Oregon Trail Reserve

From the 1840's to the 1860's, the Oregon Trail was the avenue for change in people's lives as they traveled west, seeking a better life. The route streams off Bonneville Point 7 miles southeast of Boise, heading to the Boise River, and hoped for relief from the thick dust and heat of an August day.

Today, efforts are underway to protect remnants of the Oregon Trail and create a trail network that will link Bonneville Point to Barber Park and the Greenbelt Pathway system. A major piece of the puzzle came together in the late 1990's when Idaho Transportation Department and Bureau of Land Management purchased portions of what is now called the Oregon Trail Reserve. Boise Parks and Recreation secured a grant to develop the Reserve's trails, interpretive signs, overlooks and parking facilities.

Bikes are allowed on designated trails. Mountain Bikers are asked to walk their bikes on the Kelton Ramp, to avoid excessive disturbance to this historic site.

Trailhead Parking:

• There are two trailheads accessing these trails, both located along East Lake Forest Drive. The first is .2 miles from the Hwy. 21 intersection, and the second is located .5 miles further along the same road.
  
  

Trails Shown on Map
Basalt Trail #101
Rim Trail #102
Oregon Trail #103
Overlook Trail #104