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a road winding through green covered mountains with the sun setting in the distance
Bonneville Point, between Mayfield and Boise. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
main oregon trail backcountry byway sign beside a field of desert shrubs with mountains in the distance
Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway sign, near Upper Teapot Reservoir and Hammett. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
a replica of a conestoga wagon
Three Island Crossing State Park, The Oregon Trail History and Education Center, Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
a museum exhibit and replica of Native Americans sitting inside a teepee
Three Island Crossing State Park, The Oregon Trail History and Education Center, Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
an overhead view of farmland beside a river
Three Island Crossing State Park, Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
closeup of a red bird perched in a branch
A bird at Bonneville Point, between Mayfield and Boise. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
view of an expansive field of grass and the setting sun
View near Bonneville Point. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
two wooden oregon trail signs in front of some shrubs with mountains in the background
Oregon Trail signage, near Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
closeup of a historical plaque fixed to a slab of rock, with a stone house surrounded by a fence in the background
Canyon Creek Station, near Mayfield. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
a closeup of purple flowers in a field
Three Island Crossing State Park, Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
birds-eye view of a town and a river in the distance
Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

The Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway follows the route of the pioneers who journeyed through the Idaho desert. Spend the afternoon exploring historic Oregon Trail sites or visit Three Island Crossing State Park to see Conestoga replicas and learn about the emigrants who dared to take on one of the most challenging river crossings along the Oregon Trail and the Native Americans who mastered this difficult Idaho terrain.

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

Length

102 miles
164.1 km

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Time

6 hours

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

Region

Southwest Idaho

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

When to Visit

Late Spring & Early Fall

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: Start at Glenns Ferry (exit 121 of I-84), 75 miles southeast of Boise.

Road Conditions: One-third of the route is paved roadway, two-thirds is gravel road.

Full services in: Glenns Ferry and Mountain Home.

Full services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Nearby Adventures

Get ready to take a trip back in time—explore historical sites and museums along the Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway.

Download Before You Hit the Road

Start planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications.

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

Scenic Byways Brochure

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Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

State Highway Map

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Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

Travel Tips

Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? Check out these travel tips and start planning your adventure.

Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway
Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

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Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway