Elmore County: History, Water and Nature

Oregon Trail history, birdwatching, water activities and hiking trails offer different ways to plan your trip. The specific destinations vary considerably: some take you into the region’s history, while others focus on nature and recreation.

Oregon Trail History and Historic Buildings

At the Oregon Trail History and Education Center in Three Island Crossing State Park, learn about pioneers, early settlers and the history of the Indigenous population. At the Three Island Crossing Overlook, you can see where the Oregon Trail descended back to the Snake River. The overlook has a short gravel path, interpretive signs and parking. You can also see the three islands for which Three Island Crossing is named.

Another historic landmark is the Mountain Home Museum building. Built in 1908 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie as a library, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history as a library adds the architectural history of a specific building to the topics surrounding the Oregon Trail.

Waterfowl, Boating and Hiking

The C.J. Strike WMA and C.J. Strike Reservoir form a natural waterfowl refuge on the Pacific Flyway. The C.J. Strike WMA is also a recognized site on the Idaho Birding Trail. Birdwatching is therefore a clear nature-focused option for planning your trip, alongside the Oregon Trail’s historical appeal.

Popular recreational activities at Anderson Ranch Reservoir include hiking, boating, water skiing and fishing. The Camp Creek Trail offers a specific hiking and biking option: it is 6 miles long and rated moderate. This gives you a choice of activities at the reservoir, from a longer trail outing to time on the water.

The site at the Anderson Ranch Reservoir boat ramps has vault toilets, a boat ramp and a dock. Forest Service campgrounds include Deer Creek, with 30 sites; Curlew Creek, with 25; and Fall Creek, with 20 sites. Swimming is also available. These facilities and capacities give you specific details to consider if camping or spending time on the water is part of your plans.

Other Trails and Reasons to Visit

Willow Creek Trail No. 019 runs along the northern end of Willow Creek Transfer Camp and is open to non-motorized traffic and motorcycles. In the Glenns Ferry area, the Elman Goodman Mountain Bluebird Trail, the official name of the Bluebird Trail, runs along Bennett Mountain Road. These two trails differ in both their location descriptions and their stated permitted uses.

To reach the South Fork of the Boise River, head north from Mountain Home on U.S. 20 to Anderson Ranch Dam Road. Cross the dam and continue downstream. On the Oregon National Historic Trail auto tour route, turn west onto State Route 78 near Glenns Ferry. These are two distinct points of reference for trip planning: the route to the South Fork and the route of the Oregon Trail.

The Elmore County Fairgrounds provide a venue for many events. If you are planning your trip around a specific event, check its date. For broader nature-focused planning, the Trinity Mountain Region also offers a range of options: the Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Forest offer camping, activities at Anderson Lake and along the South Fork of the Boise River, hiking, biking, hot springs, hunting and winter sports.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

These different options can help you plan a trip that suits your interests. Then compare specific hotel offers based on the features that matter for your stay.

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