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.