• Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge is the only covered bridge located east of the Oregon Cascades
• The bridge is not considered a "true" Oregon covered bridge because it lacks a classic truss support system
The Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge, also known as the Swalley Canal Bridge, sits near Bend. This is a one-of-a-kind covered bridge in Oregon for two main reasons.
First, unlike most covered bridges found in the rainy western part of the state, this bridge stands in the drier central Oregon region, making it a unique landmark for this region. In fact, this is the only covered bridge located east of the Oregon Cascades.
The second unique fact is the Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge is not considered a "true" covered bridge because it lacks a classic truss support system.
The Rock O' the Range carries Bowery Lane over the Swalley Canal. The 42-foot (13 m) long bridge features:
- Cedar siding
- A shingle roof
- Ventilation slits
- Big side windows
It is wide enough for a single vehicle to pass through.
The bridge is constructed using Douglas fir timbers placed on concrete pilings, supporting both the dead weight of the bridge and the live load of passing traffic.
While small timbers were added to help strengthen the span, the bridge is not technically supported by a truss, making it unique among covered bridges.
Please note that while the Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge is privately owned, it is open for public use. However, visitors must respect the property ownership and not venture onto the land on either side of the bridge.
Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge History
Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge was built in 1963 by local contractor Maurice Olson. William Bowen commissioned it because he needed an access road across the Swalley Canal to reach the property he was developing.
Inspired by a picture of Goodpasture Bridge on a calendar, Bowen instructed Olson to build the covered bridge instead of the open one.
Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge was completed in 1963 and cost $4,500 ($47,785 in today's dollars).
Rock O' the Range, along with many other Oregon covered bridges, was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Over the years, high loads have damaged the bridge's portal boards and roof braces due to an unusually low clearance of only 9 feet (2,70 m). The bridge belongs to local homeowners, who maintain it in presentable condition for pictures and safe conditions for driving.
Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Covered non Howe truss
Bridge access: Vehicle
Stream: Swalley Canal
Bridge Length: 42 ft (13 m)
Built: 1963
Open: Year-round
Elevation: 3,300 ft (1,000 m)
Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge is located:
- 6 miles northeast of Bend Downtown
- 126 miles east of Eugene
- 130 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge
- Take US-97 North
- Turn left onto Bowery Lane.