Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

  • Bear River Massacre Site

    Bear River Massacre Site (ID)

    The January 29,1863 Bear River Massacre of 250 or more Native Americans, by Colonel Patrick Connor and his troops, occurred here. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

    Location:

    The site is off the main highway. Proceed north 2.5 miles out of Preston on US 91 to Milepost 13.1.
  • Black Canyon Gorge

    Black Canyon Gorge (ID)

    The Bear River flows through this ancient lava flow to create a unique gorge.

    Location:

    West of ID-34 between Grace and Thatcher.
  • Caribou-Targhee National Forest

    Caribou-Targhee National Forest (ID)

    The Caribou-Targhee National Forest occupies over three million acres and stretches across southeastern Idaho, from the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming borders.

    Location:

    In southeastern Idaho, on the borders of Montana, Utah and Wyoming.
  • Chesterfield

    Chesterfield (ID)

    Established in 1879, this historic community on the Oregon Trail is a well preserved example of a small Mormon settlement. The town site features 23 historic buildings, many of them brick, built between 1884 and 1904.

    Location:

    Located off the main byway route, 20 miles northwest of the US 30/SH 34 junction.
  • China Hat Geological Site

    China Hat Geological Site (ID)

    China Hat is a rhyolite dome known for its unusual shape.

    Location:

    West of ID-34 between Soda Springs and Henry in southeastern Idaho.

  • Fish Haven (ID)

    Visitors will find information about Bear Lake at this lake shore town.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Highway 89 on the west shore of Bear Lake

  • Formation Springs Preserve (ID)

    This unique geological area offers natural discovery to Byway travelers.

    Location:

    Just north of Soda Springs, ID.
  • Franklin Historic District

    Franklin Historic District (ID)

    The oldest continually settled town in Idaho, Franklin was founded in 1860 by Mormon pioneers. Several original buildings stand in the historic district: the Relic Hall, the old ZCMI store, the Hatch House, and others.

    Location:

    Franklin Historic District is located on US 91, 1.45 miles north of the Idaho/Utah border. The collage of buildings and markers are within one city block of each other.
  • Geyser Park and Visitor Center

    Geyser Park and Visitor Center (ID)

    This small park in the heart of Soda Springs features the world`s only captive geyser.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Soda Springs, Idaho
  • Grace

    Grace (ID)

    This community was settled in 1889 and is central to many nearby points of interest.

    Location:

    Southern Idaho