Oregon Covered Bridges...
Something to Marvel At

Oregon covered bridges are truly a romantic dream. And, you don’t have to travel all the way to the east coast to view these magnificent structures.

Oregon is home to 52 covered bridges with 28 of the bridges featured in Linn and Lane counties. Most of the bridges are now listed on the Register of Historic Places.

Since the turn of the 20th Century, Oregon has boasted some 450 covered bridges. The 398 of these bridges have succumbed to the element of time. They quite simply, wore out.

Why bother to build a covered bridge in the first place? The bridge lasts longer in a covered environment. Oregon’s "liquid sunshine" (rain) is one of nature’s elements that yields greats amount of wear and tear on wooden structures, namely bridges. It therefore makes total sense to enclose the bridge and protect it from the elements.

You can visit a series of Oregon covered bridges by following the covered bridge loop. Bring your camera; the bridges make for perfect picture settings.

To begin, just east of Albany near the town of Scio. Follow the signs for the "Covered Bridge Tour Route". The bridges date back from the late 1930’s.

The Shimanek Bridge is one of Linn County’s most picturesque covered bridges. It was built in 1966; however, it’s predecessors date back to 1891. Four previous bridges were destroyed from flooding or damage from the elements. The Shimanek Bridge resembles a classic red barn with white trim and louvered windows. The Larwood Bridge, built in 1939 has a spectacular picnic spot. The Larwood Wayside hosts all the amenities for picnicking nestling along the bank of a creek. You’ll have a great view of the bridge from this vantage point.

Moving into Lane County, the town of Cottage Grove is host to six covered bridges. They are located in and around the town. The Mosby Creek Bridge is the only bridge open for vehicle traffic; it’s also the oldest bridge in Cottage Grove dating back to 1920. In the middle of Cottage Grove you’ll see two bridges, pedestrian and railroad bridge.Near the town of Lowell, east of Eugene, are four covered bridges in the immediate area. Here you have the Lowell, Parvin, Pengra and Unity Bridges.

The longest of Oregon Covered Bridges is the 180-foot Office Bridge, it’s a spectacle to marvel at. In the town of Westfir this bridge was built in 1944 to connect the mill of a lumberyard to its office. The bridge spans the North Fork of the Willamette River.

Getting to The Oregon Covered Bridges…

Scio Covered Bridge Loop – Exit off of I-5 to Albany and follow Highway 226 just east of the town.

Exit of off I-5 to Cottage Grove. You’ll see the two covered bridges in Cottage Grove. Head east following Mosby Creek Road to view the others.

Just south of Eugene, get onto Highway 58 heading south to Lowell. Continue east towards Westfir to view the famous Office Bridge.

Sincerely,

Craig Dahl - Senior Editor
Northwest Travel Tips

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