Oregon Trail emigrants referred to the Massacre Rocks area as "Gate of Death" and "Devil's Gate", but modern day travelers use terms like beautiful, serene, and restful to describe the park. The park is rich in Oregon Trail, geological, and natural histories.
Rich in history, pioneers used this area, specifically what is now referred to as ‘ Register Rock’ as a rest stop for years. Today we invite horse owners to water and rest their animals in the corral at Register Rock. Many emigrant names are inscribed on the large rock, which is now protected by a weather shelter. A scenic picnic area surrounds the rock, creating a desert oasis for the modern traveler. The site also includes a horse rest area for highway travelers.
Oregon Trail remnants are most easily seen from highway rest areas in either end of the park. For additional information on the Oregon Trail visit the Three Island Crossing State Park page and the Oregon/California Trail Center website.
The Park Today
July 12 Centennial Celebration at Massacre Rocks: until 9:30pm
• ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK: During the day, a canoe skills workshop will be given but requires pre-registration. In the evening, a Living History Program will take place in the campground program area (8:30-9:30pm).
• REFRESHMENTS IN THE PARK: Ice Cream Social in the evening when it cools off (7:30-9pm).
• CONDITIONS IN THE PARK TODAY
Open for camping all year. Check out our camping cabins. Each sleep five and have electricity, heat, A/C and lockable windows and doors.
Situated on the Snake River, just off Interstate 86, exit 28,
Massacre Rocks State Park is open year round and covers approximately
1,000 acres. The park has a 40 unit campground with water and
electrical hookups, 4 sleeping cabins, restroom buildings with hot
showers, a visitor center, access to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts, over
12K of hiking trails with maps, a self guided nature trail, and a boat
launching area. Summers are full of fun to be had fishing, boating,
hiking, exploring, and bicycling. If you forgot to pack fun, we have
enough here for everyone.
Weekend campfire programs are held
from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Canoes and Kayaks are available to
rent for fun on the river, and special events are routinely held. Bird
watching is exceptional here as well, with over 200 species identified
annually. If botany is your bag, we have about 300 species of plants
for your enjoyment.
Register Rock
Register Rock, located two miles from the park, is home to a huge
boulder that holds the signatures of Oregon Trail emigrants who stopped
for an evening of rest before continuing on their journeys. Register
Rock is a beautiful picnic area complete with shade trees, lawn, a
horseshoe pitching area, restrooms, fire pits, and barbecue grills.
Geology
The park is rich in geological history. Volcanic evidence is
everywhere. The Devil's Gate Pass is all that remains of an extinct
volcano. The prehistoric Bonneville Flood shaped the landscape of the
area, rolling and polishing the huge boulders found throughout the
park. The flood was caused when eroding waters broke through Red Rock
Pass near the Idaho/Utah border. Lake Bonneville, which covered much of
what is today the state of Utah, surged through the pass and along the
channel of the Snake River in a few short months. For a time, the flow
was four times that of the Amazon River. It was the second largest
flood in the geologic history of the world.
Plants and Animals
Massacre Rocks State Park is a favorite for birdwatchers. Over 200
species of birds have been sighted in the park. Canada geese, grebes,
bald eagles, pelicans and blue herons are often seen. Mammals include
the cottontail, jack rabbit, coyote, muskrat and beaver. The desert
environment produces about 300 species of plants in the park. The most
common are sagebrush, Utah juniper and rabbit brush.