Near Glenns Ferry in Elmore County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Site 3 ★ Hot Springs Creek
Main Oregon Trail Back County Byway
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 16, 2018
1. Site 3 ★ Hot Springs Creek Marker
Map of the Main Oregon Trail Back County Byway across the top.
The Main Oregon Trail followed Hot Springs Creek for several miles. The area was marshy with willows and tall grass. The water was dark which caused some emigrants to think it was bad. After traveling up the east side of the creek, the Trail crossed the creek and headed across the desert again.
During the years 1852-1854, thousands of emigrants followed the North Alternate Oregon Trail (NAOT) in an attempt to find better water and grass than what remained along the Main Oregon Trail. The NAOT rejoined the Main Oregon Trail and Hot Springs Creek near this sign.
Erected by Bureau of Land Management; Oregon-California Trails Association, Idaho Chapter. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 27, 1851.
Location. 43° 7.398′ N, 115° 29.622′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site 4 ★ Hot Springs (approx. 2.6 miles away); Oregon Trail 1864 (approx. 6 miles away); Site 5 ★ Rattlesnake Creek (approx. 8˝ miles away); Rattlesnake Station (approx. 8˝ miles away); Mountain Home Irrigation District (approx. 8.6 miles away); Toll Gate (approx. 9.8 miles away); Mountain Home Arrives in a 50-pound Soapbox (approx. 10.2 miles away); Site 6 ★ Kelton Road (approx. 11.3 miles away).
More about this marker. Should anyone wish to follow this portion of the Oregon Trail, I suggest they obtain a copy of the Main Oregon Trail Back Country Byway brochure by the BLM and OCTA. It is generally available at local visitors centers.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 16, 2018
2. Site 3 ★ Hot Springs Creek Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 16, 2018
3. Oregon Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
