Near Mountain Home in Elmore County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Site 9 ★ Bowns Creek
Bowns Creek was another camping area which provided little water in most years. The Trail followed down the creek for a mile before continuing to the north. Another large granite boulder close to the Trail became an "emigrant post office" as many people wrote their names in axle grease upon the rock. Although faded from the elements, some are still visible after over 150 years.
Erected by Bureau of Land Management; Oregon-California Trails Association, Idaho Chapter.
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 day of the year for for this entry is August 5.
Location. 43° 23.841′ N, 115° 50.989′ W. Marker is near Mountain Home, Idaho, in Elmore County. Marker is on Mayfield Road near Bowns Creek Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mountain Home ID 83647, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site 8 ★ Ditto Creek (approx. 3.7 miles away); Site 10 ★ Blacks Creek Road Crossing (approx. 10˝ miles away); Bonneville Point (approx. 11.6 miles away); Captain Bonneville (approx. 11.6 miles away); The Fur Trade and the Tide of Emigration (approx. 11.6 miles away); The Shoshone and Northern Paiute (approx. 11.6 miles away); The Hunt Expedition (approx. 11.6 miles away); Canyon Creek Station (approx. 11.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mountain Home.
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.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.