STAYTON/JORDAN

This bridge has a somewhat unique history. It was originally built over the Thomas Creek in Linn County several miles east of Scio. When Linn County announced the aging Jordan Bridge was to be replaced in 1986, Stayton residents asked if they could take title to the structure. A covered bridge preservation company was formed, enlisting the help of numerous volunteers and Marine Corps reservists for the 6th Engineering Battalion in Salem. The span was rebuilt over the Salem Power Canal to serve as a foot bridge connecting two parks. The process of rebuilding the Jordan Bridge occupied nearly two years, culminating in a dedication ceremony in June 1988.

In 1994, the bridge caught fire on December 20th when Christmas lights ignited the roof. It was a total loss. Local citizens worked throughout 1997 and 1998 to construct a new covered bridge at the site. The new bridge incorporates glue laminated members for added strength. The rebuilt bridge was dedicated in September 1998.

To get to the bridge, I rode from Silverton south on Hwy 211. If you are in need of zen moments, it's a very, very nice area to putter through. The roads are in excellent condition and not much travelled. There is excellent parking available so access to the bridge is possible regardless of whether you ride or drive. Picnic tables are sprinkled throughout the park so bring along a picnic lunch/dinner to enjoy some downtime there. Kids were playing in the water so there's a number of ways to enjoy the location.

Latitude: 44°47'55.2"N, Longitude: 122°47'09.2"W

GALLON HOUSE

The Gallon House Bridge, the last of Marion County's original covered bridges, is located a little more than a mile northwest of Silverton. Orginally constructed in 1917, this is a 84' long bridge over Abiqua Creek. The name Gallon House came from the bridge's use as a "pigeon drop" for liquor at the north entrance. Silverton was "dry," not allowing liquor to be sold in town, while Mt. Angel was "wet". Operators at a liquor dispensary nearby sold "white lightening" whiskey by the gallon to Silverton residents. The bridge was in Mt. Angel territory served as a convenient "transfer" point.

Roads to the bridge are in excellent condition. I chose to access the bridge by using Hwy 214 from Woodburn through Mt. Angel then to Silverton. Very enjoyable ride through the farms and fields once I was out of Woodburn. Beautiful area, very low traffic (serious bonus in my book).

There isn't much room to get off the road once you are at the bridge but there's just enough to get a motorcycle off to the side. There's more space on the other side of the bridge for a car to pull off (loose gravel) but the view isn't as nice. It would be difficult to get a decent shot of the inside of the bridge as this one doesn't feature any windows or open spaces in the construction but it's a nice walk across regardless. Wish I could share the perfect temperature for you like I had.

Latitude: 45°01'55.5"N, Longitude: 122°47'53.3"W

Sunset in Linn County

Every now and then you have to just stop what you are doing to appreciate your surroundings, the tremendous scenery, the colors, smells and feel of summer in Oregon. This is a sunset in Linn County, OR. Peaceful. Beautiful. I really couldn't ask for a better end to the day.

GILKEY BRIDGE

Built in 1939, the bridge had to be rennovated in 1998 after a careless load handling incident damaged the internal support structure. The railroad runs right next to the bridge, which apparently put the town of Gilkey on the map as a point of shipping for local farm goods. Those days are long gone and now you hardly realize you are passing through a town except for a collection of closer spaced homes with the most wonderful smells of baked goods (it was about time for dinner and I think I was getting hungry). The bridge spans 120 feet over Thomas Creek. Very charming farming area. The roads to access the bridge are in excellent condition.

High quality prints of this bridge are available at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/scenicroads
Just search by the bridge name.

Lattitude: 44.4116 N
Longitude: 122.5412 W

HOFFMAN BRIDGE

Built in 1936, the 90 foot bridge spans Crabtree Creek about a mile north of the town of Crabtree. Cute farming town. The roads to access the bridge are in excellent condition. Not much room to get off the road to stop but doable.

High quality prints of this bridge are available at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/scenicroads
Just search by the bridge name.

Latitude: 44.3912N
Longitude: 122.5325W

Part of the Adventure

I paused to appreciate the lengthening shadows of the day and a moment of silence near Crabtree, Oregon.

WEDDELL BRIDGE

Located in Linn County in the town of Sweet Home, OR. It is 120 feet long. Originally built in 1937 over Thomas Creek, it was completely rennovated in 1990 and moved to it's current location over Ames Creek in Sandkey Park. This particular bridge took some getting to as I didn't realize when I was planning for this trip the town was having it's annual celebration (July 31st), a huge party in the park. Live band, the works. The Army Guard who was providing traffic control allowed me to slip by to take a picture before resuming my travels to the next bridge.

Latitude: 44.2335N, Longitude: 122.4339W

SHORT BRIDGE

(also known as the Whisky Butte Bridge)

Not easy to find using the GPS coordinates provided by the State of Oregon but the locals will happily point you in the right direction. Lovely bridge spanning the South Santiam River. Built in 1945, 105 feet long. There are several superb campgrounds nearby. Located in Linn County by the town of Cascadia. Roads to the bridge are in good to excellent condition.

Latitude: 44.2330N, Longitude: 122.3036W