How to Explore the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route in Oregon
Cottage Grove, known as the "covered bridge capital of Oregon," has seven covered bridges. This 30-mile tour route will take you past each bridge. This tour can be taken by car or bike. Each bridge is a unique piece of history and has its own story to tell. In addition to this covered bridge tour, Cottage Grove, Oregon also offers excellent opportunities for other outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, boating and camping. Golfers will enjoy the Middlefield Village Golf Course and Hidden Valley Golf Course. Popular shops in Cottage Grove include various art galleries and antique shops.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Preparing for Your Tour
-
1
Select a day for your tour and check the local weather for Cottage Grove, Oregon. Rainy or inclement weather will take away from the visibility and enjoyment of your sightseeing. If you plan to bike, you may want to consider a guided biking tour. Contact the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-924-2411 for details.
-
2
Plan enough time for your tour. The Cottage Grove covered bride tour route is approximately 30 miles and will take one to two hours to cover. Pack your camera and make sure you have enough gas if you're taking your car. If you prefer to bike, there is a parking lot at the beginning of the route to leave your car in.
-
-
3
Obtain a map of the tour route. See Resources to download an easy-to-read map and detailed driving directions for your tour. Pack your camera and make sure you have enough gas if you're taking your car. If you prefer to bike, there is a parking lot at the beginning of the route to leave your car in.
-
4
Pack your camera and make sure you have enough gas if you're taking your car. If you prefer to bike, there is a parking lot at the beginning of the route to leave your car in.
Following the Tour Route
-
5
Begin at the Chamber Office and follow 9th street to Row River Road; turn left. Follow this road along the north side of Dorena Lake. The first bridge of the tour is the Dorena Bridge on the left. This bridge was originally built in 1949 in conjunction with the Dorena Dam on Row River. The Dorena Bridge was restored in 1996 and is now a popular spot for weddings.
-
6
Turn left on Shoreview Drive, and left on Garoutte Road. At the intersection at Mosby Creek Road you will find the Stewart Bridge. This was constructed in 1930 and spans 60 feet over the Mosby Creek. Below this bridge is a swimming hole considered by many to be the best in the county.
-
7
Turn Right on Mosby Creek Road and follow this to Layng Road. Here you will see the Mosby Creek Bridge. Built in 1920, this covered bridge is the oldest in Lane County. This 90 foot bridge spans Mosby Creek and is still in service today.
-
8
Turn right on Layng Road and continue to the Currin Bridge. You will notice its unique appearance with white portals and red sides. The original bridge here was constructed in 1883. It was then replaced in 1925 and restored in 1995.
-
9
Turn left on Row River Road and follow this to Highway 99 to Main Street.
-
10
Take Main Street west to River Road. Located beside city hall on your right is the Centennial Bridge. This covered bridge is constructed from pieces of two previous bridges which stood here. The Centennial Bridge was built in 1987 in commemoration of Cottage Grove's 100th birthday.
-
11
Turn left on River Road. On your left is the Swinging Bridge. Though the current incarnation of this bridge is stationary, the name came from previous bridges which stood here that could swing from side to side. This bridge was originally used by schoolchildren crossing the Coast Fork on their way to and from school.
-
12
Continue on River Road past Harrison Street. Here you will see the Chambers Railroad Bridge. This covered bridge, built in 1925, was constructed by J.E. Chambers as a way to get to the timberlands from his sawmill. This 78 foot bridge is no longer in use.
-
1
