• Dorena Covered Bridge is the newest of all other Oregon covered bridges
Dorena Covered Bridge is one of Oregon's newer historic covered bridges, located about 11 miles southeast of Cottage Grove. The Howe truss bridge spans the Row River near Dorena Lake.
Beyond its historical significance, the surrounding area is a great destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
The bridge is 105 feet (32 m) long and features a square portal along with daylighting windows. It remains open to light vehicle traffic, although the road across the bridge ends shortly beyond it.
History and Fact
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Dorena Dam in 1946, creating Dorena Lake. In 1949, Lane County completed Government Road along the west bank of the river and constructed the bridge.
The original construction cost was $16,547—equivalent to about $208,000 today.
The bridge is sometimes called Star Bridge, named after the nearby Star Ranch, once one of the most prominent properties in the area.
In 1974, a modern concrete bridge was built nearby to accommodate heavier traffic and larger vehicles.
As part of the 1996 Oregon Covered Bridge Program, Lane County received a $59,000 grant to restore the bridge and improve the surrounding area. The work included replacing the approach span and making extensive repairs to the covered structure and substructure.
Additional improvements included installing windows to increase natural light and ventilation, helping to keep the wood dry and reduce rot.
In 2021, minor repairs were completed, including replacing several deck boards and applying a fresh coat of paint.
Dorena Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Light Vehicles
Stream: Row River
Bridge Length: 105 ft (32 m)
Built: 1949
Open: Year-round
Dorena Covered Bridge is located:
- 11 miles southeast of Cottage Grove
- 32 miles southeast of Eugene
- 62 miles northeast of Roseburg.
Adventures Nearby
Broken Bowl SwimmingDirections to Dorena Covered Bridge
From Cottage Grove,
- Take Whiteaker Ave East/Mosby Creek Road
- Turn left onto Currin Con and then right onto Row River Road/Row River Cutoff Road
- Follow Row River Road/Row River Cutoff Road for 3.4 miles
- Continue onto Government Road/Shoreview Drive for 6.6 miles.