A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
Massacre Rocks State Park received its name from a grouping of boulders that created a narrow break through which the Oregon and California Trails passed. Emigrants, fearing that American Indians might be waiting in ambush, named the boulders "Massacre Rocks." Skirmishes between emigrants and Shoshone Indians did occur in August 1862, but these took place east of the park. The state park still contains visible remnants of the Oregon and California Trails, including deep ruts that can be visited by following a paved path at the end of Park Lane, northeast of the visitor center. The visitor center itself has exhibits and interpretive panels about the wagon trails and the emigrant-Indian skirmishes that occurred in the area.
The park also offers 7.5 miles of hiking trails, some with interpretive waysides; biking; wildlife viewing; river access for boating and fishing; and a 42-site campground with hookups. Modest admission is charged.