Stop 2 Along the Oregon Trail - Platte River

This page describes the experience of being at the Platte River on the Oregon Trail.

Platte River

Listen

Important Shallow River

The Platte River played a crucial role in America's westward expansion. Significant portions of the Oregon and Mormon Trails followed the shallow river. The Platte River is one of the most important migratory stopovers for waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and the endangered Whooping Crane.

Length: apx. 990 miles (total length of the Platte and the North and South Platte Rivers)

Source: Eastern Rocky Mountains

Outflow: Missouri River

Next Stop: Great Plains

Oregon Trail Map