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)

RITNER

This is a 75 foot long bridge over the Ritner Creek built in 1927. It was named after Sebastian Ritner who settled the area in 1845. Some of his descendants still live in the area.

This was the last covered bridge on an Oregon state highway. In 1974, the bridge was declared structurally unsafe and was scheduled to be demolished but was saved thanks to the efforts of the Pedee grade school children and local residents. The bridge was lifted from its foundation and relocated just downstream of its original site in 1976 and restored. The restoration work on this bridge was topnotch.

The roads to the bridge are in excellent condition and the scenery quite picturesque as you pass through rural Oregon. There is a paved parking area on the south end of the bridge so you don't have to stop on the main road which I don't recommend as the pace of travel, although sparse, is quite brisk on Hwy 223 through that area. A small park was created at the south end of the bridge and is well maintained. Besides walk up access to the bridge, it features a gravelled path to the waters edge. Inside the bridge are picnic tables so pack along a snack and take the time to enjoy a piece of history.

Latitude: 44°43'41.1"N Longitude: 123°26'30.9"W
(About 3.5 miles south of the town of Pedee, OR)

FOURTNER

Built in 1932 by Doc Fourtner and his wife to allow cattle to cross without the danger of being swept away by high water. The bridge is 66 feet long over the South Yamhill River. This is a difficult bridge to access as it is located on private property but the property owner is quite friendly and offered to walk me down to the bridge which is located in the back of their cow pasture. It appears the home and the barns on the property are the original structures on the land, matching the vintage of the bridge. She noted in the twelve years she's lived there, not many people stop by to look at the bridge and is quite frankly puzzled why anyone would be interested in this particular bridge. And I'm not quite sure which intrigued her most about my visit... that I arrived on my "motorbike" as she called it or that I was a woman travelling by myself.

It was somewhat challenging to capture the bridge properly with the current tree growth around it so I am posting a second picture from the front of the bridge as well. The owner said it was no longer safe to walk inside the bridge as some of the floor boards are coming loose. She works on it as time allows.

Latitude: 45°04'14.1"N
Longitude: 123°36'59.1"W

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

LOWELL

Built in 1945 over the Willamette River. In 1953 the bridge and adjacent roadway was raised six feet to accommodate the anticipated flooding from building the Dexter Dam. In 1981 the bridge was closed and replaced by a modern cement span right next to it. The bridge was later rennovated and a wonderful recreation area and parking were developed next to the bridge. Inside the bridge is probably the most developed display we've seen describing the life and times of this bridge along with a hand-built replica of the bridge. Definitely a must see.

Located just off of Hwy 58 by the town of Lowell, OR and Dexter Lake.

GPS coordinates:
43.54327, -122.46459

MOSBY CREEK

Built in 1920, it is Lane County's oldest covered bridge. It is located three miles southest of Cottage Grove, one mile from the Mosby Creek bridge.

GPS coordinates:
43.46417, -123.00172

CURRIN

Originally built in 1883, the current bridge was reconstructed in 1925. It has since been replaced by a concrete span just feet away from the old bridge. Logistically it's a bit difficult to access since it's so close to an active roadway and doesn't offer much space to get off the road at that point.

Located four miles southeast of Cottage Grove, one mile from the Mosby Creek bridge.

GPS coordinates:
43.47349, -122.59475

PASS CREEK

Originally built in 1906, this bridge was retired from service in 1981. In 1987 it was moved to it's current location a block away behind the town's civic center in the center of town. Easy to get to, excellent parking.

Drain, Oregon
GPS coordinates:
43.39388, -123.18595

THE MILO BRIDGE

This covered bridge is unique because it is Oregon's only steel bridge housed in wood. The original covered bridge was built in 1920 but was replaced with a modern steel bridge in 1962. The residents felt they had lost part of their history so the structure was modified to include the wooden housing just as the community had before. The bridge span is 100 feet over the South Umpqua River.

Located by Canyonville, east of the town of Milo at approximately milepost 20. The bridge is privately owned and maintained by the Seventh Day Adventist but you are welcome to stop and take a look at the bridge. The roads are in excellent shape. Lots of space to safely pull off and park.

GPS coordinates:
42.5606.8, -123.02201

GRAVE CREEK

Located just over 15 miles north of Grants Pass, Oregon, the bridge can be seen by passerby's on Interstate 5 a quarter mile away. Built in 1920. The Grave Creek bridge is a single lane bridge featuring six gothic style window openings on each side. The bridge is easy to get to from I-5 and equally easy to return to the interstate using Sunny Valley Loop Road.

GPS coordinates:
42.08533, -123.22390