Mosby Creek Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Mosby Creek Covered Bridge in Oregon entrance with red truck" features the white wooden entrance of the bridge, as a red pickup truck drives through, with green trees and mountains in the background and a weight limit sign on the right.

• Mosby Creek Covered Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Lane County

The Mosby Creek Covered Bridge crosses Mosby Creek on Layng Road, just east of downtown Cottage Grove and a short hop from I‑5. Built in 1920, the 90‑foot (27 m) covered Howe truss carries vehicles up to 8 tons with a maximum height of 11'7". Locals also call it the Layng Bridge.

I like how the semi-circular portal arches frame the creek and the surrounding trees. Light slips through slim ribbon openings near the roof and paints soft lines on the deck. You hear tires hum, then the calm rush of water below. Do you enjoy that blend of living history and quiet nature? It's simple, but it sticks.

Even better, the main Row River Trailhead sits right beside the bridge. Park once, walk the span, then bike toward Dorena Lake for miles. And yes, the orange railroad bridge from the opening of the 1985 movie "Stand by Me" is nearby, so you can add a fun film stop to your day.



I like that it still works as a real road link, not just a display. You can drive through, park by the trailhead, and watch the light stripe the timbers.

Have you noticed how the arched portals make the bridge feel welcoming? That curve softens the lines and frames Mosby Creek like a postcard.

Mosby Creek Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Mosby Creek Covered Bridge in Oregon interior wooden beams" shows the inside of the covered bridge, featuring wooden beams and trusses overhead, with sunlight streaming in from the far entrance.

Mosby Creek Covered Bridge History

Built in 1920 by Walter and Miller Sorensen for $4,125 (about $64,746 in 2024 dollars), it took the name of pioneer David Mosby. He settled here in 1853 and claimed 1,600 acres east of today's Cottage Grove.

The bridge uses a classic Howe truss with graceful, semi‑circular portal arches, board‑and‑batten siding, and narrow roofline ribbon vents for light and air.

By 1979, time caught up. The county closed the span and, that same year, listed it on the National Register of Historic Places. A major restoration followed in 1990. In 2002, crews replaced the old corrugated metal roof with a durable synthetic material and made more repairs.

Today, Lane County maintains the bridge so it can keep serving drivers and looking its best.



Mosby Creek Covered Bridge in Oregon: The picture "Mosby Creek Covered Bridge in Oregon side view with creek" displays a side view of the white covered bridge stretching over a small creek, surrounded by trees and greenery under a clear blue sky.

Why is this bridge so special?

Historic Significance: Built in 1920, this bridge is the oldest coveredspan still open to vehicles in Lane County and was added the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Unique Design: A classic Howe truss with graceful semi-circular portal arches, board-and-batten siding, and narrow ribbon vents that let in soft light.

Trail & Scenic Link: More than a destination — it’s also a scenic passage. From here, visitors can cross the span or follow the Row River Trail on foot or by bike.

Oregon's Living Covered Bridge in Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove calls itself the Covered Bridge Capital of the West, and Mosby Creek is a true working example. In the early 1900s, timber trusses like this linked farms, mills, and town roads across Lane County. As modern bridges arrived, many covered spans went pedestrian‑only or got bypassed. This one stayed in service and still does the job.

Local moments bring it to life. Cyclists roll from the Row River Trail to snap photos, then cruise toward Dorena Lake. On warm afternoons, kids count cars through the portal. At sunrise, the interior glows softly while the creek runs clear. Simple scenes, but they stay with you.



Mosby Creek Covered Bridge | Facts

Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Active roadway; vehicles up to 8 tons; max height 11'7"
Stream: Mosby Creek
Bridge Length: 90 ft (27 m)
Built: 1920

Open: Year-round

Elevation: 810 ft (247 m)

Mosby Creek Covered Bridge is located:

  • About 2.5 miles east of Downtown Cottage Grove
  • 22 miles south of Eugene
  • 124 miles south of Portland.



Adventures Nearby

Directions to Mosby Creek Covered Bridge

From I‑5 (Exit 174, Cottage Grove),
  • Head east on Row River Road for about 2.2 miles
  • Turn left on Layng Road and continue about 0.3 miles to the bridge and Row River Trailhead.
Address: 77935 Layng Rd, Cottage Grove, OR 97424



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