This covered bridge is not part of the tour in Cottage Grove, but I passed it on my way into Eugene, so included it here.
The town of Cottage Grove is about 20 minutes south of Eugene in Lane County, and is home to the largest collection of covered bridges in the West. They are all situated along a 20-mile loop that surrounds Dorena Lake where I was camping.
The first stop is Centennial Bridge, located in downtown Cottage Grove. This pedestrian bridge was built in 1987 on the old bridge abutments by volunteers, using old timbers from two demolished covered bridges in the area.
Chambers Bridge is the only remaining covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi River. It was built in 1925 by lumberman J.E. Chambers to transport logs by rail to a local mill.
In 2011, the bridge was restored and can be crossed on foot or by bicycle.
The photo on the left shows its condition before restoration.
In 1926, Buster Keaton brought a crew here to film "The General," one of the classics of silent movies. This crash scene was from the movie.
Engine No. 2 was especially designed with a shortened stack to be able to pass under the covered bridge without endangering its roof.
Trains loaded with logs.
Chambers covered bridge is on a part of the rails-to-trails bikeway, a 36-mile paved hiking/biking loop which passes 6 covered bridges.
Although not a covered bridge, this historical Swinging Bridge is included on the tour. It was built for foot and bicycle traffic and was mostly used by children crossing the river to get to school. (Note the sign, "Do Not Swing Bridge," lol)
The Mosby Creek Bridge is Lane County's oldest covered bridge and the only bridge in the area with through traffic. It was built in 1920 and restored in 1990. It is named for pioneer David Mosby.
The 60-foot Stewart Bridge was built in 1930 and restored in 1996. The deep water below the bridge is considered one of the best swimming holes in the county.
There is a rope hanging under the bridge for swinging out to jump in the creek.
The Dorena Bridge is located on the south side of Dorena Lake. It was built in 1949 and restored in 1996. You can drive through this bridge, but it only goes to a parking area on the other side. This is one of the few bridges with windows to allow light in.
Another view of Dorena Bridge.
The Currin Covered Bridge was originally built in 1883, rebuilt in 1925, and restored in 1995. It spans 60 feet across the Row River and has been the site of numerous weddings and special events.
Look what I found at the Visitor's Center at John Day Fossil Beds. It could keep me in Oregon all summer.
