• Myrtle Creek Covered Bridge was moved from Horse Creek to the current spot
• The original bridge provided material to build 2 other covered bridges
Myrtle Creek Covered Bridge, originally known as Horse Creek Covered Bridge, sits in the town of Myrtle Creek. The 105-foot (32 m) pedestrian bridge spans Myrtle Creek, providing a picturesque passage into Millsite Park.
The bridge's Howe truss design includes ribbon openings at the eaves on both sides and rectangular-arched portals. An eye-level window on one side allows viewing of oncoming traffic and provides ventilation and light. The "S-curve brackets" at the corners of the bridge further accentuate its unique architectural style.
History
The original bridge, which spanned Horse Creek, was built in 1930. After being bypassed by a concrete bridge in 1968, the Horse Creek Bridge continued to serve pedestrian traffic until Lane County dismantled it in 1987.
The county repurposed the salvaged timber to build two other bridges. The City of Cottage Grove used some to construct a small covered bridge in a park, while the remainder was donated to Myrtle Creek in 1990. These timbers found a new purpose in creating the covered bridge over Myrtle Creek.
The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 but was removed following its relocation.
Myrtle Creek Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Pedestrian
Stream: Myrtle Creek
Bridge Length: 105 ft (32 m)
Built: 1930
Dismantled: 1987
Rebuilt: 1990
Open: Year-round
Elevation: 605 ft (184 m)
Myrtle Creek Bridge is located:
- 17 miles south of Roseburg
- 88 miles south of Eugene
- 150 miles south of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Myrtle Creek Bridge
From Myrtle Creek downtown,
- Take Main Street South from downtown
- The bridge sits near the SE Mill Street crossing.
Address: Myrtle Creek, OR 97457