Malheur County's Oregon Trail Heritage

Between 1840 and 1863, overland emigration brought over 50,000 pioneers to Oregon. Seven miles west of Malheur Butte, weary Oregon Trail emigrants camped at the Malheur River crossing, where they used local hot springs and found the first good water source in present-day Oregon. In Malheur County, important Oregon Trail locations include Adrian and the South Alternate Route; Nyssa, associated with Fort Boise and emigrants crossing the Snake River; Keeney Pass, where the dusty track, well-preserved wagon ruts, and a panoramic view show a full day's journey; Vale, connected with the hot springs on the Malheur River, the legend of the Blue Bucket, and the history of Vale; Ontario, linked to an overview of the trail and the emigrants who traveled west; Farewell Bend State Park, known for accounts of the journey along this segment of the trail; and Birch Creek, where wagon ruts remain distinctive.

Oregon · United States