Rabbithole Springs was a stop along the Applegate Trail, the southern route of the Oregon Trail. Water was scarce along the Applegate Trail; however, there were several main locations that emigrants depended upon for their water supply, Rabbithole Springs being one.

Many of the emigrants who passed through here during the massive westward emigration in 1849, found the spring at Rabbithole disappointing. In 1846, the Applegate’s blazed the trail for the purposes of Oregon-bound emigrants and as an escape route in the event of hostile interaction with the British. The trail was not meant for the passage of thousands of emigrants in 1849-1856. Consequently, Rabbithole was less of an oasis and more of a frustration for weary, thirsty travelers. Wells had to be dug in order to retrieve a decent amount of water, and if one arrived later in the day, especially later in the year, the water supply was certain to be low.

"Great numbers of rabbits came around us and we killed all we wanted of them. This is the place always since known as the Rabbit Hole Springs." Lindsay Applegate, 1846