rich history. Today you can go to the fort and learn all about what it meant to be a person on the trail attempting to survive — or even thrive — in the economy of the West at that time.

Craters of the Moon in Idaho

Obviously, no pioneer had every actually been to the moon, so this site was as far out as anything they'd ever seen. But for as galactic as it was, this part of the trail was a rough one for pioneers, with journals calling the spot " the most rugged desert and dreary country between the borders of the United States and the shores of the Pacific," according to Oregon Trail 101.

Today the site is a national monument, and we know that the rugged terrain was actually caused by lava. The craters are seen as a site that could erupt again , but for now, it's a great spot to see how nature can change so quickly.

Council Bluff in Nebraska

This area was so named because Lewis and Clarke met with local tribes in a sort of a "council." It was also a historic site for Mormons who were traveling to Salt Lake City along the trail and adopted the community as their own.

Today, you can learn more about the pioneers' journey at the historic center in town or just in take in the vast landscape.

Devils Gate in Wyoming

This spot was widely feared by pioneers — they never passed through the narrow middle passage and went around.

Today the spot is an iconic natural wonder, which makes it a must-stop for any travelers on the trail.

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Oregon Trail

By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 10, 2022 | Original: December 6, 2017

Lupine grows next to wagon wheel ruts made by wagon trains crossing the South Pass on the Oregon Trail. South Pass is the highest point in elevation on the trail.

The Oregon Trail was a roughly 2,000-mile route from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, that was used by hundreds of thousands of American pioneers in the mid-1800s to emigrate west. The trail was arduous and snaked through Missouri and present-day Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and finally into Oregon. Without the Oregon Trail and the passing of the Oregon Donation Land Act in 1850, which encouraged settlement in the Oregon Territory, American pioneers would have been slower to settle the American West in the 19th century.

Missionaries Blaze the Oregon Trail

By the 1840s, the Manifest Destiny had Americans in the East eager to expand their horizons. While Lewis and Clark had made their way west from 1804 to 1806, merchants, traders and trappers were also among the first people to forge a path across the Continental Divide.

But it was missionaries who really blazed the Oregon Trail. Merchant Nathaniel Wyeth in 1834 led the first religious group, in addition to traders and naturalists, west to present-day Idaho , where they built an outpost.

Marcus Whitman

Determined to spread Christianity to American Indians on the frontier, doctor and Protestant missionary Marcus Whitman set out on horseback from the Northeast in 1835 to prove that the westward trail to Oregon could be traversed safely and further than ever before.

Whitman’s first attempt took him as far the Green River Rendezvous, a meeting place for fur trappers and traders in the Rocky Mountains near present-day Daniel, Wyoming . Upon returning home, Whitman married and set out again, this time with his young wife Narcissa and another Protestant missionary couple.

The party made it to the Green River Rendezvous, then faced a grueling journey along Native American trails across the Rockies using Hudson Bay Company trappers as guides. They finally reached Fort Vancouver, Washington , and built missionary posts nearby—Whitman’s post was at Waiilatpu amid the Cayuse Indians.

Whitman’s small party had proved both men and women could travel west, although not easily. Narcissa’s accounts of the journey were published in the East and slowly more missionaries and settlers followed their path which became known as the Whitman Mission Route.

In 1842, the Whitman mission was closed by the American Missionary Board, and Whitman went back to the East on horseback where he lobbied for continued funding of his mission work. In the meantime, missionary Elijah White led over 100 pioneers across the Oregon Trail.

Great Emigration of 1843

When Whitman headed west yet again, he met up with a huge wagon train destined for Oregon. The group included 120 wagons, about 1,000 people and thousands of livestock. Their trek began on May 22 and lasted five months.

It effectively opened the floodgates of pioneer migration along the Oregon Trail and became known as the Great Emigration of 1843 .

Upon Whitman’s return to his mission, his main goal shifted from converting American Indians to assisting white settlers. As more settlers arrived, the Cayuse resisted their encroachment.

After a measles epidemic broke out in 1847, the Cayuse population was decimated, despite Whitman using his medical knowledge to help them.

In the ongoing conflict, Whitman, his wife and some of the mission staff were killed; many more were taken hostage for over a month. The incident sparked a seven-year war between the Cayuse and the federal government.

Life on the Oregon Trail

Planning a five- to six-month trip across rugged terrain was no easy task and could take up to a year. Emigrants had to sell their homes, businesses and any possessions they couldn’t take with them. They also had to purchase hundreds of pounds of supplies including flour, sugar, bacon, coffee, salt, rifles and ammunition.

By far, the most important item for successful life on the trail was the covered wagon. It had to be sturdy enough to withstand the elements yet small and light enough for a team of oxen or mules to pull day after day.

Most wagons were about six feet wide and twelve feet long. They were usually made of seasoned hardwood and covered with a large, oiled canvas stretched over wood frames. In addition to food supplies, the wagons were laden with water barrels, tar buckets and extra wheels and axles.

Contrary to popular belief, most of the wagons that journeyed the Oregon Trail were prairie schooners and not larger, heavier Conestoga wagons .

A map showing the westward trail from Missouri to Oregon.

Oregon Trail Route

It was critical for travelers to leave in April or May if they hoped to reach Oregon before the winter snows began. Leaving in late spring also ensured there’d be ample grass along the way to feed livestock.

As the Oregon Trail gained popularity, it wasn’t unusual for thousands of pioneers to be on the path at the same time, especially during the California Gold Rush . Depending on the terrain, wagons traveled side by side or single file.

There were slightly different paths for reaching Oregon but, for the most part, settlers crossed the Great Plains until they reached their first trading post at Fort Kearny, Nebraska , averaging between ten and fifteen miles per day.

From Fort Kearney, they followed the Platte River over 600 miles to Fort Laramie, Wyoming , and then ascended the Rocky Mountains where they faced hot days and cold nights. Summer thunderstorms were common and made traveling slow and treacherous.

Independence Rock

The settlers gave a sigh of relief if they reached Independence Rock —a huge granite rock in Wyoming that marked the halfway point of their journey—by July 4 because it meant they were on schedule. So many people added their name to the rock it became known as the “Great Register of the Desert.”

After leaving Independence Rock, settlers climbed the Rocky Mountains to the South Pass. Then they crossed the desert to Fort Hall , the second trading post.

From there they navigated Snake River Canyon and a steep, dangerous climb over the Blue Mountains before moving along the Columbia River to the settlement of The Dalles and finally to Oregon City. Some people continued south into California , especially after the Gold Rush started in 1849.

Dangers on the Oregon Trail

Many settlers looked at the Oregon Trail with an idealistic eye, but it was anything but romantic. According to the Oregon California Trails Association , almost one in ten who embarked on the trail didn’t survive.

Most people died of diseases such as dysentery, cholera , smallpox or flu , or in accidents caused by inexperience, exhaustion and carelessness. It was not uncommon for people to be crushed beneath wagon wheels or accidentally shot to death, and many people drowned during perilous river crossings.

Travelers often left warning messages to those journeying behind them if there was an outbreak of disease, bad water or hostile Native American tribes nearby. As more and more settlers headed west, the Oregon Trail became a well-beaten path and an abandoned junkyard of surrendered possessions. It also became a graveyard for tens of thousands of pioneer men, women, children and countless livestock.

Over time, conditions along the Oregon Trail improved. Bridges and ferries were built to make water crossings safer. Settlements and additional supply posts appeared along the way which gave weary travelers a place to rest and regroup.

Trail guides wrote guidebooks, so settlers no longer had to bring an escort with them on their journey. Unfortunately, however, not all the books were accurate and left some settlers lost and in danger of running out of provisions.

The End of the Oregon Trail

With the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in Utah in 1869, westward wagon trains decreased significantly as settlers chose the faster and more reliable mode of transportation.

Still, as towns were established along the Oregon Trail, the route continued to serve thousands of emigrants with “gold fever” on their way to California. It was also a main thoroughfare for massive cattle drives between 1866 and 1888.

By 1890, the railroads had all but eliminated the need to journey thousands of miles in a covered wagon. Settlers from the east were more than happy to hop on a train and arrive in the West in one week instead of six months.

Although modern progress ended the need for the Oregon Trail, its historical significance could not be ignored. The National Park Service created the Oregon National Historic Trail in 1981 and continues to educate the public on its importance.

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The Oregon Trail

LINDA BROWN

Immerse yourself in a story full of romance and mystery. Enjoy it anytime, anywhere, and make decisions to shape the story plot!

Choose, Feel and Live your Story in Journeys, a one-of-a-kind interactive series collection where YOU control the outcome.

Oregon Trail
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Oregon Trail Games

The Oregon Trail

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The Oregon Trail (CD-ROM)

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The Yukon Trail

Exploring the oregon trail games: a journey through time, the birth of the oregon trail games.

The Oregon Trail Games series, a cornerstone of educational computer gaming, traces its roots back to the early 1970s. The inaugural game was a brainchild of Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger in 1971.

Produced by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium ( MECC ) in 1974, this series had an original purpose – to provide eighth-grade students with an immersive insight into the arduous pioneer life during the 19th century along the Oregon Trail.

Players step into the shoes of a wagon leader, guiding a group of settlers from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The journey is fraught with peril, as they traverse the treacherous path in a covered wagon in the year 1848.

A look into history

In 1971, Don Rawitsch, then a senior at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, utilized an HP 2100 minicomputer with HP Time-Shared BASIC to create an innovative program for teaching history to his eighth-grade class.

He enlisted the help of his friends and fellow student teachers, Paul Dillenberger and Bill Heinemann, to bring his vision to life.

The core gameplay concepts introduced in the original game, and persisting through subsequent versions, include buying initial supplies, intermittent hunting for food, purchasing supplies at forts when necessary, managing inventory, adjusting travel speed based on conditions, experiencing frequent misfortunes, and, ultimately, the game’s conclusion upon either reaching Oregon successfully or meeting an unfortunate demise.

Oregon Trail – The Game That Started It All

The Genesis of The Oregon Trail

The first iteration of the game, which would later be known as The Oregon Trail, was unveiled to Rawitsch’s class on December 3, 1971.

Despite being played on cumbersome teletype and paper tape terminals, which lacked modern display screens, the game instantly captured the students’ imagination and quickly found its way onto the minicomputer time-sharing network of the Minneapolis Public Schools.

When the semester concluded, Rawitsch printed a copy of the source code and removed it from the minicomputer.

The MECC Era

From classroom hit to mecc sensation.

In 1974, Don Rawitsch was hired by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC), an organization focused on developing educational software for classrooms.

He painstakingly transcribed the 1971 BASIC code into the organization’s time-sharing network and refined the frequency and details of random events within the game to better align with the accounts found in historical diaries of Oregon Trail travelers.

In 1975, the game, now titled OREGON, was made accessible to all schools on the network, rapidly becoming one of the most popular programs with thousands of monthly players.

A Game Transformed

The evolution of the oregon trail.

Rawitsch published the source code for The Oregon Trail, which was written in BASIC 3.1 for the CDC Cyber 70/73-26, in Creative Computing’s May–June 1978 issue.

In the same year, MECC began promoting the adoption of the Apple II microcomputer. John Cook adapted the game for the Apple II, which appeared on A.P.P.L.E.’s PDS Disk series No. 108. Subsequently, in June 1978, J.P. O’Malley created Oregon Trail 2.

Continuing the Journey

The ongoing legacy of the oregon trail games.

The game series continued to evolve with Oregon Trail Deluxe in 1992, followed by Oregon Trail II in 1995, The Oregon Trail 3rd Edition in 1997, and subsequent 4th and 5th editions. As of 2011, The Oregon Trail series had sold over 65 million copies, cementing its place as an educational gaming classic.

These games have not only educated but also entertained generations, making the Oregon Trail Games an integral part of the history of computer gaming and educational technology.

16 Iconic Landmarks on the Oregon Trail

By Molly Jacobson Last updated October 3, 2023

The many forts, rocks, springs and other landmarks along the Oregon Trail kept settlers from losing not just their direction, but their hope as well.

These days, most people don’t pack up and move unless they have a job waiting for them. But for half a million overland emigrants in 19 th century America, that wasn’t the case. Not only were there no future jobs secured, there were no turnkey two-bedroom apartments either.

When travelers gazed across 2,000 miles of bleak prairie ahead, there was nothing ahead to light their way and give them hope – nothing but the chance to start fresh and the next landmark on the trail.

With such little waiting for them, Oregon Trail and California Trail travelers depended on these landmarks: without them, there was no sign of progress toward their dreams.

The Beginning of the Oregon Trail

When they embarked on the long trip west, almost everyone kicked off their journey at or near Independence, Missouri . From there, though, the trail widened. Travelers could be nearly parallel and have no knowledge of each other.

Most people think of the Oregon Trail as a simple worn two-track across the plains, but as historian Aubrey L. Hanes says, it was actually more of a “travel corridor.” In many places the Oregon Trail could be more than a mile wide.

Nevertheless, everyone’s journey was marked by several landmarks, the importance of which cannot be overstated. The monotony of daily life on the trail was oppressive, but every time they spotted a landmark, it was a sign that they were making progress, and that they weren’t lost.

Related read : Daily Life on the Oregon Trail

Landmarks on the Oregon Trail

1. fort kearny.

After a short time on the trail, emigrants rolled into Fort Kearny . Built in 1848, this humble cluster of adobe buildings gave them the opportunity to restock forgotten or used supplies, re-shoe their animals, and pass along letters for the postman.

2. Ash Hollow Complex

Ash Hollow was a favorite campsite, offering plenty of wood, clean water, and ample grazing for their animals. But it came with a steep price – travelers had to drive their wagons 300 feet down the nearly vertical Windlass Hill.

More than a few parties lost oxen and wagons to the perilous 25-degree slope. Many tried to let their wagons down more gently by chaining the wheels or dragging a small tree behind them for resistance.

Here we were obliged, from the steepness of the road, to let the wagons down by ropes…” Howard Stansbury, July 3, 1852

3. Courthouse and Jail Rocks

This large butte, which emigrants thought resembled the courthouses back East, along with the smaller rock beside it, were the first of several remarkable rock formations on the trail.

Located near present-day Bridgeport, Nebraska, these hulking pillars still mark the way for travelers on State Route 88.

Related read : 7 Tantalizing Stories of Lost Treasure in Oregon

4. Chimney Rock

Formed from loose clay and volcanic ash, this sky-piercing spire was one of the most noted landmarks in travelers’ diaries. Emigrants could see Chimney Rock on the horizon for days before they reached it. Originally 425-feet tall, it’s rumored that some soldiers used it for target practice, shaving at least 30 feet off the top with a cannonball.

No conception can be formed of the magnitude of this grand work of nature until you stand at its base and look up. If a man does not feel like an insect then I don’t know when he should.” Elisha Perkins, June 27, 1849

5. Scotts Bluff

The next landmark travelers looked for was Scotts Bluff , a large rock plateau along the North Platte River. Named for fur trader Hiram Scott, whose skeleton was found at its base in the 1820s, the bluff was one of the most commonly mentioned in emigrant journals.

Before 1851, the only way past Scotts Bluff was by way of Robidoux Pass , several miles out of the way. In 1851, the army improved the route by creating Mitchell Pass.

6. Fort Laramie

Another fur trading post turned military outpost, Fort Laramie was located at the edge of today’s Wyoming. Originally built by trader William Sublette in 1834, the fort cycled through many names. First, it was Fort William.

Then, when the American Fur Company bought it, they spruced it up and renamed it Fort John. The name didn’t stick, however, and the fort became known as Fort Laramie, after French-Canadian trapper Jacques LaRames.

Overland emigrants had yet another name for Fort Laramie: they jokingly referred to it as “Camp Sacrifice” in honor of all the abandoned furniture and supplies littering the trail nearby. As their Oxen wore out, travelers were forced to lighten their loads, tossing everything from books to bureaus out the backs of their wagons.

The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey

“The narrative has a popular style flow and is easily read. There is a lot of information about the Oregon Trail. Personally, I found it very instructional.” – Frank Donnelly, Amazon review

Fort Laramie was another important restocking point for travelers, who were able to freshen up their supplies, check in with a blacksmith, and repair their wagons. Such demand had an explosive effect on prices, however – emigrants could expect to pay 20 times what they would have back East.

This fort is of adobe, enclosed with a high wall of the same. The entrance is a hole in the wall just large enough for a person to crawl through. The impression you have on entering is that you are in a small town. Men were engaged in all kinds of business from blacksmith up. We stayed here some time looking at everything that was to be seen and enjoying it to the fullest extent after our long tramp. We camped one mile from the fort, where we remained a few days to wash and lighten up.” Sallie Hester, June 19, 1849

When they left Fort Laramie, travelers set out across Wyoming’s vast, dry prairie. Many toted along as much fresh water as they could carry; they would find nothing but poisoned alkali water for miles, until they reached the fresh, cool water of the aptly named Sweetwater River.

7. Independence Rock

Next on their journey, emigrants came to yet another hulking rock formation. Independence Rock , also known as the “Great Desert Register,” sprang up 128 feet high and stretched a mile long. More than 5,000 emigrants scratched their names on its surface or smeared their signatures in wagon grease along the side.

Reached Independence Rock; at a distance looks like a huge whale. It is being painted and marked every way, all over, with names, dates, initials, &c – so that it was with difficulty I could find a place to inscribe it.” J. Goldsborough Bruff, July 26, 1849

Nobody really knows why it’s called Independence Rock, but experts have a few theories. Maybe it’s because it stands alone, independent from other formations. Or perhaps it’s because early trappers spent their 4 th of July holidays at the rock, or because overland emigrants tried to reach the rock by Independence Day to avoid snow in the mountains they would later cross.

Maybe the rock represents the independence they sought out west, the freedom gained by starting over.

Regardless of where it got its name, Independence Rock remains one of America’s most significant landmarks – a symbol of courage and exploration. Wyoming State Parks maintains a visiting site on State Route 220 near Alcova, Wyoming.

8. Devil’s Gate

A few miles southwest of Independence Rock, travelers reached Devil’s Gate , a formidable rock canyon, 370 feet high. The narrow crevice made way for the Sweetwater River, but not much else.

Travelers had to go around the canyon, but not before scribbling their names (again) on its granite walls.

9. South Pass

This grassy mountain passage was the most underrated landmark along the trail. It signified the journey’s halfway mark, as well as the highest point. Compared to some of the steeper treks they had made, like at Windlass Hill, the South Pass was downright gentle.

Many didn’t even notice that they weren’t on flat land, but almost everyone took a moment to acknowledge that if it weren’t for the South Pass through the Rocky Mountains, there would likely be no westward migration. It was thanks to this humble opening in the Rockies that pioneers could chase their futures towards the Pacific.

Up a very gentle ascent to the SOUTH PASS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, or the dividing ridge separating the waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific. The ascent to the pass is so gradual, that but for our geographical knowledge; we should not have been conscious that we had ascended to, and were standing upon the summit of the Rocky Mountains – the backbone – of the North American Continent.” Edwin Bryant, July 12, 1846

Related read : 9 Reasons Why Fort Bridger was the Worst Fort on the Oregon Trail

10. Fort Bridger

After the South Pass, most travelers continued southwest on the main trail past Fort Bridger . In 1843, Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez built the rough little fort to trade with Indians and sell supplies to overland emigrants.

Although it was a much-looked-forward-to landmark along the trail, it didn’t have much to offer the weary travelers. Fort Bridger was really just a couple of wooden shacks – nothing like the comparatively metropolitan Fort Laramie.

It was near Fort Bridger that the Mormon Trail branched off toward the Great Salt Lake. Some travelers coming out of the South Pass chose to take Sublette’s Cutoff instead, bypassing Fort Bridger. The notorious shortcut saved 75 miles but cut through a perilous desert. Many of its travelers lost animals, wagons, and loved ones in the parched prairie.

Related read : 14 Facts About the Mormon Migration, A Classic Old West Exodus

11. Soda Springs

Near where Sublette’s Cutoff and the main trail reunited, travelers came upon Soda Springs in the Bear River Valley. Bubbling springs and geysers spouted all over in a landscape marred with craters and mineral formations. Emigrants tasted the carbonated water, some even adding flavorings. A few claimed that the waters were intoxicating, like beer.

Usually somewhere near Soda Springs, travelers parted ways – some to Oregon, some to California, and some to another adventure altogether.

Passed Soda Springs. Two miles further on are the Steamboat Springs. They puff and blow and throw the water high in the air. The springs are in the midst of a grove of trees, a beautiful and romantic spot.” Sallie Hester, July 29, 1849

12. Fort Hall and The Gate of Death

From Soda Springs, settlers traveled on to Fort Hall near the Snake River. Originally built as a fur trading post by Nathaniel Wyeth in 1834, the fort became yet another pantry-bolstering stop on the overland trail.

Fort Hall was another popular “parting of the ways” point. After traveling hundreds of miles together, friends said good-bye and good luck to those headed another direction.

After leaving Fort Hall, the Willamette Valley-bound travelers followed the winding snake river through the Gate of Death, a narrow rock canyon feared for its vulnerability to ambush.

13. Three Island Crossing

Three Island Crossing Oregon National Historic Trail

In Idaho, three gravel banks interrupt the snake river, providing the chance for overland emigrants to leap-frog across the dangerous river if the water wasn’t too high.

Even when the Snake was at its lowest, fording the river at Three Island Crossing was treacherous, and many didn’t survive. About half of all travelers decided not to risk it, opting instead for the longer dry rocky route along the south bank.

In 1869, Gus Glenn installed a ferry a couple miles upstream, making river hopscotch unnecessary.

14. Fort Boise

Fort Boise was established as a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost in 1834 by Thomas McKay. Located on the border of present-day Oregon, the fort boosted trade and reminded travelers: “You’re getting closer.”

15. The Dalles

With roughly only 100 miles left in their journey to Oregon country, the emigrants faced one of the most daunting tasks yet: crossing the Columbia River at the Dalles rapids . Travelers piled their wobbly wagons onto a rickety raft and rode it into whitewater.

In 1843, N.M. Bogart wrote, “When trying to pass some of the Cascades their frail craft would get caught in one of the many whirlpools, the water dashing over them, and drenching them through and through.”

Many emigrants capsized in the Columbia and lost everything, after painstakingly packing it across the plains for 2,000 miles. But even those were the lucky ones – some had persevered through all the previous perils of the overland journey, only to perish at the Dalles.

Fortunately, by 1846, Samuel Barlow had cleared an alternate route. For a precious five dollars per wagon, settlers could avoid the rapids altogether. Most chose to travel on Barlow’s toll road.

16. Fort Vancouver and Oregon City

For most Oregon Trail travelers, Fort Vancouver was the end of the line. Perched on the north bank of the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver was a large British outpost as well as the headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Until John McLoughlin set up his Oregon City General Store in 1846, settlers stopped at Fort Vancouver for supplies before heading out to their homestead, their own pot of gold at the end of a colorful and harrowing journey.

California Trail Landmarks

After the “parting of the ways,” travelers on the California Trail passed a few landmarks as well before arriving at their destination. California settlers beheld the Humboldt River, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Lake Tahoe, finally arriving at Sutter’s Fort near present-day Sacramento.

The Journey’s End

Through these landmarks, the land guided about 500,000 emigrants west. But the travelers made their marks on the land as well, leaving behind a trail of notes, warnings, ox skulls, shallow graves, and the inevitable trash that accompanies a mass exodus.

These days, much of the West is taken over by skyscrapers, or at the very least, neatly plowed fields. But history fans with wandering feet can still visit most of the original Oregon Trail landmarks and pay homage to old milestones.

If it weren’t for those landmarks, travelers might still be aimlessly wandering the Great American Desert and sending their luggage west the long way around Cape Horn.

Explore the West

Westward Ho: Daily Life on the Oregon Trail
Prairie Pioneers: True & Inspiring Oregon Trail Stories
Hell on Wheels History: Rowdy Railroad Towns Across the Plains
Why Did People Move West in the 1800s?
Manifest Destiny: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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Oregon Trail

OTTA Oregon Trail

In 2018, the pioneer spirit was alive in Oregon for the 175th commemoration of the Historic Oregon Trail. This famous wagon route, spanning 2,170 miles (3,490 km), was the largest migration in American history. Join us as we rediscover Oregon from the perspective of those brave pioneers — while making your own Oregon Trail story along the way.

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The Ultimate Oregon Trail Road Trip Itinerary

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Road trips are a great opportunity to connect with your travel companion (besides listening to a killer playlist or gripping podcast series, it’s basically just tons of time for long convos), sightsee beautiful scenery and stop at some pretty cool places along the way. You’ve already done Route 66 and soaked in the coastal splendor of Highway 1, maybe even looped around the Road to Hana, but what about the Oregon Trail? Yes, the real-life route that more than 400,000 pioneers traveled from 1840 to 1880 and later inspired the classic computer game every ‘90s kid played. Following the 2,170-mile Pathway to the West that connects Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon , the Oregon Trail is one of the most interesting American road trips , full of history and fascinating pit stops, plus you can also spend the night in some great more modern destinations (because who doesn’t enjoy a little art, culture and cuisine between peeping preserved wagon ruts?)—and we’ve mapped it out. So all you have to do is fill your tank, buckle up and drive.

THE 16 BEST ROAD TRIPS IN THE USA TO TAKE IN 2021

oregon trail road trip independence missouri

1. Independence, Missouri

Getting There: 20 minutes from Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport
Where to Stay: Large Historic Remodeled Home , Modern Home in Woods , Woodstock Bed & Breakfast

Yes, Independence is the literal starting point of the Oregon Trail and for that, it’s the place the route—and your road trip—will inevitably kick-off, however, this Missouri city deserves more credit than just a historically significant dot on a map. It’s perhaps best known for the Truman Library & Museum, which has a permanent collection of information and relics about the Independence-born president. While the popular Frontier Trails Museum showcases pioneer-era relics and does wagon tours. Oh, and you’ll definitely want to chow down on some homemade American comfort food before hitting the road.

PITSTOP: Oregon Trail Nature Park (St. Mary's, Kansas)

oregon trail road trip blue rapids kansas

2. Blue Rapids, Kansas

Getting There: 2 hours 50 minutes from Independence, MO
Where to Stay: Maryann’s Guest House

It would be easy to overlook Blue Rapids, located approximately 12 miles south of Marysville, but then you’d be missing out on the chance to witness Alcove Springs. A popular stop for weary travelers after crossing the Big Blue River, it boasts unique rock formations—many of which still showcase names carved centuries ago—a waterfall and, as the name would suggest, natural springs. Another claim to fame that’s not Oregon Trail-related though still interesting is that Blue Rapids holds the title of the smallest town in the United States to have hosted a national league baseball game.

PITSTOP: Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (Fairbury, Nebraska)

oregon trail road trip ogallala nebraska

3. Ogallala, Nebraska

Getting There: 5 hours 15 minutes from Blue Rapids, KS
Where to Stay: Ogallala Family Home , Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Ogallala is a cool little city in Keith County with a population of 4,700 residents that you might recognize as a stop on the Pony Express and the transcontinental railroad. Consider spending the night in Ogallala, so you can wake up with fresh legs to hike California Hill just outside of nearby Brule. It was a particularly treacherous and essential part of the Oregon Trail journey. You can still see the deep ruts from wagon wheels even today. The panoramic views are pretty epic, too. Plus it’s a good excuse to get the blood flowing after all those hours in the car.

PITSTOP: Rock Creek Station (Fairbury, Nebraska)

4. Guernsey, Wyoming

Getting There: 3 hours 12 minutes from Ogallala, NE
Where to Stay: Camper , Bunkhouse Motel

A tiny town that’s big on historic and natural beauty, Guernsey showcases tons of Oregon Trail remnants. First up, head about three miles outside of town to Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site to see some of the best-preserved wagon marks anywhere. We’re never one to pass up an opportunity for some scenic hiking, especially after a lot of driving. Guernsey State Park is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in the views of sandstone cliffs. If you’re keen on more outdoor recreation before getting back in the car, there’s boating, biking and fishing (it’s Wyoming, after all).

PITSTOP: Independence Rock (Casper, Wyoming)

5. Montpelier, Idaho

Getting There: 6 hours 45 minutes from Guernsey, WY
Where to Stay: Grandma’s House , Paris House , Country Cottage

Chances are Sun Valley and Sandpoint are higher up on your Idaho travel list than Montpelier but fans of Oregon Trail lore know about Big Hill, a fabled challenge that ranked as the longest, steepest climb on the entire route. And the descent was even more difficult. Needless to say, Big Hill is a big deal. Another old-timey attraction worth checking out? The Bank of Montpelier, which was established in 1891, was robbed by Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch Gang in August 1896. It’s the only financial institution the infamous outlaws hit that’s still standing.

PITSTOP: Fort Hall Replica (Pocatello, Idaho)

6. Boise, Idaho

Getting There: 4 hours 45 minutes from Montpelier, ID
Where to Stay: Newly Renovated Bungalow , Modern Farmhouse , Home2 Suites by Hilton

Boise is a lively city that will provide a fun change of pace in contrast to some of the smaller towns on your route thus far. The capital of Idaho has many exciting attractions such as the Boise Art Museum, where contemporary works adorn the walls of an Art Deco building and outdoor sculptures make their presence known in the garden. The Boise River Greenbelt, a series of trails and parks along the water, is another huge selling point and a lovely way to spend the afternoon. To up the ante on outdoor adventure, visit Boise National Forest.

PITSTOP: Philip Foster Farm National Historic Site On The Barlow Road/Oregon Trail (Eagle Creek, Oregon)

oregon trail road trip oregon city oregon

7. Oregon City, Oregon

Getting There: 6 hours 45 minutes from Boise, ID
Where to Stay: Stonehouse , Floating Bungalow , Happy Rock Inn

The official end to the Oregon Trail, Oregon City obviously deserves a visit for historical purposes but it’s also a great place with many modern charms, too. On the heritage side of things, costumed guides take visitors through interactive exhibits that better reveal what life was like in the mid-1800s at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center . Don’t miss the Museum of the Oregon Territory either. Oregon City is also home to one of the great American Main Streets. A walk along this revitalized thoroughfare reveals why. It’s lined with an enticing array of shops, cafes, restaurants and breweries.

PITSTOP: Willamette Falls (West Linn, Oregon)

oregon trail road trip willamette valley oregon

8. Willamette Valley, Oregon

Getting There: 50 minutes from Oregon City, OR
Where to Stay: Atticus Hotel , Downtown Cottage , Half-Pint Farmhouse

Many settlers continued past Oregon City to Willamette Valley—and you should, too. Sure, it’s a region rather than a singular stop, however, it’d be pretty incomplete for us to spotlight a cute place like McMinnville without mentioning Carlton, just a few minutes down the road. Surrounding the quaint towns are sprawling vineyards that grow some of the best Pinot noir in the country. It’s pretty fortuitous that Willamette Valley caps off the trip because you’re not going to be driving anywhere after wine tasting.

7 GENIUS GROUP TRAVEL HACKS FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

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Beaverton man pleads guilty except for insanity in 2022 Polk County highway shooting

A Beaverton man pleaded guilty Thursday in Polk County Circuit Court to murder except for insanity in the 2022 shooting death of Tigard man on the side of Highway 18 west of Grand Ronde in rural Polk County.

Justin McAnulty, 25, was committed to the Oregon State Hospital and placed under supervision of the Psychiatric Security Review Board for life for the murder of 45-year-old Dennis Anderson .

According to a September 2023 psychiatric review, McAnulty has a psychotic disorder and lacks the capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct.

On July 13, 2022, Anderson and his common-law wife were returning to their Tigard home after a day trip to Lincoln City and pulled over on the shoulder of Highway 18 near milepost 15 to let McAnulty pass, according to court documents.

McAnulty stopped and shot Anderson nine times with a nine millimeter Glock handgun, killing him.

He also shot at Anderson’s wife who was not struck, according to court documents.

McAnulty then drove off in his black BMW 550, which he sold days later.

He was arrested and charged with murder two months later.

In a statement, Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton said Anderson was unarmed when he was shot.

“Although both the state’s and defense’s experts reached the same conclusion about the defendant’s mental status at the time (of) the shooting, today’s outcome is extremely disappointing,” Felton said.

“While McAnulty’s guilty plea at long last takes responsibility for killing Mr. Anderson, I strongly believe that Mr. McAnulty presents a risk to community safety and should be securely confined for the remainder of his life,” he said.

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at [email protected]

How to plan your summer vacation to the Oregon Coast

May 23, 2024 • 7 min read

If you've ever struggled to choose between a cabin (or tent) in the woods and a seaside getaway, you’ll love Oregon’s Coast – especially in the summer. This 363-mile-long stretch of Pacific wonderland is not your typical beach destination.

Sure, there are plenty of sandy shores and rocked-in coves, seafood shacks and cozy ocean-facing inns. However, most of the region is covered by massive expanses of old-growth forests – many of which are on state- or federally-protected land – making it an equally ideal place for hiking and camping as it is for making sandcastles and taking long walks on the beach.

Sound like your kind of place? We thought so. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your summer vacation in this enchanting stretch of Pacific paradise .

Step 1: Choose where to base yourself

The Oregon Coast can be broken up into three segments: the North Coast , the Central Coast and the South Coast. For many people, it makes the most sense to stay in one of the larger hubs and take day trips to area highlights. Alternatively, you can start in the north and drive all the way to the south (or vice versa), spending a few nights in each region before continuing your voyage. Here are a few great options.

Vibes: The northernmost city on the Oregon Coast – and Oregon’s oldest city – Astoria is full of beautiful Victorian homes, some of which have been transformed into hotels and museums.

Do: Astoria is a hotspot for fans of the ‘80s cult film The Goonies, which was filmed right in town. Plenty of people make a pilgrimage to the city to see filming locations, including the so-called “Goonies House” and to learn about the state’s film industry at the Oregon Film Museum . Astoria is also a great base for fans of history and nature: Fort Stevens State Park, the site of the Peter Iredale shipwreck, is just outside of town, as is Fort Clatsop , where members of the U.S. Army's Corps of Discovery (aka the Lewis and Clark Expedition) spent the winter of 1805–1806.

Eat: Sample Oregon’s famous albacore tuna, breaded, fried and served up with thick-cut English-style fries at Bowpicker Fish & Chips , a walk-up window housed in a converted gillnet boat. For a fancy affair, head to Fedé Trattoria Astoria , which serves handcrafted Italian dinners made primarily from local ingredients.

Stay: For some of the best views in town, book a night at the Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa , situated at the end of a pier right in the river, next to the 4-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Sunset over the beach and the Pacific ocean in Newport, a town along the 101 highway along the coast in Oregon, USA

Vibes: In the heart of the Central Coast region, Newport has all the trappings of an Oregon Coast getaway town – lots of independent shops, restaurants and boutique hotels – plus a thriving fishing industry that gives it a bit of a gritty edge. It’s also Oregon’s primary hub for marine science research.

Do: Newport is a great place to get kids interested in the natural world. Don’t miss the Oregon Coast Aquarium , where Free Willy star Keiko the orca prepped for his return to the wild, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center , where guests of all ages can get a hands-on introduction to life under the sea (yes, there are touch tanks).

Eat: You won't find seafood much fresher than what’s served up at Local Ocean , which sources everything from the crab used to craft its Dungeness crab cakes to the razor clams in its chowder from local fishers. For a fancy lunch or dinner, make your way to Clearwater Restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood, salads and cocktails while you take in views of Yaquina Bay.

Stay: Literature lovers take note: every room at the cozy Sylvia Beach Hotel is inspired by a different author. This internet-free hotel also has a massive library and loft with west-facing windows, perfect for catching glimpses of the ocean between chapters of your favorite tome.

Vibes: Coos Bay is the biggest city on the Oregon Coast, and while it still feels very much like a town, it’s got plenty of great hotels and restaurants within a short distance of top spots for outdoor recreation.

Do: Head up to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (which inspired the Dune book and films) for an OHV adventure. Then make your way south to Shore Acres State Park to wander through a beautifully manicured garden or take in views of waves crashing against massive cliffs.

Eat: Pair beer and seafood with bay views at 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse or sit down to a Cornish pasty at one of the live-edge tables at The Tin Thistle .

Stay: Spend a night at the whimsical Itty Bitty Inn , a budget-friendly spot with five themed rooms (including a Star Trek Room and an Oregon Trail Room). You can even borrow a cruiser bike and a helmet at no extra cost.

A hiker admires the view across Hells Canyon from her campsite on a backpacking trip.

Step 2: Book your accommodations

Budget is a big consideration when figuring out where to stay on the Oregon Coast, and room rates typically skyrocket in the busy July and August peak season. There are plenty of fancy (and spendy) hotels along the coast, many of which have direct beach access, but if you don’t plan to spend much time in your room, you may be better off trading in direct beach access for a simple budget motel or a vacation rental.

Camping is a great option but it’s wildly popular. If you plan to camp (or stay in a yurt) in one of the many Oregon State Parks up and down the coast, it’s a good idea to start looking in the winter — reservations go live six months in advance and summer weekend slots often book up soon after they become available. Find out more about Oregon's seasonal events and prices in our guide to the best time to visit .

Step 3: Pick the best things to do on your summer trip to the Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach on the North Coast is popular among day trippers from Portland , with its compact main street lined with art galleries and cafes. On the south end of town, Haystack Rock is a massive sea stack that doubles as a home for tufted puffins. Bring your binoculars.

A short drive from Newport on the Central Coast, Depoe Bay is the place to go for summertime whale-watching. A group of gray whales live here in the summer, and they’re easy to spot from the picture windows at the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center or aboard one of Whale Research EcoExcursions ’ whale-watching cruises.

Oregon summers are a dream for hikers , and the fleeting warm-and-dry season is the perfect time to hike up to the top of Humbug Mountain near Port Orford. The 5.5-mile-long summit hike through groves of massive Douglas fir trees rewards hikers with gorgeous south-facing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Step 4: Find the best places to eat on the Oregon Coast

Seafood lovers will naturally be very happy on the Oregon Coast. You'll find Oregon specialties such as albacore tuna and Dungeness crab at seafood markets from Astoria to Brookings ( Barnacle Bill's Seafood Market in Lincoln City is a local favorite), along with fresh produce galore – much of which is grown in the region – at farmers markets and co-ops all along the coast.

If you’d rather leave the prep to someone else, pick up a charcuterie-and-wine picnic at Chēz in Seaside or try out the famous fried offerings at The Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips in Port Orford.

Route 35 leading to snow-covered Mount Hood, Oregon, at sunset, with two cars on road.

Step 5: Determine how you will get there

The Oregon Coast is a delight for road-trippers, and you really need a car if you want to explore the region. Most people fly into Portland and drive inland on Highway 26, which cuts through the forested Cascade Mountains, ultimately meeting Highway 101 (the Coastal Route) between Cannon Beach and Seaside.

If you’re driving from Washington State , you’ll cross into the Oregon Coast at Astoria. If you’re coming from California , your first taste of the Oregon Coast will be in Brookings, the gateway to the ridiculously gorgeous Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor .

Step 6: Decide what to pack

Even if you plan to visit the Oregon Coast at the peak of the summer season, be prepared for two of the region’s most common features: rain and wind. Sweatshirts and windbreakers are always a must, and while flip-flops are great for transitioning from sand to street, it’s a good idea to always have a pair of comfy, water-resistant shoes with you to keep your toes warm and dry. If you bring a hat, make sure it fits snugly or has a good chin strap if you don’t want to risk it getting swept away in a gust of coastal wind.

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Here’s what every key witness said at Donald Trump’s hush money trial

Published: May. 26, 2024, 12:01 p.m.

This combination photo shows, top row from left, Michael Cohen on May 14, 2024, in New York, Stormy Daniels on May 23, 2018, in West Hollywood, Calif., Hope Hick on Feb. 27, 2018, in Washington, and bottom row from left, Jeffrey McConney on Nov. 15, 2022, in New York, David Pecker on Jan. 31, 2014, in New York and Madeleine Westerhout on April 2, 2018, in Washington. After 22 witnesses, testimony is over at former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York. Prosecutors and Trump's lawyers are scheduled to make their closing arguments Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo) AP

The Associated Press

After 22 witnesses, including a porn actor, tabloid publisher and White House insiders, testimony is over at Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York .

Prosecutors called 20 witnesses. The defense called just two. Trump decided not to testify on his own behalf.

The trial now shifts to closing arguments, scheduled for Tuesday.

After that, it will be up to 12 jurors to decide whether prosecutors have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified his company’s business records as part of a broader effort to keep stories about marital infidelity from becoming public during his 2016 presidential campaign. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.

A conviction could come down to how the jurors interpret the testimony and which witnesses they find credible. The jury must be unanimous. The records involved include 11 checks sent to Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, as well as invoices and company ledger entries related to those payments.

Here’s a look at key trial witnesses and what they had to say:

STORMY DANIELS

As Trump sat feet away, the porn actor, writer and director, gave a detailed and at times graphic account of a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump in Nevada in 2006. After they met at a celebrity golf tournament, she said, Trump invited her to dinner but then engaged her in conversation in his hotel room and startled her by stripping to his underwear while she was in the bathroom.

“I felt the room spin in slow motion. I felt the blood basically leave my hands and my feet,” Daniels testified. “I just thought, ‘Oh, my God, what did I misread to get here?’ Because the intention was pretty clear, somebody stripped down in their underwear and posing on the bed, like waiting for you.”

Daniels said Trump did not physically threaten her, but “my own insecurities in that moment kept me from saying no.” Daniels said she kept in touch with Trump for about a year in hopes of appearing on his TV show “The Apprentice,” but it never happened.

Daniels spoke about accepting $15,000 for a magazine interview in 2011. The story was not printed at the time but ended up on a gossip website without her consent. Her lawyer, in consultation with Cohen, complained and had the story taken down.

In 2016, Daniels authorized her manager to shop her story again but found little interest until the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” recording of Trump boasting about grabbing women’s genitals without their permission.

Daniels told the jury she accepted $130,000 from Cohen in the final weeks of the election in exchange for a legal agreement to keep the claim to herself.

Trump’s lawyers grilled Daniels about her motivation, eliciting testimony that she hates the former Republican president. She pushed back on the defense’s suggestion that her story was fabricated, saying if it was fiction, “I would have written it to be a lot better.”

Daniels’ testimony was among the most awaited in the trial. She had shared her story before, but this was the first time she testified about it in front of Trump. Trump’s lawyers objected to much of Daniels’ testimony and twice sought a mistrial, arguing that her feelings of a power imbalance with Trump and her blunt answers about the alleged sexual encounter should not have been put before the jury.

DAVID PECKER

A longtime Trump friend, Pecker was the publisher of the National Enquirer and chief executive of its parent company, American Media Inc., during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Pecker told the jury he agreed to be the “eyes and ears” of Trump’s campaign, looking out for damaging stories so they could be suppressed. He said he agreed to the role — and to a plan to publish positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents — at an August 2015 meeting with Trump and Cohen.

“If there were any rumors in the marketplace about Mr. Trump or his family or any negative stories that were coming out or anything that I heard overall,” Pecker said, “I would call Michael Cohen directly.”

He said he told the National Enquirer’s editor at the time, Dylan Howard, “that we are going to try to help the campaign, and to do that, I want to keep this as quiet as possible.”

Pecker testified that the company squashed one potential story by paying $30,000 to a Trump Tower doorman. It paid $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, to keep her from going public with a claim that she had had a yearlong affair with Trump.

But when Daniels came forward, Pecker said, he told Howard: “I am not a bank, and we are not paying out any further disbursements or monies.”

Instead, he alerted Cohen that Daniels was shopping a story about Trump, and let the lawyer handle it. Trump denies having sex with either McDougal or Daniels.

When The Wall Street Journal reported, just days before Election Day, that the Enquirer had paid McDougal, Pecker said Trump was upset, saying, “How could this happen? I thought you had this under control?”

“Our call ended very abruptly,” Pecker said. “He didn’t say goodbye, which was very unusual.”

KEITH DAVIDSON

A lawyer known for representing people trying to sell celebrity sex tapes or other embarrassing information, Davidson negotiated the hush money deals for McDougal and Daniels. He gave jurors an inside look at the negotiations and helped corroborate Pecker’s testimony.

At first, Davidson said, the National Enquirer was not interested in acquiring McDougal’s story, saying she “lacked documentary evidence.” But the tabloid eventually bought it at Pecker’s behest. Davidson said he understood it would never be published because of “an unspoken understanding that there was an affiliation” between Pecker and Trump and that the National Enquirer would not run the story “because it would hurt Donald Trump.”

Davidson said he dealt directly with Cohen, never with Trump. While Cohen may not have explicitly stated he was working on Trump’s behalf, Davidson said he felt the implication was clear.

Davidson testified that about a month after Trump won the election, Cohen complained in a phone conversation that the president-elect hadn’t yet paid him back for the $130,000 payment to Daniels.

MICHAEL COHEN

Cohen, a flawed but vital prosecution witness, testified about working with the National Enquirer to suppress negative stories about Trump. Cohen insisted he was working at Trump’s direction when the lawyer helped orchestrate the payments to McDougal and Daniels.

Cohen testified that he kept the detail-oriented Trump updated on the payoffs.

Regarding the decision to pay Daniels, Cohen said Trump felt it was best to buy her silence.

“He stated to me that he had spoken to some friends, some individuals, very smart people, and that it’s $130,000. You’re like a billionaire. Just pay it. There is no reason to keep this thing out there. So do it,” Cohen said.

“And he expressed to me: Just do it. Go meet up with Allen Weisselberg and figure this whole thing out,” Cohen said, referring to the Trump Organization’s chief financial officer at the time.

Testifying over the course of four days, Cohen told the jury he sought Trump’s approval for the Daniels payment because “everything required Mr. Trump’s sign-off. On top of that, I wanted the money back.”

When it briefly looked like the deal with Daniels might fall apart, Cohen said Trump got “really angry with me,” saying, “I thought you took care of this?”

Cohen borrowed money from a bank to make the $130,000 payment to Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him. How Trump’s company recorded those reimbursements — paid out of a Trump trust and personal accounts — is the core of the prosecution’s case. Cohen said he submitted monthly invoices for a year for legal work he never actually performed, pursuant to a purported retainer agreement that he said did not exist.

Cohen said he discussed the reimbursement plan with Trump at the White House in February 2017. He recalled that Trump asked him whether he needed money, then promised a check soon would cover the first two months of invoices, totaling $70,000.

Jurors also heard a secret recording Cohen made of a meeting he had with Trump in 2016 in which he briefed his boss about the plan to buy McDougal’s story.

Trump’s lawyers have fought to discredit Cohen, pressing him on his own criminal history, past lies and his recollection of key details. On cross-examination, Cohen admitted stealing tens of thousands of dollars from Trump’s company by asking to be reimbursed for money he had not spent. Cohen acknowledged once telling a prosecutor he felt that Daniels and her lawyer were extorting Trump. Cohen also insisted he did not actually commit some crimes to which he pleaded guilty in 2018, including bank fraud and tax evasion. In that case, Cohen also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress and to campaign finance violations.

Cohen is the linchpin of the prosecution case, the only witness to testify that Trump had direct involvement in arranging his repayment. The verdict could hinge on whether jurors believe him.

Trump’s former campaign and White House communications director, Hicks testified about the frenetic days after the “Access Hollywood” leak as she and Trump’s political advisers tried to contain the fallout. Hicks said she was “very concerned” about the impact of the tape and she subsequently asked Cohen to chase down a rumor about another potentially damaging recording, which turned out not to exist.

Hicks said that after The Wall Street Journal published its article detailing McDougal’s hush money deal, Trump was concerned about how his wife, Melania, would take it.

“He wanted me to make sure the newspapers weren’t delivered to their residence that morning,” Hicks said.

When news of the Daniels payoff started to emerge in 2018, Cohen initially told reporters he made the payment with his own money and without Trump’s knowledge. Hicks said Trump also told her “that Michael had paid this woman to protect him from a false allegation, and that Michael felt like it was his job to protect him, and that’s what he was doing. And he did it out of the kindness of his own heart.”

She said, however, that it was “out of character” for Cohen to take such an action on his own.

“I didn’t know Michael to be an especially charitable person or selfless person,” Hicks said. “He’s the kind of person who seeks credit.”

ROBERT COSTELLO

Trump’s lawyers called Costello, an attorney and ex-federal prosecutor, as their primary witness in a terse defense case aimed at undermining Cohen’s credibility.

After the FBI raided Cohen’s home and office in 2018, Costello offered to become his lawyer. He told the jury that during their first meeting, Cohen paced anxiously, saying his life, and his family’s life, had been “shattered.”

“He said: ‘I really want you to explain to me what my options are. What’s my escape route?’” Costello said.

Costello said Cohen also insisted that he had made the Daniels deal on his own, that Trump “knew nothing” about it, and that Cohen had no incriminating information about Trump he could offer to federal prosecutors.

“I swear to God, Bob. I don’t have anything on Donald Trump,” Costello quoted Cohen as saying.

Prosecutors countered that Costello, who was close to Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, cozied up to Cohen to keep him loyal to Trump.

In one email, Costello told Cohen: “Sleep well tonight. you have friends in high places,” and relayed that there were “some very positive comments about you from the White House.”

Cohen ultimately chose other lawyers.

OTHER NOTABLE WITNESSES

JEFFREY McCONNEY: The Trump Organization’s former controller testified about working with Weisselberg to set up payments to Cohen, including reimbursement for the $130,000 payment to Daniels, a bonus and money for taxes.

RHONA GRAFF: Trump’s former executive assistant testified about adding McDougal’s and Daniels’ contacts to Trump’s contact list in the company’s computer system, the latter listed simply as “Stormy.” Graff also said she had a “vague recollection” of seeing Daniels once at Trump Tower.

DEBORAH TARASOFF: The Trump Organization’s accounts payable supervisor testified about processing the payments to Cohen, including receiving checks that Trump had signed at the White House. Under defense questioning, she acknowledged permission to cut Cohen’s checks came not from Trump himself, but from Weisselberg and McConney.

MADELEINE WESTERHOUT: Trump’s White House secretary from 2017 to 2019 testified about Trump signing checks, saying he sometimes would sign without reviewing them.

— By MICHAEL R. SISAK, JENNIFER PELTZ and JAKE OFFENHARTZ Associated Press

Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer and Colleen Long in Washington and Michelle L. Price, Jill Colvin, Philip Marcelo and Julie Walker contributed to this report.

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You can still follow the Oregon Trail today — and it's the perfect road trip for hardcore fans of the '90s game

The 2,000-mile Oregon Trail was used by pioneers headed west from Missouri to find fertile lands.

Independence, Missouri

Fort Kearny in Nebraska

Alcove Spring in Kansas

Guernsey Ruts in Wyoming

Three Island Crossing in Idaho

Farewell Bend in Oregon

Courthouse Rock/Jail Rock and Castle Rock in Bridgeport, Nebraska

Soda Springs Complex in Idaho

Flagstaff Hill in Baker City, Oregon

Red Bridge Crossing in Kansas City, Missouri

California Hill in Brule, Nebraska

Hat Rock in Oregon

Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska

Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Nebraska

Fort Laramie in Wyoming

Craters of the Moon in Idaho

Council Bluff in Nebraska

Devils Gate in Wyoming

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Missionaries Blaze the Oregon Trail

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Great Emigration of 1843

Life on the Oregon Trail

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Dangers on the Oregon Trail

The End of the Oregon Trail