The Historic Oregon Trail by RV through the PNW

Explore the final leg of one of America’s most iconic journeys, the Oregon Trail, through the lens of RV travel in the Pacific Northwest. This episode focuses on the last stretch of the trail, where pioneers faced some of their greatest challenges before reaching the promise of the Willamette Valley. Traveling by RV offers a powerful way to connect with the landscape and history, tracing wagon ruts through Eastern Oregon and visiting sites that still echo with the stories of grit, hope, and perseverance.

We’ll take you to key stops from Lolo Pass in Idaho to the lush lands surrounding the Columbia River that marked the final miles for thousands of people. Along the way, you’ll get practical tips for RV camping, suggestions for historical side trips, and insight into the legacy that shaped the Pacific Northwest.

This episode is all about slowing down, soaking in the land, and reflecting on the journey west, not just of the pioneers, but your own. Discover how the Oregon Trail lives on, not just in textbooks, but in the places you can still visit, explore, and experience by RV.

SHOW NOTES

Key Topics Covered:

• The challenges the Corps of Discovery faced: rugged terrain, harsh wilderness, river rapids, and survival.

• Important landmarks:
  • Lolo Pass — where Lewis & Clark crossed the Bitterroots This is Go RVing
  • Nez Perce National Historical Park in Spalding, Idaho
  • Confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers (Sacajawea State Park)
  • Columbia Hills Historical State Park & Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
  • Fort Clatsop and Astoria, Oregon

Key Stops & Interpretive Centers

• Lolo Pass Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 12 (Idaho-Montana border) — learn about the Lewis & Clark crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Nez Perce Flight. US Forest Service

• Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding, Idaho — exhibits, ranger programs, and historic sites including Spalding Mission and the Lapwai Mission Cemetery. National Park Service+2National Park Service+2

Camping & RV Info

• For staying near the route, state and federal campgrounds are available in areas around Spalding and the Clearwater River corridor. Check Recreation.gov for listings. National Park Service+1

• While the Nez Perce National Historical Park itself has no camping inside park sites and overnight parking is not allowed in parking lots, there are nearby RV‑friendly camps managed by state parks or private campgrounds. National Park Service

Trip Length & Highlights

• Suggested Duration: ~7‑10 days to savor the route without feeling rushed.

• Highlights:
  • Walking trails and interpretive signage in places like Lolo Pass and Nez Perce Historic Sites.
  • River crossings, historic missions, and sites of early settlements.
  • Ending at Fort Clatsop, where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1805‑1806 before making their return journey.

RV & Travel Tips:

• Planning route: best roads (Highway 12, U.S. 14/I‑84), pull‑offs, and interpretive signs

• Camping options: campgrounds with full hookups, lake access, riverfront stops

• Preparedness: offline maps, checking RV size/length limits at historic sites