| As the harbinger of America's westward expansion, the Oregon National Historic Trail was the pathway to the Pacific for fur traders, gold seekers, missionaries and others. Beginning in 1841 and continuing for more than 20 years, an estimated 300,000 emigrants followed this route from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon on a trip that took five months to complete.The 2,170 mile long trail passes through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.Roadside, Auto Tour Route signs mark the general routes of the Oregon National Historic Trail. Actual wagon wheel ruts, emigrant camps and other places of interest along the trail can be visited.There are a number of ways to enjoy the Oregon National Historic Trail including auto-touring, visiting interpretive sites, hiking, biking or horseback riding trail segments and visiting museums. Depending on which segment visitors would like to explore, some or all of these activities may be available.Although the word "trail" is used in the name, the Oregon National Historic Trail is not a true hiking trail. With 2,170 miles of the original route now in the hands of various private and public entities, access to trail segments depends upon the permission of the land owner. Some segments are open to the public for hiking and other means of recreation, while others are not. |
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