Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon entrance view over creek" shows the front entrance of the pale yellow covered bridge with white railings, crossing over a creek, surrounded by green trees and sunlight in the background.

• Earnest Covered Bridge starred in the 1965 James Stewart movie “Shenandoah.”

The Earnest Covered Bridge crosses the Mohawk River in the quiet countryside of Marcola, Oregon, just 14 miles (22.5 km) northeast of Eugene.

This charming white bridge, built in 1938, is a classic example of a Howe truss design and one of the few surviving covered bridges in Oregon. At 75 feet (23 m) long, it's both a historical landmark and an idyllic destination for photography, picnics, and peaceful escapes.

I love how the sunlight spills through the small window on one side of the bridge, highlighting its clean, white wooden beams. You can hear the gentle river below and the rustle of trees around you. Do you enjoy places that feel like they're whispering stories of the past? This bridge feels like just that - a quiet storyteller of Oregon's history.

If you're planning an adventure in the Willamette Valley, the Earnest Covered Bridge is an easy stop near Eugene. It's perfect for a scenic drive or even a bike ride. Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARS) recommend a 45-mile loop ride starting from Alton Baker Park, with a stop at the bridge. It's a beautiful route through the countryside!



Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon wooden truss interior" shows the interior of the covered bridge, displaying its wooden truss construction, white railings, and sunlight casting shadows on the wooden floor.

Earnest Covered Bridge History

The Earnest Covered Bridge owes its name and place in history to the small community around it. The original bridge at this site, called the Adams Bridge, was built in 1903 by A.C. Striker. Over time, the structure fell into disrepair. In 1938, Lane County replaced it with the current bridge for just $2,449 — a modest sum even then. The bridge was renamed Earnest, likely in honor of a local resident, though historical records sometimes spell it “Ernest.”

During the 1960s, the bridge gained a touch of Hollywood fame when it was featured in the James Stewart film Shenandoah. For the film’s Civil War-era setting, the crew temporarily altered the bridge’s appearance. Once filming wrapped in 1965, they restored it to its original design. Today, the bridge stands as a testament to both Oregon’s history and its pop culture legacy.

A fascinating detail is the small hooded window on one side of the bridge. This feature, common in Lane County covered bridges, improved visibility for drivers on the narrow span. Can you imagine driving across this bridge decades ago, in an old car, peeking through the window to check for oncoming traffic?



Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon view of creek and autumn trees" captures the view from inside the bridge, looking out over a creek lined with colorful autumn trees and dense green forest.

Why is this bridge so special?

Historic Significance: Built in 1938, replacing the original 1903 Adams Bridge.

Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush trees, the bridge spans the gentle Mohawk River.

Hollywood Connection: Earnest Covered Bridge was featured in the 1965 movie "Shenandoah".



Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Earnest Covered Bridge in Oregon road approach with sun rays" features the bridge viewed from the road approach, framed by leafy trees with sunlight streaming through the branches, and a road sign visible on the right.

Oregon's Covered Bridge Heritage

The Earnest Covered Bridge is part of Oregon's rich tradition of covered bridges. Lane County alone once had over 90 covered bridges, though fewer than 20 remain today. Each one tells a story of the state's past, from its early transportation needs to its logging history and community preservation efforts.

This bridge, in particular, feels like a living reminder of simpler times. Locals recall when circus posters lined the interior walls, though time and weather have erased them. Imagine walking through the bridge back then, seeing the colorful posters and hearing the laughter of children playing nearby!



Earnest Covered Bridge | Facts

Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Vehicles (9-ton weight limit, 12'8" height clearance)
Stream: Mohawk River
Bridge Length: 75 ft (23 m)
Built: 1938 (replaced the original 1903 Adams Bridge)
Restored: 1965 (after being modified for the movie “Shenandoah”)

Elevation: 626 ft (190 m)

Earnest Covered Bridge is located:

  • 14 miles northeast of Eugene
  • 48 miles southeast of Salem
  • 110 miles south of Portland.



Adventures Nearby

Directions to Earnest Covered Bridge

From I‑5 (Exit 194A, Eugene),

  • Head east on OR‑126 E/Main Street for about 4 miles
  • Turn left onto 42nd Street and continue for 0.5 miles
  • Turn right onto Marcola Road and drive 12.5 miles to Paschelke Road and the bridge on the right.

Parking is limited, so pull off safely.

93255 Paschelke Rd, Marcola, OR 97454



2 Comments

  1. This bridge crosses the Mohawk River, not the long Tom River.

    1. Thanks for your comment; it has been corrected.

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