(Cottage Grove OR)
Went to this town south of Eugene because they have several covered bridges fairly close to each other. But, the weather did not cooperate, as it rained for three days. So, I hung around at two different BLM campgrounds while waiting it out.
Dorena Bridge
My assumption was that such bridges were covered to prevent horses from seeing the precipice or water they were crossing and so being spooked. However, I have since learned that the purpose was to protect the wooden structural members from the weather. Thereby, extending the life of the bridge for many years.
Stewart Bridge
Most had standard designs, but a few were unique to their situation. Some bridges still serve their original purpose, and others have been converted to foot traffic use. Still, they all were lovely and reminded me of a time when life went at a slower pace.
Mosby Bridge
Centennial bridge, the newest one, was downtown in a park setting and meant for pedestrians only. It was built in commemoration of the founding of Cottage Grove with timbers salvaged from a dismantled bridge.
Centennial Bridge
The road to Currin Bridge was closed for repairs. And, the Chambers covered railroad bridge had no parking nearby. So, I didn’t get photos of either of those bridges.
Good Pasture Bridge
Good Pasture bridge is not in Cottage Grove. It crosses the McKenzie River, further north. I include it here because it was the same design and size as the Dorena bridge. Despite the rain, I enjoyed the tour of covered bridges.
Camps: BLM-Schwarz Park CG, Pine Meadows CG
Scene: Lake, river covered bridges
Also see: More Covered Bridges
I remember some covered bridges when I was a kid growing up. Always loved them and I am glad that they have preserved a few. There ain’t none that I know of in my local area here in East Texas.
It seems I’ve seen them mostly in the north and northwest where it is more moist.
I have seen a lot of covered bridges in New England, but not so many in the west. They are reminders of a slower and different way of life.
Haven’t seen them in the southwest, but there are plenty in the northwest. They do evoke the nostalgia of a simpler time. Although, I believe they mostly date from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
The covering protects them from all the snow we used to get up here…Not too many folks wanted to shovel the snow off every hour or day……
I’m sure glad they are still around for us to visit..
David
I’m sure that too was a reason to have them covered. I remember the big snows when growing up in northern New York state.