December 11, 2011

APPLEGATE RIVER (McKEE)

This is the southern most covered bridge in Oregon. The bridge was originally built in 1917 spanning the Applegate River, serving the mining and logging traffic. The bridge was used as a rest stop until 1919 because it was located halfway between Jacksonville and the Blue Ledge Cooper Mine. It has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1956. It has since undergone a number of renovations to keep it serviceable for pedestrian visitors. Just as we were delighted to find the Wimer Bridge had been rebuilt, we were equally disappointed to find just days before we visited this bridge it had been closed because it had failed its structural inspection. We'll check back in a couple of years to see if the required upgrades have been made. We left a small donation in the box to help out. I hope you will too if you stop by to visit the bridge and the area.







The bridge is located in a park that was equally interesting, maintained by the US. Department of Agriculture. Camping is not permitted on site but it has one of the nicest picnic areas I've come across in a long, long time. Well maintained, clean as a whistle (including the necessary facilities). When is the last time you can remember seeing these kinds of rock fireplaces and wood box doors? I have to think back to my childhood to remember this kind of quality. They don't make anything like this anymore. The stone steps down to the river were remarkable, as were the fire places and covered picnic areas. It would be well worth the trip out in the summer to enjoy the area.

This particular bridge is located in an interesting area to visit. I don't make this comment lightly... the area scenery was breathtaking. The landscape was gentle rolling hills - a complimentary combination of vineyards, horse ranches, and forest lands with trees ablaze in fall colors. The roads are in excellent condition. The residents in the area obviously take great pride in keeping everything neat, tidy and well maintained. It felt very welcoming. The town of Jacksonville, about eight miles east of the bridge, is an amazing historic town. It was a delight to drive through and well worth a trip back to check out when we have more time to really take it in. We'll probably make a weekend trip out of it so we can take everything in.

Location:
Latitude: 42°07'33.0"N

Longitude: 123°04'21.2"W
SOUTHERN OREGON (I-5 corridor)

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