Westward Ho!

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City is one of several memorials to the largest mass migration in American history.

When we entered the center, a great one hour video was just starting. Then we walked through the exhibits. We were fascinated by the story told in dioramas, audio, and text panels along with artifacts from the historic journey. We learned much about the hardships and tragedies as well as the spirit and determination of the travelers.

Although it was very hot, we chose to descend into the valley and hike the loop trail which includes access to the actual ruts. The experience of just being there was powerful.

Actual ruts from thousands of wagon trains remain in this desert climate

My cooling towel "fashion accessory"

From https://www.nps.gov/oreg/planyourvisit/site10.htm

Hill

Outdoor exhibit at Flagstaff Hill NPS Flagstaff HillNational Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center - Baker City, Oregon This 23,000 square-foot interpretive center atop Flagstaff Hill overlooks nearly seven miles of well-preserved Oregon Trail ruts that extend across Virtue Flat southeast of Flagstaff Hill. This arid trail segment, where emigrants fought their way through shoulder-tall sagebrush, tested weary emigrants who had endured four or five difficult days ascending Burnt River. In places, several ruts run parallel, suggesting some teams pulled alongside or ahead of others in the push to reach the Powder River. But travelers were also greeted with their first site of the Promised Land beyond. From atop Flagstaff Hill, the Blue Mountains beckoned in the distance, assuring emigrants that their long journey from the Missouri would soon end in the long awaited Willamette Valley.