Three Island Crossing State Park

National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

Home Page
Parks Starting With: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z

Three Island Crossing State Park

State Park Information

State Park Overview
Three Island Crossing State Park is located on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry. It is home to The Oregon Trail History and Education Center where visitors can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native American history.

Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail. Pioneer travelers used the three-island crossing until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream. The Glenns Ferry community sponsors a crossing commemoration the second Saturday of each August. Events often include living history presentations and historic skills fair.

Camping
Trailside (Lower) Campground

Available Campsites Serviced Campsite/W,E and Companion Serviced Campsite/W,E

Amenities include individual campsites with water and electricity and central showers and restroom facilities.

Serviced Campsite/W,E$16 per night (plus daily MVEF and Idaho State Sales Tax)

Companion Serviced Campsite/W,E$ 30 per night (plus daily MVEF and Idaho State Sales Tax)

Reservation Season Reservation are available in the Trailside (Lower) Campground from March 15th through October 31st. Camping is available throughout the off-season on a "first come, first served" basis.

Make a reservation online, or call (866) 634-3246.

Wagon Wheel (Upper) Campground

Available Campsites Serviced Campsite/W,E and Companion Serviced Campsite/W,E

Amenities include individual campsites with water and electricity and central showers and restroom facilities.

Serviced Campsite/W,E$16 per night (plus daily MVEF and Idaho State Sales Tax)

Companion Serviced Campsite/W,E$ 30 per night (plus daily MVEF and Idaho State Sales Tax)

Reservation Season Reservations are available in the Wagon Wheel (Upper) Campground from April 1st through October 31st. Camping is available throughout the off-season on a "first come, first served" basis.

Make a reservation online, or call (866) 634-3246.

Multiple Site Reservation Considerations

For groups wishing to book multiple sites (seven (7) campsites or more) Trailside (Lower)Campground is available multiple site reservations for seven (7) campsites or more must be made through the call center at (866)-634-3246.

More Info

The official Three Island Crossing State Park site
Rocks State Park Oregon Trail History and Education Center Three Island Crossing State Park, where Oregon Trail settlers and Native

official Bear Lake State Park site
state parks a to z cabins & yurts reservations group facilities parks calendar order a parks guide park finder links fees & rules search The Oregon Trail
...nns ferry
district Airport Mail Post Office Schools School District 192 State Three Island Crossing State Park Three Island Crossing Interpretive Center Annual Reenactment of crossing Medical

Idaho The Crossing, Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for Idaho at Three Island State Park Three Island Crossing State Park The Oregon Trail Home Page Massacre Rocks State Park In Search of the

Island Crossing on the Oregon Trail Three Isalnd CrossingOTTG Three Island Crossing Three Island Crossing State Park Fort Boise Ft. Boise on the Oregon Trail Fort BoiseOTTG Old Fort Boise

3Island.html Three Island CrossingOTTG http//www.nps.gov/whmi/1or4.htm Three Island Crossing State Park http//www.idahoparks.org/parks/threeisland.html Bibliography Franzwa, Gregory M. Oregon

Rocks State Park Nez Perce National Historical Park Old Mission State Park Three Island Crossing State Park Tips for Preserving Archaeological Sites Recreation | Special Places | Photo Library |

Abigail Jane Scott." Directions I-84 to Glenns Ferry. Must see Three Island Crossing State Park & Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Current Observation/Journal Entry "Roosevear Gulch?the wagon
...PGROUND LINKS IDAHO Bruneau Dunes State Park Three Island Crossing State Park NEBRASKA Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area NEVADA Angel Creek Campground Angel Lake Campground Cathedral

Area Attractions
The Oregon Trail in Idaho

The trail played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of western America. The original course of the Oregon Trail was from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City in Oregons Willamette Valley. Most pioneers traveled the trail from 1841 through 1848. However, fur trappers and explorers used the travel corridor as early as 1811. By the mid2860s, the trail was used little as an emigration route.

The Oregon Trail entered Idaho in the southeast corner of the state. At Fort Hall, it joined the Snake River, following the south bank until this crossing was reached - Glenns Ferry. The route left Idaho - the site of old Fort Boise, - Parma -fter winding through 500 miles of the state.

A Risky River Crossing

Upon reaching the Three Island ford, the emigrants had a difficult decision to make. Should they risk the dangerous crossing of the Snake, or endure the dry, rocky route along the south bank of the river? About half of the emigrants chose to attempt the crossing by using the gravel bars that extended across the river. Not all were successful many casualties are recounted in pioneer diaries. The rewards of a successful crossing were a shorter route, more potable water and better feed for the stock.

The Three Island ford was used by pioneer travelers until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream.

Crossing Reenactments

The Glenns Ferry community sponsors a crossing reenactment the second Saturday of each August. Events often include living history presentations and a historic skills fair. Contact the park for details of this years event.

Modern travelers will find a stay at Three Island Crossing much more hospitable than did the pioneers. Located just off Interstate 84 at the Glenns Ferry exit, the park offers a full-service campground, cabins, picnic areas, historical interpretive programs and a fascinating admission-free interpretive center. You can take the self-guided tour, see the replica wagons and dangle your feet in the Snake River where emigrants made their historic crossings.