Hayden Covered Bridge - Walk Oregon’s Oldest Alsea River Crossing!

Hayden Covered Bridge carries Hayden Road over the Alsea River, just two miles west of Alsea, near the western edge of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This scenic landmark is a rare survivor from the golden age of Oregon’s covered bridges. Built in 1918, it is the last covered span on the Alsea River and one of the oldest covered bridges still standing in the state.

At 91 feet (27.7 m) long, the bridge features a classic Howe truss design, board-and-batten siding flared at the base, a daylighting window strip below the roofline, and wide portals. Today, it is open to foot traffic and offers a peaceful glimpse into Oregon’s rural past.

After visiting the bridge, consider a side trip to Avery Park in Corvallis, about 30 miles northeast. It’s a lovely city park with over 250 varieties of roses in the Rose Garden, a dinosaur-themed playground for kids, the historic Georgia Pacific Locomotive, shady picnic areas, sports fields, and access to the Marys River for swimming — among other adventures.

Avery Park in Corvallis: Lush Rose Garden With Dinosaur Bones!

Last Alsea River Covered Bridge

The nearby community of Alsea, once known as Alseya Settlement, was named after the local Alsea tribe. In the early 20th century, the Alsea River was lined with wooden covered bridges, each serving local farms and logging routes.

Hayden Covered Bridge, built in 1918, is the only one that remains today — a true survivor and a tribute to Oregon’s craftsmanship and rural heritage. Its Howe truss system has stood firm for more than a century, a testament to early engineering skill and quality timber.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1945 to handle larger vehicles, when its once-rounded portals were squared off for modern traffic.

Yet, despite the changes, it has preserved its character. Sunlight still filters through the narrow windows beneath the roofline, casting a warm glow on the weathered wooden beams and inviting visitors to step back in time.