The West Coast of the United States, renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant cultural scenes, also boasts a captivating array of covered bridges. These structures, nestled in locations from the lush forests of Oregon to the sun-soaked landscapes of California, offer visitors a unique blend of architectural heritage and scenic charm.
In Oregon, one of the states with the most covered bridges in the West, you’ll find the quaint Drift Creek Bridge near Lincoln City and the picturesque Currin Bridge near Cottage Grove. Washington, too, hosts notable examples of these historic structures, including the beautiful Grays River Covered Bridge, the only covered bridge still in use by the public in the state, located in the southwestern part of the state near Astoria.
California, while less known for its covered bridges, still has a few gems to offer. The Berta’s Ranch Covered Bridge in Calaveras County, built as a tribute to the traditional building style, and the romantic Wawona Covered Bridge in Yosemite National Park, serve as charming echoes of the past. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a traveler seeking picturesque sights, the West Coast’s covered bridges promise a fascinating journey through the region’s rich heritage.
The West Coast’s Hidden Covered Bridge Gems
The West Coast may not be as well-known for its covered bridges as the Northeast or Midwest, but it is home to some truly hidden gems. From the majestic timber arches of Oregon to the unique wooden spans of California, these covered bridges offer a rare and captivating glimpse into the past.
So, if you find yourself exploring the West Coast, don’t miss the opportunity to discover these hidden treasures that are sure to leave you enchanted.
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Oregon’s Majestic Timber Arches
Oregon is home to a number of majestic timber arch covered bridges, such as the Crooked River Bridge, the Deschutes River Bridge, the Rogue River Bridge, the Applegate River Bridge, and the Umpqua River Bridge. These beautiful structures, each with their own unique architectural elements, captivate visitors with their rustic charm and offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic drive and explore these stunning covered bridges in Oregon.
1. Goodpasture Covered Bridge
- The Goodpasture Covered Bridge is located in Lane County, near the town of Vida. Spanning the McKenzie River, it is one of the most visually striking landmarks in the area.
- The bridge is 165 feet long and showcases a Howe truss design. Constructed from Douglas fir and featuring white house-like portals, it stands out beautifully amidst its verdant surroundings.
- Built in 1938, the Goodpasture Covered Bridge is the second longest covered bridge in Oregon. It was named after a local pioneer family and remains an important transportation route today.
2. Cavitt Creek Covered Bridge
- The Cavitt Creek Covered Bridge is located in Douglas County, near the town of Glide. It crosses Little River, offering a picturesque setting.
- Spanning 70 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Built from timber and featuring a rustic red exterior, it provides a captivating sight.
- Constructed in 1943, the Cavitt Creek Covered Bridge served the logging and mining industries for many years. Today, it’s a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and it stands as a testament to the area’s industrial history.
3. Hoffman Covered Bridge
- The Hoffman Covered Bridge is located in Linn County, near the town of Scio. It spans Crabtree Creek in a tranquil rural setting.
- Spanning 90 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Made from timber and featuring a classic barn-red exterior, it stands as a beautiful piece of rural architecture.
- Built in 1936, the Hoffman Covered Bridge was named after a pioneer settler. Despite no longer serving vehicular traffic, it remains a cherished local landmark.
4. Wimer Covered Bridge
- The Wimer Covered Bridge is located in Jackson County, near the town of Wimer. It crosses Evans Creek, providing a charming sight.
- Spanning 85 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Constructed from heavy timber and featuring a traditional red exterior, it offers a rustic allure.
- The original Wimer Covered Bridge was built in 1892 and replaced in 1927. After the replacement bridge collapsed in 2003, a replica was constructed and opened to traffic in 2008, maintaining the historical charm of this local landmark.
5. Weddle Covered Bridge
- The Weddle Covered Bridge is located in Linn County, near the town of Sweet Home. It spans Ames Creek, offering a serene view.
- Spanning 120 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Made from heavy timber and painted yellow, it adds a unique color accent to the landscape.
- Originally constructed in 1937 over Thomas Creek, the Weddle Bridge was moved to its present location in 1980 after being saved from demolition. It now serves pedestrian traffic in Sankey Park.
6. Lowell Covered Bridge
- The Lowell Covered Bridge is located in Lane County, near the town of Lowell. It crosses the Middle Fork Willamette River, offering a picturesque setting.
- Spanning 165 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Constructed from Douglas fir and featuring white portals, it presents an impressive sight.
- Built in 1945, the Lowell Covered Bridge replaced a 1907 bridge and was later bypassed in 1953. It’s now part of a roadside park and serves as an interpretive center, showcasing the area’s history.
7. Ritner Creek Covered Bridge
- The Ritner Creek Covered Bridge is located in Polk County, near the town of Pedee. It spans Ritner Creek, providing a tranquil setting.
- Spanning 73 feet, this bridge showcases a Queenpost truss design. Made from heavy timber and painted white, it blends harmoniously with the surrounding pastoral landscape.
- Originally built in 1926, the Ritner Creek Covered Bridge was relocated and restored in 1974, preserving this beloved piece of Oregon history for future generations.
8. Crawfordsville Covered Bridge
- The Crawfordsville Covered Bridge is situated in Linn County, near the town of Crawfordsville. It spans the Calapooia River, offering a serene view.
- Spanning 105 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Constructed from heavy timber and featuring a classic red exterior, it adds a captivating sight to the local landscape.
- Built in 1932, the Crawfordsville Covered Bridge was moved to a local park in 1963 after a new bridge was constructed. It has been lovingly maintained as a pedestrian bridge, picnic site, and popular photo spot.
9. Grave Creek Covered Bridge
- The Grave Creek Covered Bridge is located in Josephine County, near the town of Sunny Valley. It spans Grave Creek, offering a picturesque setting.
- Spanning 105 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Constructed from timber and featuring a rustic red exterior, it is a charming piece of rural architecture.
- Constructed in 1920, the Grave Creek Covered Bridge was originally part of the main route between California and Oregon. It is now part of a roadside park and serves as a beautiful testament to Oregon’s transportation history.
10. Drift Creek Covered Bridge
- The Drift Creek Covered Bridge is situated in Lincoln County, near the town of Lincoln City. It offers a tranquil view over North Drift Creek.
- Spanning 66 feet, this bridge showcases a Howe truss design. Built from heavy timber and featuring a weathered exterior, it adds a charming rusticity to the local landscape.
- Constructed in 1914, the Drift Creek Covered Bridge is the oldest in Oregon. Though the original location was near Siletz, it was moved to its current location in 1997 to save it from demolition. It now stands in a private park, continuing to delight visitors with its historical charm.
California’s Unique Wooden Spans
In California, the Bridgeport Covered Bridge in Nevada County stands out as one of the most attractive covered bridges on the West Coast. Constructed in 1864, it is the oldest single-span covered bridge in California and is situated at the South Yuba River State Park.
This historic bridge is a popular tourist destination and offers a picturesque setting for photography and leisurely walks. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this unique wooden span and immerse yourself in California’s rich history.
11. Honey Run Covered Bridge
- The Honey Run Covered Bridge is located in Butte County, near the town of Chico. It spans Butte Creek and is a cherished local landmark.
- Spanning 238 feet, this three-span Pratt-style bridge is made of wooden trusses and features a unique combination of covered and uncovered sections. Its weathered wooden exterior lends it a rustic charm.
- Originally constructed in 1886, the Honey Run Covered Bridge is the only three-span Pratt-style covered bridge in the United States. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the Camp Fire in 2018, but there are ongoing efforts to rebuild this iconic structure.
12. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
- The Bridgeport Covered Bridge is located in Nevada County, near the town of Nevada City. It spans the South Yuba River and is part of the South Yuba River State Park.
- At 251 feet, it’s one of the longest single-span wooden bridges in the world. Its architecture features a Burr Arch truss design, and its weathered wood exterior blends beautifully with the natural surroundings.
- Built in 1862, the Bridgeport Covered Bridge was a vital transportation link during the California Gold Rush. It was closed to traffic in 2010 due to structural concerns but underwent restoration and is expected to reopen in 2022.
13. Felton Covered Bridge
- The Felton Covered Bridge is located in Santa Cruz County, in the town of Felton. It spans the San Lorenzo River and is a popular local attraction.
- Spanning 163 feet, this bridge features a Brown truss design. Constructed from Douglas fir and redwood, it showcases a captivating barn-red exterior.
- Built in 1892, the Felton Covered Bridge was once the main entry point to Felton. Though it no longer serves vehicle traffic, it remains one of the tallest covered bridges in the United States and is a cherished historical monument.
14. Knights Ferry Covered Bridge
- The Knights Ferry Covered Bridge is located in Stanislaus County, near the town of Oakdale. It spans the Stanislaus River and is part of the Knights Ferry Recreation Area.
- Spanning 330 feet, it’s the longest covered bridge in California. Featuring a Howe truss design, it was constructed from local Douglas fir and sugar pine.
- Built in 1863, the Knights Ferry Covered Bridge played a significant role in the region’s agricultural and mining industries. Today, it is a significant tourist attraction and an enduring symbol of California’s historical heritage.
15. Zane’s Ranch Covered Bridge
- The Zane’s Ranch Covered Bridge is located in Humboldt County, near the town of Eureka. It offers a picturesque view over a private pond.
- Spanning 50 feet, this bridge showcases a Kingpost truss design. Made from redwood and featuring a classic red exterior, it is a charming sight.
- Constructed in 1965, Zane’s Ranch Covered Bridge is a relatively newer bridge. It was built for private use on Zane’s Ranch but has become a beloved local sight due to its aesthetic beauty and traditional design.
16. Oregon Creek Covered Bridge
- The Oregon Creek Covered Bridge is located in Yuba County, near the town of North San Juan. It spans Oregon Creek and offers a serene setting.
- Spanning 63 feet, this bridge showcases a Queenpost truss design. Made from timber and featuring a classic red exterior, it provides a captivating sight.
- Constructed in 1860, the Oregon Creek Covered Bridge is a testament to the region’s Gold Rush history. Though it no longer carries vehicular traffic, it remains a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
17. Wawona Covered Bridge
- The Wawona Covered Bridge is situated in Mariposa County, in the town of Wawona. It spans the South Fork Merced River in Yosemite National Park.
- Spanning 70 feet, this bridge showcases a Kingpost truss design. Built from sugar pine and featuring a weathered wooden exterior, it perfectly complements the park’s natural beauty.
- Built in 1868, the Wawona Covered Bridge played a crucial role in facilitating travel and trade in the area. It is one of the few covered bridges remaining in California and is an iconic part of Yosemite’s historic landscape.
18. Powell’s Wooden Bridge
- The Powell’s Wooden Bridge is located in San Joaquin County, near the city of Stockton. It spans Pixley Slough and is part of the Stockton urban trail network.
- Spanning 145 feet, this pedestrian bridge showcases a Pratt truss design. Constructed from timber and featuring an all-natural exterior, it adds a rustic charm to the urban environment.
- Constructed in 2002, the Powell’s Wooden Bridge is a newer addition to California’s covered bridge landscape. Despite its recent construction, it evokes the nostalgic feel of the state’s earlier covered bridges and enhances the city’s trail network.
19. Dobby’s Ferry Bridge
- The Dobby’s Ferry Bridge is situated in Sutter County, near the city of Yuba City. It spans a small creek in a peaceful rural setting.
- Spanning 52 feet, this bridge showcases a Kingpost truss design. Built from redwood and painted white, it provides a charming contrast to the surrounding landscape.
- Built in 1976, Dobby’s Ferry Bridge is a relatively recent addition to California’s collection of covered bridges. It is a private bridge, constructed as part of a small development, but it’s cherished for its traditional charm and beauty.
20. Gazola Ranch Covered Bridge
- The Gazola Ranch Covered Bridge is located in San Luis Obispo County, near the city of Atascadero. It offers a scenic view over a private creek.
- Spanning 48 feet, this bridge showcases a Queenpost truss design. Made from timber and featuring a weathered wooden exterior, it stands as a beautiful piece of rural architecture.
- Constructed in 1978, the Gazola Ranch Covered Bridge is a privately owned bridge. It was built to provide access across the creek for the Gazola Ranch and is appreciated for its simple elegance and traditional design.
The West Coast’s covered bridges are more than mere crossings over rivers and creeks; they are historic treasures that lend a unique character to the region’s landscapes. Each bridge, with its distinct architectural style and setting, tells a story of the past while providing a delightful sight for the present-day visitors. From the forested splendors of Oregon to the diverse landscapes of California, these structures stand as iconic testaments to the region’s rich architectural heritage.
Despite the West Coast not being traditionally known for a high concentration of covered bridges, the ones that do exist certainly hold their own in terms of charm and history. They are hidden gems waiting to be discovered, whether you’re on a leisurely drive through the countryside, a passionate history exploration, or a dedicated architectural tour. As you travel through the states of the West Coast, these covered bridges serve as distinctive landmarks that link the present to the past, enhancing the journey with their rustic charm and nostalgic allure.
In conclusion, the West Coast’s covered bridges are integral threads in the rich tapestry of the region’s history and culture. Their captivating blend of architectural beauty, historical significance, and scenic settings makes them noteworthy destinations for locals and visitors alike, adding a unique dimension to the diverse attractions the West Coast has to offer.
