Historic covered bridges have an irresistible charm, and in the Willamette Valley, you have your choice of over 40 to visit. These simple, picturesque structures in rural areas, often painted white, still enchant anyone who comes across them while taking a drive or pedaling through farmland and forests. It’s said that the rustic wood covers were built over bridges to protect the spans’ timbers from weather.
To really experience the covered bridges, cross into the dark coolness of these weathered timber frames and listen to the slats creaking or watch a river through one of the small windows. From Eugene to Salem, here’s a guide to places where you’ll find several auto and cycling routes to see them.
Covered Bridges Around Eugene
Lane County has 20 covered bridges, including 17 listed on the National Historic Register. The charming country town of Cottage Grove, located 23 miles south of Eugene, has six — enough to earn it the moniker “Covered Bridge Capital of the West” — so it’s a perfect place to start a tour.
Pack a picnic and head out on the scenic, 20-mile Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route, part of which is also designated as the roughly 36-mile Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway. This cyclist’s dream path winds through the Row River Valley, connecting Cottage Grove with several even smaller towns like Dorena and Walden. Along the way, you’ll encounter multiple bridges, each with its unique design and history.
The 1920 Mosby Creek Covered Bridge, an iron-truss structure with arched portals, is the oldest bridge in Lane County; its one, narrow lane remains open to traffic today just east of Cottage Grove. The bridge is adjacent to the primary trailhead for the 14-mile Row River Trail. Visit in spring for an abundant wildflower display surrounding the bridge.
Spanning the McKenzie River in Vida where a ferry crossing once stood is the Goodpasture Bridge, just 21 miles east of Eugene on Highway 126. Known for 10 Gothic-style louvered windows on each side and crisp-white paint, it is one of the most photographed bridges in the state. During the holiday season, the bridge gets decked out in twinkling lights.
To learn more about the history of the area, visit the Lane County History Museum in Eugene. It has multiple long-term exhibits on view, including some fascinating Native American portraits.
Covered Bridges Around Corvallis and Salem
You’ll also want to journey to the Mid-Willamette Valley near Corvallis and Salem . To see three in the Corvallis area — the Irish Bend Covered Bridge, the Harris Bridge and the Hayden Bridge — there’s a cycling route that takes you past all three. For even more history, check out the Philomath Museum in the nearby town of Philomath, which is filled with historical artifacts from the area and cultural exhibits.
The wooden, 1954-vintage Irish Bend Covered Bridge is accessible by a paved path in Corvallis that winds through a research farm near Oregon State University. The Harris Bridge, which was likely built in the first half of the 1930s to span Marys River, is a mere 8 miles away.
Architecture fans will want to visit the Hayden Bridge, 2 miles from the town of Alsea. Spanning 90 feet over the Alsea River, this is one of the oldest in the state, built in about 1918. The vertical board-and-batten siding flares out at the base, and window strips at the top illuminate the interior. Look for improvements to this bridge like a pedestrian-only route, planned for 2025.
Another great ride is the 57-mile Stayton-6 Bridges Cycling Loop, in Stayton, southeast of Salem. Glide past farmlands, orchards, vineyards and six historic covered bridges on this peaceful route. The 90-foot Jordan Covered Bridge, which is the only bridge on the route that vehicles can’t use, was rebuilt and relocated to Stayton’s Pioneer Park. Take a break here and enjoy grassy Pioneer Park’s covered shelter, disc-golf course, horseshoe pits and playground. While in Stayton, check out the Covered Bridge Cafe for breakfast classics like French toast and piles of crispy hash browns, or grab a craft brew from Snow Peak Brewing Company.
If You Go:
- Share the road with motorists if necessary. Watch for logging trucks, which may enter or exit the road suddenly.
- If you’re cycling, be aware of your surroundings and wear a helmet and reflective gear, especially during low-light conditions. And be prepared for some rolling hills or narrow, winding roads that might add difficulty to your ride.
- Most covered bridges are open year-round, but it’s always a good idea to check for any seasonal closures.
