NORTH FORK (YACHATS)

The North Fork (Yachats) covered bridge is located approximately 20 miles west of the Five Rivers (Fisher School) covered bridge on the central Oregon coast. Built in 1938 over the North Fork Yachats River, it serves as access for the families in the area. The name "Yachats" to the local Indians means "at the foot of the mountain".

The scenery on the way to the bridge is phenomenal. The area around the bridge is private property but there's ample room to park and enjoy the bridge.

<-- View of the creek under the bridge.

NOTE OF CAUTION: The roads have been recently resurfaced and are in excellent condition... all the way up to the last mile and a half. The county is apparently letting the road there revert back to gravel so it can be described as "in transition". There's pavement, gravel on pavement, loose gravel and packed dirt. The gravel on pavement was the hardest to go over on a motorcycle making a seriously loosey goosey kind of ride. For that reason I wouldn't recommend this bridge for new riders or the folks not comfortable riding on gravel roads.

Located at:
Latitude: 44°18'35.9"N
Longitude: 123°58'10.9"W
CENTRAL OREGON COAST

My day loop began with the Alsea River (Hayden) bridge, then Five Rivers (Fisher) bridge and finishing with this bridge out on the coast. I did this particular loop in the latter part of August 2011. I encountered a 25 degree drop in temperature between the Alsea bridge (inland) and this one (seven miles from the coast) so take along extra layers just in case you might need them. The fog began rolling in off the coast late afternoon but that will be variable depending on the time of year you visit the bridge. A tour map showing all three locations along the Central Oregon coast will be posted shortly.

FIVE RIVERS (FISHER)

The Fisher covered bridge is located approximately 20 miles west of the Alsea Bridge just off of Highway 34 in Lincoln County. This one is a little harder to find because the directions I had used road names but my GPS only had forest service roads by number. Fortunately there are posted signs giving directions so it's not impossible to find in spite of the mismatch. I also found my GPS was of little help in this area because mine kept trying to route me over rough logging roads I'm assuming because using just the coordinates, it used the most direct route it could (in its opinion). It's probably just my GPS. I ended up not using it to guide me to this bridge.

This bridge is called Five Rivers because the stream is made up of five streams: Alder Creek, Buck Creek, Cherry Creek, Cougar Creek, and Crab Creek (alphabetically listed). It's also referred to as the Fisher School bridge because of its close proximity to the area elementary school. It was originally built in 1919 and renovated in 1927. It was renovated again in the 70's. Apparently there were two other covered bridges close by but this is the last remaining one in the area. The next closest bridges are the Alsea covered bridge approximately 20 miles east and the North Fork (Yachats) covered bridge approximately 20 miles west. Information on these two bridges can be found in other posts in this blog.

View inside the bridge.

Side view of the bridge.

The roads to the bridge are in pretty good shape but are starting to need repairs in areas so use care in the twists and turns. The road does have some cracking developing that could cause some angst if you aren't watching for them. I found traveling at the posted speed limit it was easy to avoid the problem spots. If you are looking for an area to test your technical skills on winding roads, the road isn't in good enough shape.

NOTE OF CAUTION: The bridge is posted one way. The road on the back side of the bridge is gravel so if you have issues riding on gravel, you'll want to park in front and walk across.

I noticed on the way to the bridge there are a number of campgrounds along the way featuring hiking, camping and picnic areas so it would be easy to make a weekend of it. Because the road to the bridge follows the creeks in the area, it's a beautiful route to enjoy.

Located at:
Latitude: 44°17'29.8"N
Longitude: 123°50'28.3"W
CENTRAL OREGON COAST

My day loop began with the Alsea River (Hayden) bridge, then this one and finishing with the Yachats covered bridge out on the coast. A tour map showing all three locations along the Central Oregon coast will be posted shortly.

My Ride

2008 Yamaha FJR

When I take my bridge pictures, I take two versions. One features just the bridge which you see included in this blog. The other version is with my bike in front of each bridge. I have prints made of the second set and frame them to hang at home to remind me of my fun adventures over the winter when I'm planning my next years road trips.

ALSEA RIVER (HAYDEN)

This 91 foot bridge was orginally built in 1918 over the Alsea River. Word is there used to be a handful more covered bridges in the area but this is the sole survivor. It was rennovated in 1945. It is still in great shape and currently in use by the locals.

The roads to this bridge are in excellent condition. I came in through Corvallis on Hwy 34. Once past Philomath, on a motorcycle there's enough turns and twists to keep it interesting but it's not techncially challenging so even if you are new to riding, you'll enjoy the travel adventure to this bridge. The road follows the river so it's a very pleasant journey.

If you are on a motorcycle, there really isn't a place to pull off by the bridge until you cross to the other side. Once on the other side, on the right is a driveway to a private home and on the left is a driveway to a working farm. The barn is in its final years making for an interesting photo opportunity. There's plenty of room to turn around entirely on pavement without touching gravel. The river in August (when I was there) is slow moving but clear so you can see to the bottom. Overall it's a peaceful setting to enjoy.

The town of Alsea (2010 population - 165) is just two miles east of the bridge. If you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, I recommend stopping at Deb's Cafe. The restaurant has a nice ambiance with good food at a reasonable price and the folks are friendly. You can preview their menu at www.eatatdebs.com. The parking lot on the side is gravel but you can park across the street on pavement.

Located at:
Latitude: 44°22'59.3"N, Longitude: 123°37'50.4"W
CENTRAL OREGON COAST

My day loop began with this bridge and the Fisher School covered bridge, finishing with the Yachats covered bridge out on the coast. A tour map showing all three locations along the Central Oregon coast will be posted shortly.