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Idaho
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Idaho State Parks

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USA Parks
Idaho
Southwest Region
Three Island Crossing State Park
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Three Island Crossing State Park Retired ferry © Larry Schwager
Pay your money and keep your boots dry -
Three Island Crossing State Park Retired Wagon © Larry Schwager
A wagon left behind - how many miles on those old wheels
Three Island Crossing State Park © Don Allan
Three Island Crossing State Park Trees at the crossing © Larry Schwager
From the desert to the Three Island Crossing area - a great place to rest and gather your thoughts.
Three Island Crossing State Park © Don Allan
Three Island Crossing State Park The River they Crossed © Larry Schwager
The area of the Three Island Crossing - many made the crossing - some did not -
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THREE ISLAND CROSSING STATE PARK
THREE ISLAND CROSSING STATE PARK
Glenns Ferry, Idaho   83623
(lat:42.9442 lon:-115.318) map location

Phone: (208) 366-2394
Reservations: 208-366-2394
Email: park email button icon
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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Cabins
Cabin amenities Units sleep five and are equipped with electricity, lockable windows and doors, heat and A/C.

Reservation Season Reservations are available year round for cabins in the Day-Use Area and Wagon Wheel Upper Campground. Reservation for cabins in Trailside Lower Campground are accepted April 1st through October 31st.

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

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.

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 LowerCampground is available multiple site reservations for seven 7 campsites or more must be made through the call center at 866-634-3246.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is the Snake River, which provides opportunities for motorized and non-motorized watercraft use including power boats, jet skis, canoes and kayaks. However, it's important to note that there are no boat ramps or docks within the park itself; instead nearby Glenns Ferry has facilities available. The river also hosts an annual event where people reenact pioneers crossing in covered wagons using modern day rafts.
Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling in the Snake River, home to species like catfish, smallmouth bass and trout.


Location
Three Island Crossing State Park is

Picnicking
Three Island Crossing State Park offers picnic tables, grills and shelters. It's perfect for family outings with beautiful river views.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's paved roads. Off-road biking is not recommended due to rough terrain and wildlife presence.

The 3-mile loop trail offers a moderate challenge for cyclists, with some hilly sections requiring extra effort.

Cyclists should be aware that there are no dedicated bike lanes in this area; sharing the road with vehicles is necessary.

Riding after dark isn't advised as lighting within the park premises remains limited during night hours.

Always wear helmets while riding bikes inside this natural reserve to ensure safety from unexpected accidents or falls.

Be cautious of pedestrians on shared paths - slow down when approaching others and use your bell if needed.

Remember, it's important to respect nature by staying on designated trails only - off-trail cycling could damage local flora/fauna habitats.

Lastly, always check weather conditions before heading out since sudden changes may make certain routes unsafe for bicycling activities.
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 Oregon's 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 mid-1860s, 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 near Glenns Ferry. The route left Idaho near the site of old Fort Boise, near Parma, after 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 year's 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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 23 a favorite,park the rv & tour the area, by a teachers aid
park review stars; one to five We have stayed at this park each time we are in the area and never have been disappointed, We bike the areas, enjoy the scenery and wonder at the pioneers stories we hear and read about...
February 7 Great park for Families by Mitch M
park review stars; one to five Great views of the Snake River, Trees offer abundant shade even in the heat of the summer. Great facilities.
June 7 Great visitors center by Tony
park review stars; one to five We loved the history and want to come to the next reenactment of the crossing.
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