With the Oregon Covered Bridge Festival happening in Cottage Grove this weekend, I thought it would be fun to explore the history of one of our local bridges, though admittedly, I don't know if it was ever covered. At the turn of the previous century, the Bohemia Mining District was booming and a railroad was … Continue reading Currin’s Bridge
Bridges
Siuslaw Interpretive Center: Florence
The next time you are in Old Town Florence, head to the west end of Bay Street and enjoy the new Siuslaw Interpretive Center. We've been watching this new park being developed for the past couple years, and during my last visit to Florence I discovered that the interpretive signs have finally been installed. Though … Continue reading Siuslaw Interpretive Center: Florence
Stayton-Jordan Covered Bridge
The Jordan Covered Bridge began life in 1937 straddling Thomas Creek east of Scio in Linn County. It looked like many covered bridges built at that time by Linn County, with its sides open to expose the trusses. This design feature increased light in the bridge, improved visibility for motorists, offered less wind resistance, and … Continue reading Stayton-Jordan Covered Bridge
Umpqua River Boardwalk: Reedsport
I’ve often been curious about the riverfront in Reedsport. From my perspective, it has always seemed like a lost opportunity; really, you would hardly know that Reedsport was on a river if you didn’t cross it on your way out of town. In the past, our forays down to the river to explore have only … Continue reading Umpqua River Boardwalk: Reedsport
Lowell Covered Bridge and Interpretive Center
Several years ago, as we were coming home down Highway 58, we needed to stop a minute and stretch our legs. We pulled into the parking lot at the Lowell Covered Bridge expecting to just walk around and view the bridge. We were surprised to find a wonderful little wayside and Interpretive Center. Since then, … Continue reading Lowell Covered Bridge and Interpretive Center
Cushman Railroad Bridge
I love catching sight of the Cushman railroad bridge when we head to Florence on Highway 126. Almost a century old, I think it is one of several iconic sights on that route to the coast. The steel bridge crosses the lower Siuslaw estuary about three miles east of the Pacific Ocean, and as a “swing bridge,” it is able … Continue reading Cushman Railroad Bridge
Pass Creek Covered Bridge: Drain, Oregon
We drive through Drain on a fairly regular basis as we like to take this route to get to the coast. Sometimes a stop at Drain's Civic Center to walk through the Pass Creek Covered Bridge (also called the “Krewson Covered Bridge”) is just the ticket. I know from experience, though, that this covered bridge – painted brown … Continue reading Pass Creek Covered Bridge: Drain, Oregon
The ones we lost: Local covered bridges that are no more
There used to be over 600 covered bridges in the state of Oregon, as of now, less than 10% are left; fortunately, six awesome examples are located in or around Cottage Grove. With the annual Oregon Covered Bridge Festival happening October 5 in Cottage Grove, I thought it would be nice to feature some of … Continue reading The ones we lost: Local covered bridges that are no more
Currin Covered Bridge
Located just three miles east of Cottage Grove, the Currin Covered Bridge was constructed in 1925 by county employees. Used for just over 50 years, it was replaced in 1979 by a concrete span which runs beside it. Luckily for us, the Currin Covered Bridge was rehabilitated in 1995 and it is open to pedestrians. The … Continue reading Currin Covered Bridge
Larwood Covered Bridge: Linn County
Built in 1939, the Larwood Covered Bridge spans Crabtree Creek in rural Linn County where the community of Larwood once stood. At 105 feet long, this covered bridge is typical of the bridges in the area with its partially exposed trusses and rounded portal. I also note that most of the Linn County covered bridges, … Continue reading Larwood Covered Bridge: Linn County