Near Glenns Ferry in Elmore County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Site 2 ★ Old Oregon Trail Road Crossing

Main Oregon Trail Back County Byway

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 16, 2018

1. Site 2 ★ Old Oregon Trail Road Crossing Marker

Map of the Main Oregon Trail Back County Byway across the top.

Inscription. Thursday August 14 "...We had a squally time ascending the bluffs, which are severaly hundred feet high. We passed from a hill to the side of a bluff, upon a high narrow ridge of just sufficient width upon the top for the wagon road, the sides descended very steep each way. Just as the wagons were upon this a gale of wind in advance of a thunder shower struck us, and blew with such violence directly across the track that it seemed as if the wagons, team and all would be blown away." James Field, 1845

After crossing the Snake River, emigrants could follow Little Canyon Creek upstream for a mile to the north and then turn west, or head northwest from the crossing and travel up this draw. The two routes came together a short distance north of this location and headed west to climb out of the Snake River Canyon.

Erected by Bureau of Land Management, Oregon-California Trails Association. (Marker Number 2.)

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 August 14, 1845.

Location. 42° 57.942′ N, 115° 19.926′ W. Marker is near Glenns Ferry, Idaho

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, in Elmore County. Marker is on Old Oregon Trail Road near Bennett Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Glenns Ferry ID 83623, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Idaho's Bicentennial Wagon (approx. 1.8 miles away); Motor Homes Without Motors (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Oregon Trail (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Three Island Ford (approx. 1.8 miles away); To All Pioneers (approx. 1.8 miles away); Gorby Opera Theatre (1914) (approx. 1.9 miles away); Site 1 ★ Two Island Crossing (approx. 2.1 miles away); Rosevear's Ferry (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glenns Ferry.

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 2 ★ Old Oregon Trail Road Crossing Marker

Old Oregon Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 16, 2018

3. Old Oregon Trail

Note the white stakes marking the Oregon Trail.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 16, 2018

4. Old Oregon Trail

Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 31, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.