A few weeks ago, I decided, kind of on a whim, to take the self-guided Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour. Kevin was working in Cottage Grove and I drove down to visit him on my day off. I kept seeing signs that pointed in the direction for the Covered Bridge Tour, and, as it was an absolutely beautiful fall day, I decided to go for it. After stopping by to see Kevin (and agreeing to meet back up with him for his late lunch), I began following the signs pointing in the direction of the route.
Obviously, most people would probably take the time to research the route first, and I would advise that this is a good idea. Of course, this is not what I did at all. I just kept driving until I saw a bridge.
After driving east of Cottage Grove for a short time, along Row River Road, I came across the first bridge. Actually, I drove right passed it, having to turn around nearly a half-mile down the road and find it again.
Currin Bridge, build 1925 and restored in 1995
After this bridge, I tried to find a route to follow. I started out with
this informational pdf that I found on my phone, which turned out be great for history buffs (follow the link to learn more about the bridges) but was not, in any way, a functional map. Again, all I can say is plan your route in advance.
After I snapped a few pictures of Currin Bridge, I got back in my car and continued to follow the signs. One sign every few miles is helpful, but when you start driving the long way around a very scenic but middle-of-nowhere lake, you start to wonder if you are still on the tour.
Once I travelled all around Dorena Lake, I came upon Dorena Bridge. I was so relieved to see this bridge, knowing that I had not driven nearly ten miles for nothing. I didn't actually walk into this bridge, however, since there was a wedding going on inside and I didn't want to crash it. Cute venue, though, despite the really gross outhouse bathrooms nearby.
Dorena Bridge, built 1949 and restored in 1996
I found Stewart Bridge soon after, pulled up to it as two possible meth addled adults on bicycles wobbled by. The toothless woman asked me if I liked bridges, and before I could answer (what would have been my answer?) asked me where I was from. I told her I'd recently moved from Olympia, Washington (all she needed to know). She was actually pretty friendly and although she lingered on the other side of the road for a while, they left me alone to take my picture and move on.
Stewart Bridge, built 1930 and restored in 1996
The Mosby Creek Bridge was the only bridge you could actually drive through, the road merging into one lane. One couple drove through, stopped and got out with their car parked in front, and snapped a picture, thumbs up style. The wife offered to snap this picture of me.
And here's the bridge without me:
Mosby Bridge, built 1920, restored 1990
Centennial Bridge was built in 1997 to celebrate the Cottage Grove Centennial, built with recycled materials from other Lane County Bridges, and is located in the historic district of Cottage Grove (which is adorable, I must add). I started to walk through this one, but there were dozens of pigeons roosting in the rafters, and I decided against such endeavors.
Centennial Bridge, built 1997
The next two bridges are only a few miles away from the Centennial Bridge, also located in downtown Cottage Grove, but of course I drove right past them the first time, driving a good ten miles out of the way, getting stuck on an on-ramp for Interstate 5, driving another five miles on the freeway just to get off at the nearest exit and turn back around. In other words, I added thirty miles to my twenty mile tour. Oh well, I have officially driven the furthest south in Oregon I have ever been. So there is that.
Anyway, I got back to Cottage Grove, drove past Centennial Bridge once more and then found the Swinging Bridge. I'm assuming at one point it was a covered bridge, hence its appearance on this tour, but, obviously, it isn't anymore. I also don't know when this bridge was built, but apparently it is the fourth one built on this location.
And it actually swings.
The last bridge on the tour was the Chambers Railroad Bridge. This one is very proud to be the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi, although it is no longer on an active rail. Chambers was actually in danger of collapsing back in 2010, and was rebuilt as a monument in 2011.
Follow this link for a photo of the original bridge before it was rebuilt.
Built in 1925, restored in 2011.
Chambers Bridge Railroad monument.
I really enjoyed this tour, and although I don't have any particular interest in covered bridges (I don't plan on joining the
Covered Bridge Society anytime soon), I did appreciate the knowledge I gained while learning about this part of my new state's history.
Resources:
Chambers Railroad Bridge
