• The Irish Bend Covered Bridge is part of a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail
The Irish Bend Covered Bridge is a picturesque wooden covered bridge located on the Oregon State University (OSU) campus in Corvallis.
This historic structure is a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over Oak Creek, with scenic and peaceful country views.
The Irish Bend Covered Bridge sits within OSU's research farm and is part of a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail. The trail is considered easy and takes an average of 41 minutes to complete. It is a favorite among hikers, runners, and cyclists.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The closest you can get to the bridge on a car is within 0.3 miles. From the parking lot, a short walk along Campus Way leads to the bridge, which is open year-round to foot and bicycle traffic.
The 60-foot-long (18 m) Howe truss bridge features:
- Board-and-batten
- Painted wood siding
- Wood decking
- Cedar-shingle gable roof
Its rustic look and location near OSU make it a popular photography destination.
The Irish Bend Covered Bridge History
The bridge was built in 1954 and originally spanned a slough of the Willamette River on Irish Bend Road near Monroe. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
After the road realignment in 1975, the Irish Bend Covered Bridge gradually deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. The structure continued to decline until it was ultimately dismantled in 1988 to accommodate the construction of a modern concrete bridge.
The Irish Bend Advisory Committee, in collaboration with Benton County and OSU, raised funds to reconstruct the bridge on university property to preserve it.
The project, completed in 1989, cost approximately $60,000 ($152,000 in today's dollars), with the committee and the county each contributing half of the funds.
Due to its relocation, the bridge was removed from the National Register in 1989 but relisted in 2013. Today, the Benton County Parks Department maintains the bridge, ensuring that this piece of Oregon's history remains accessible for generations to come.
Irish Bend Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Pedestrian
Stream: Oak Creek
Bridge Length: 60 ft (18 m)
Built: 1954
Moved: 1989
Open: Year-round
Elevation: 150 ft (46 m)
Irish Bend Covered Bridge is located:
- 3 miles east of Corvallis Downtown
- 42 miles southwest of Salem
- 50 miles northwest of Eugene.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Irish Bend Covered Bridge
- Turn right onto SW 35th Street and follow it for 0.8 miles
- Turn left onto SW Campus Way and follow it for 0.5 miles.