Chester H. Armstrong, History of the Oregon State Parks: 1917-1963

Farewell Bend State Park is located in Baker County at the Baker-Malheur county line. It lies between the Oregon Trail Highway (Interstate 80N) and the Snake River on the shores of Brownlee Reservoir approximately four miles south of Huntington.

The first land for this park was a gift of 45.73 acres from the Idaho Power Company. Deed is dated November 28, 1958. An additional 3.57 acres was given by the Power Company in 1960. The state purchased in 1959 a 16-acre tract lying between the highway and the property given to the state by the Power Company. Total acreage in the park is 65.30 acres at the close of 1963.

A good crop of alfalfa and grass was growing on the land at the time the state acquired it.

The name Farewell Bend has a historical reference. The original route of the Old Oregon Trail left the beautiful Snake River at this point and started over the Blue Mountains. The river was never seen again by the pioneer on his westward journey. This evoked the thought that the pioneer said farewell to the river.

The terrain of this park is quite level and very suitable for park development.

The Idaho Power Company constructed a dam on the Snake River about 40 miles downstream from the park property. This dam impounds water in a lake which extends upstream past the park, furnishing a large body of water for recreational purposes. Fishing and boating are enjoyed as well as views of the scenic beauty of the deep, narrow canyon starting a short distance from the park. The water level in the lake remains constant during the recreational period, allowing for the greatest possible use by the park patrons.

Improvements at this park are an entrance road, car parking area, tree planting, trails, paved boat launching ramp 100 x 300 feet, swimming beach and day use area complete with water, tables and sanitary facilities. A concession to serve the boaters and other patrons of the park has been provided under an agreement with a concessionaire.

Attendance in 1963 was a total of 129,288 day visitors and 7,573 camper nights.

Permits and agreements as follows affect this park:

5595 8-17-59 Idaho Power Co—power line Indefinite

5771 9-8-60 Idaho Power Co—power line to trailer and building "

2118 4-25-63 Idaho Power Co—power line to concession 4-25-73

2118 4-25-63 Idaho Power Co—adjustment of annual charge 4-25-73

2596 2-18-63 Bruce Kirkpatrick—boat concession

Oregon State Parks: Farewell Bend State Recreation Area

Historic Farewell Bend State Recreation Area is located on the Oregon/Idaho border northwest of Ontario, exit 353 off I-84. The park features a beautiful desert experience on the banks of the Snake River's Brownlee Reservoir. Historic markers and interpretive displays provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend's significance on the Oregon Trail. The RV and tent campgrounds make excellent base camps as you explore the the Snake River Water Trail and other regional attractions.

Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water skiing and boating. Current water levels are posted on the Idaho Power website .

There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court and picnic areas for you to enjoy. You may even see wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, geese, eagles, chukars, and quail. Evening interpretive programs are periodically presented from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Click the Events tab for dates and times.

ADVISORY: Mosquito populations can be high during summer.

History

After following the Snake River for 330 miles, Oregon Trail pioneers rested above the bend in the river here, then bid farewell to the Snake River and continued their trek. Look for a small iron cross, visible from U.S. 30, that marks the location where the Snake River Shoshone Indians battled with pioneer travelers in 1860. Restored covered wagons rest at the park entrance and next to the Oregon Trail kiosk. You can also visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on Flagstaff Hill just east of Baker City, no more than an hour's drive away.

Links

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the Old Oregon Trail Highway