End of the Trail Interpretive Center

The End of the Trail Interpretive Center (1726 Washington St., 503/657-0988, www.endoftheoregontrail.org [1], 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun., $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children, includes admission to Museum of the Oregon Territory [2]) showcases Oregon City [3]’s claim as the terminus of the Oregon Trail.

This status is also claimed by The Dalles [4], a city in the Columbia River Gorge [5].

Without belaboring the merits of each claim, suffice it to say that Oregon City was at the end of the Barlow Trail, a spur route over Mount Hood [6] from The Dalles for pioneers understandably leery of the raft trip down the Columbia River.

This large interpretive center was built to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Great Migration of 1843.

Getting to the End of the Trail

To get there coming from Portland [7], take I-205 south to the Park Place Exit, turn south on Route 213, and follow the signs to Abernethy Green. Organizers have selected an area often identified as the end of the Barlow Road section of the trail to set up these facilities.

To find them, follow Washington Street north to its intersection with Abernethy Road, or ask one of the locals for directions to Kelly Field. From I-205, you should be able to see three connected buildings in the shape of giant covered wagons.