The Oregon Trail: A Potential Addition to the National Trails System

Department of the Interior - Bureau of Outdoor Recreation

The National Trails System Act created three types of trails: national recreation trails, national scenic trails, and connecting or side trail s. National recreation trails provide for a variety of outdoor recreation uses in or near urban areas . They may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or by the Secretary of Agriculture where lands administered by him are involved. National scenic trails are long-distance trails that provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of nationally significant scenic , historic , natural , or cultural qualities of the area. They may be designated only by the Congress. Connecting or side trails provide access to or connect national recreation or scenic trails and may become part of the trail to which they are joined. In addition to the two initial components of the National Trails System, 14 other routes were identified in the Act for future study and possible inclusion as national scenic trails. One of the study routes, as identified in Section 5(c)(8) of the Act , is the "Oregon Trail , from Independence, Missouri , approximately two thousand miles to near Fort Vancouver, Washington." This study seeks to determine the feasibility and desirability of designating the Oregon Trail route as a component of the National Trails System. All State and Federal agencies having a direct interest in the Oregon Trail were invited to participate in the study. Because much of the interest in the Oregon Trail is found among the members of local historical societies along the route , representatives from these societies also participated. A list of participants appears in Appendix A.The route's location (see maps in section entitled "Description of Primary Route") is its actual historic location, as established by consensus of historians. The route had largely been determined prior to this study, although some questionable segments required further research and documentation by participants in this study. Segments of the route having high potential for public recreation use were identified. Historic sites along the route were cataloged, and those having high public use potential were identified. High-potential route segments and historic sites were evaluated to determine actions necessary for realization of their potentials. Alternatives for action were presented in an information brochure and at public meetings. Public comment was received orally and in writing. The work of the Department in assessing the Oregon Trail's potential for recreation use and enjoyment by the American public has been facilitated by the many public agencies and local groups along the Oregon Trail which have already initiated preservation and interpretation programs. It also has been aided by the numerous books and articles that have been written about this historic route.