• Short Covered Bridge is a historic wooden structure
• This is the only covered bridge left over the South Santiam River
Short Covered Bridge carries High Deck Road over the South Fork of the South Santiam River, about 12 miles east of Sweet Home, near the small community of Cascadia.
This 105-foot (32 m) structure is one of Oregon's 17 remaining Howe truss-style covered bridges - a design that uses diagonal wooden timbers and vertical iron rods to distribute weight and keep the structure strong.
Short Covered Bridge in Cascadia, Oregon
What makes Short Bridge stand out is its wooden shingle roof, a feature that only a handful of Oregon's covered bridges still have. Most covered bridges today use metal roofing, so this original material gives Short Bridge an especially authentic, historic feel.
The bridge remains open to both pedestrians and vehicles, allowing visitors to experience the rumble of wooden planks beneath their tires much as travelers did decades ago.
Nearby, the Cascadia Day-Use Area provides parking and picnic tables.
Below the bridge, a short but steep trail leads down to the river, where you can swim, wade, or try your luck at rockhounding along the rocky banks.
It's an easy stop along a drive through the Santiam Canyon, offering a glimpse into Oregon's covered bridge heritage in a scenic natural setting.
History of Short Covered Bridge in Cascadia
The bridge was constructed in 1945, near the end of Oregon's covered bridge era, when most new crossings were already being built of steel and concrete. Linn County chose to continue tradition, constructing a classic Howe truss bridge to serve the rural community.
Originally known as Whiskey Butte Bridge, it was later renamed Short Bridge in honor of Gordon Short, a well-known resident who lived nearby. Renaming bridges after local families was common in rural Oregon, where such crossing often became important community landmarks.
In 1979, Short Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural significance and helping ensure its preservation.
Like many wooden bridges, it required maintenance over the years. In 1991, Linn County completed major restoration work, reinforcing the Howe truss system, repairing weathered timbers, and preserving its traditional wooden roof. Thanks to these efforts, the bridge continues to safely carry traffic today.
What Makes Short Bridge Unique?
Wooden Shingle Roof: Unlike most surviving covered bridges that now have metal roofs, Short Bridge retains a traditional wooden shingle roof, making it one of the few in the state with this authentic historic feature.
Last of Its Kind on the South Santiam: It is the only remaining historic covered bridge over the South Santiam River, serving as a reminder of the many wooden crossings that once spanned Oregon's waterways.
Short Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Pedestrian and vehicle
Stream: South Santiam River
Bridge Length: 105 ft (32 m)
Built: 1945
Elevation: 1,400 ft (427 m)
Short Bridge is located:
- 13 miles east of Sweet Home
- 53 miles northeast of Eugene
- 64 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Short Covered Bridge
From I-5,
- Take exit 228 for OR-34 toward Corvallis
- Head 5.4 miles east on OR-34 to Denny School Road
- Turn right onto Denny School Road and drive for 1.2 miles
- Continue 2.2 miles onto Airport Drive to US-20 (Main Street)
- Turn right onto US-20 and follow 25.5 miles to the destination on the left.