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)

WIMER

According to the State of Oregon information, this bridge collapsed on July 6, 2003 and was a total loss. Since we were coming back from a road trip and would be passing close by, we decided to take a chance and stop by this location. Am I glad we did!! Apparently no one has been updating the state's website in recent years. The bridge has been rebuilt and it's beautiful!

Originally built in 1927, the bridge was replaced in 1928. It spans the Evans Creek in the small town of Wimer. The bridge has undergone several renovations before collapsing in 2003 and being rebuilt in 2008. The roads to the bridge are in excellent condition. There is a pull off at both ends of the bridge but there is considerably more room to park on the west side of the bridge. To get to it you have to travel a short distance on a one lane gravel road and be able to turn sharply left down a rutted embankment type road which might be a slight challenge to lower street type bikes. My car is all-wheel drive (higher than the average car) and I was reluctant to give it a shot so it would be safe to say, if you have problems going over speed bumps in parking lots, park on the east side of the bridge unless the road has been regraded. Note: Both parking areas are gravel. There is a gas station/convenience store on the east side of the bridge with a paved area. They could probably use the business so buy something from them if you use their parking area.

Location:
SOUTHERN OREGON (I-5 corridor)

LOST CREEK

The sun had set and I thought I didn't have enough light to get pictures this trip but I discovered a new technique that I really like and will use again in low light situations in the future.

This particular bridge is the shortest of all Oregon bridges. It has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1979. The sign on the bridge indicates it was built about 1881. It was partically or totally rebuilt in 1919 but without firm details about the rennovation recorded, the official records note it as being built in 1919.

Decendants of the founding pioneer in the area, John Walch, built and maintain a beautiful park with picnic tables, bandstand, cooking areas and manicured flower gardens. Bring along a snack to enjoy in the park. It's a really very nice setting. Parking is packed gravel with ample room to turn around. There is a guest book inside the bridge so don't forget to sign it on your way through.

Note to visitors on motorcycles:
The roads to the bridge are in excellent condition; however, the last two - three miles are gravel road. It's pretty well packed and maintained, and overall not all that bad to traverse BUT IF THE ROAD IS WET, CAUTION! The clay in the area is very, VERY sticky. It easily combines with the gravel on your tires or shoes creating a thick buildup. We had to forceably scrape it to get it off, resorting to puddles to dissolve it enough to remove the clay. Summer time travel would be no problem. Winter visits not advised on two wheels.

Location:
Latitude: 42°22'48.5"N
Longitude: 122°34'46.2"W
SOUTHERN OREGON (I-5 corridor)

LITTLE BUTTE CREEK (Antelope Creek)

The bridge was built in 1922 and moved to it's current location in Eagle point in 1987. Originally the bridge spanned the Antelope Creek ten miles southeast of it's current location. It was dismantled, moved and rebuilt at the new site in the heart of Eagle Point. Arched openings were cut in to each side so school children could be watched as they crossed the span causing the bridge to be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. Since then the bridge has been re-sided in a fashion that represents the original design with ribbon opening under the eaves.

Travel to the bridge is on paved roads in excellent condition. There is a gravel pull off designed at the foot of the bridge for a park with benches and a nice veterans memorial in front of it. The bridge is open to pedestrian traffic only. You can get down to the waters edge by walking down a gentle grassy slope. Beautifully landscaped, the fall colors were spectacular in the park.



It is located at the intersection of Main Street and Royal Avenue:
SOUTHERN OREGON (I-5 corridor)

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.

DRIFT CREEK

This 66 foot bridge was orginally built in 1914 south of Lincoln City, OR a mile and a half from the coast. It was considered the oldest remaining covered bridge still in service until it was replaced by a modern roadway in the mid-60's. It was maintained by Lincoln County as a historical monument to the early pioneers of the area but time and weather took it's toll forcing the bridge to be closed to pedistrian traffic in 1988. The bridge was disassembled in 1997 and moved to a site eight miles north on private land owned by the Sweitz family in 2000. The bridge now spans Bear Creek. The family deeded a permanent public easement for heritage purposes for all time.


For me this was an unusual bridge trip because I wasn't on my motorcycle. Plus the trip was made in the middle of winter. I don't usually take bridge advetures this time of year but I was in the area with the family and decided to take advantage of the opportunity. The roads to the bridge are in reasonable condition - the lack of a road maintanence budget on the highway is beginning to show but I didn't observe any problems worth noting other than the random pothole here and there. The Sweitz family did an excellent job putting together a nice presentation around the bridge with a mini-park to enjoy. There are picnic tables off to the side of the bridge so weather permitting, I would very much recommend stopping for a snack to enjoy the bridge. And sign the guest book (which I forgot to do) inside the bridge.

Located at:
Latitude: 44°59'35.1"N, Longitude: 123°53'11.2"W
(North of Lincoln City on Highway 18)