Oregon Trail Reserve
Oregon Trail Reserve provides a wide variety of opportunities to hike, mountain bike or ride a trail on horseback. It is a location full of history, as the Oregon Trail was the path for people to travel west from the 1840s to 1960s. Visitors can learn more about the history of the area through interpretive signs and overlooks scattered along the trails.
Conditions
No specific conditions or closures to report.
Review our full log of trail Condition Reports for the most current information.
Projects
Oregon Trail Vegetation Management - Fuel Break Project
Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise Fire are partnering to complete a series of wildfire mitigation projects in the Boise Foothills in 2026, including using a masticator to make a fuel break at Oregon Trail Reserve.
Due to the large machinery needed to complete the scope of work, this project will include the temporary closure of the Basalt Trail #101. Signs and associated trail closures will be posted in work areas – please stay out for your own safety.
Thank you for your patience as this work is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible!
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Parking
There are two trailheads accessing trails within the Oregon Trail Reserve, both located along East Lake Forest Drive:
- Whitman Trailhead, corner of Orchid and Lake Forest Drive - 20 paved parking spots, 2 ADA accessible spots
- Kelton Trailhead, corner of Kelton and Lake Forest Drive - 9 paved parking spots, 1 ADA van accessible spot, 1 ADA accessible spot
Restrooms
There are restrooms available at the Whitman Trailhead.
Trail notes
- Views
- Historical interpretation
- Easy family hikes
- Easy mountain bike rides
- Water fountain and dog watering station at the Whitman Trailhead
Dogs are allowed on all Oregon Trail Reserve designated trails, but must be kept on-leash at all times to minimize disturbance to this historic area. Bikes are allowed on designated trails. Mountain bikers are asked to walk their bikes on the Kelton Ramp to avoid excessive disturbance to this historic site. Thank you for doing your part to protect this special place.