In 1993, 57-year old Muriel Carbiener stepped out of her vehicle and into the Eastern Oregon sagebrush. “You want me to hike in THIS?” she asked her husband Gail Carbiener, then 59. The trust earned over their 36 years of marriage won Gail the privilege of introducing his wife to the “ruts”. The ruts are, in this case, the indentations in the earth made by the wheels of the covered wagons passing through on their way from Missouri to Oregon’s Willamette Valley along the Oregon Trail over 150 years ago.
Fast forward 33 years later and spry 90-year-old Muriel still fights back tears thinking about it. “I understood immediately that I was standing where thousands of people who had walked all the way from Missouri had been. They didn’t ride in the wagons, you know. Those were for supplies. They walked.” Gail, a lifelong hiker and tireless advocate for the preservation of the Oregon Trail and other natural spaces added, “The Oregon Trail is special. Walking in the footsteps of emigrants, hiking in ruts in 90-degree weather, you feel it.”
With this special perspective in mind, the Carbieners, official “Rut Nuts”, recommend a few places for you and your family to explore with Oregon Trail education in mind.
Sarah King Chambers Gravesite
Traveling from Central Oregon east on Hwy 20, this is the site furthest off the beaten path in our tour, yet still well worth a visit. Just before Juntura, turn left on Beulah Road, heading toward the Beulah Reservoir. On this dirt road travel 16 miles past the reservoir, turn left on Beal Ranch Road, and go about 3.25 miles farther. Her grave is on the bluff on the right opposite a hay shed on the left.
Chambers was a pioneer, wife, and mother who died along the Oregon trail. Her burial site, including the original headstone, is maintained by the Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA). Due to exposure to the elements, the wagon ruts are not visible at this site, yet it is worth the 40-mile loop trip from Juntura. Chukar Park is along the way for a picnic stop, camping, fishing and birding.
Keeney Pass Interpretive Site
A right turn off Hwy 20 onto Lyle Boulevard brings you to the site named after fur trader Jonathan Keeney who set out on the trail at age 19. This is an easy stop for a 0.7-mile wander that includes rut sightings. The initial portion of the trail is accessible, including visible ruts along this portion. Look for cement posts on Lyle Blvd, every 1/4 mile on the trail ruts.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Turn back toward Vale and take Hwy 20 to Ontario then north on I-84 to Baker City. The Interpretive Center is east of town and you might just think you missed it, yet press on for a real treat. There are interactive exhibits, live presentations, dioramas, and, yes, ruts! Baker City and its surrounds offer plenty of dining, camping, and recreational activities if this is a place you’d like to linger.
Oregon Trail Visitors Park at Blue Mountain Crossing
Back on I-84 toward Pendleton and north of La Grande, if you pay attention, you’ll see signs for an Oregon Trail Park. Follow these and you’ll come to another site with interpretive signage and a loop trail (accessible) that includes trail sightings. Ruts here are deep within the groves of trees.An excellent stop along your way!
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum
Among the many treasures in The Dalles, you’ll find the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum which features, among many others, a permanent Oregon Trail exhibit. With all the center has to offer, you will want to spend some time here. The Dalles also offers many restaurants, breweries, and places to stay.
While these are locations the Carbieners highlighted, they point also to many additional stops along the way. All are detailed in a free downloadable book entitled, National Historic Trails Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guide Across Oregon at NPS.gov/OREG or by downloading the NPS (National Park Service) app on Apple or Android and following the ‘Oregon Trail across Oregon and Washington’ guided tour.
If you’re wondering who maintains and updates these important historic sites, the answer was hidden above with the mention of the Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA). The Carbieners have spent countless hours over decades volunteering for this organization, and they highly recommend that you check it out to support or get involved.
Lastly, no good trail steward would allow an exploration to begin without these important reminders:
- Leave no trace
- Take your time
- Read the interpretive signage
- Imagine life as it was long ago
- Keep exploring!
OCTA-Trails.org
NPS.gov/OREG
“The Oregon Trail is special. Walking in the footsteps of emigrants, hiking in ruts in 90-degree weather, you feel it."
—Gail Carbiener, advocate for the preservation of the Oregon Trail