• Built in 1937 near Scio, Weddle Covered Bridge was saved by locals and restored in Sweet Home
The Weddle Covered Bridge crosses Ames Creek in Sankey Park, Sweet Home, just off U.S. Highway 20 and about 28 miles east of Albany. This bright white bridge was first built in 1937 over Thomas Creek near Scio.
The 120-foot (37-meter) Howe truss bridge carried traffic for 43 years until a concrete bypass replaced it in 1980. In 1987, the bridge was scheduled for demolition, but locals worked together to save it. They moved and rebuilt it at its current site in the center of town.
Today, the bridge stands as a peaceful landmark, framed by tall firs and the steady flow of Ames Creek below.
Visitors can also explore other nearby bridges. A short drive connects Weddle Bridge with Crawfordsville Covered Bridge and Short Bridge, making a scenic Linn County loop that fits easily into a Willamette Valley road trip between Albany, Lebanon, and Sweet Home.
Weddle Covered Bridge History
If you enjoy Oregon’s covered bridges, this one has a story worth remembering. Built in 1937, the Weddle Bridge first crossed Thomas Creek near Scio. In 1980, it was replaced by a new concrete bridge. By October 1987, workers had started taking the old bridge apart.
Residents refused to let it disappear. One man even chained himself to a bulldozer to stop the demolition. Community members asked former Oregon Senator Mae Yih for help.
Their efforts worked. The state created the Oregon Covered Bridge Program to fund bridge preservation across Oregon. Weddle was the first to receive grant money. With state funds, local donations, and volunteer help, the Cascade Forest Resource Center moved and rebuilt the bridge over Ames Creek in Sweet Home’s Sankey Park.
The Jordan Bridge Company and the Covered Bridge Society of Oregon also helped. After nearly two years of work, the bridge was rededicated to the public in July 1990.
Time brought more challenges. In 2005, an inspection found the bridge needed repairs. The Oregon Jamboree music festival, local businesses, and residents raised money and materials to fix it.
Today, the Weddle Bridge is closed by gates even for pedestrians.
Why is this bridge so special?
Historic Significance: Built in 1937, bypassed in 1980, and saved from demolition in 1987. Moved and rededicated in 1990, then repaired in 2005 with community support.
Community Save: The first project backed by the Oregon Covered Bridge Program, led by the Cascade Forest Resource Center with help from the Covered Bridge Society of Oregon and the Jordan Bridge Company.
Park Icon: Today, the bridge hosts weddings, fundraisers, photo shoots, and easy family walks through Sankey Park.
Weddle Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Pedestrian only
Stream: Ames Creek
Bridge Length: 120 ft (37 m)
Built: 1937; moved/rebuilt 1989–1990
Open: Year-round
Elevation: 400 ft (122 m)
Weddle Covered Bridge is located:
- 28 miles east of Albany
- 33 miles east of Corvallis
- 94 miles south of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Weddle Covered Bridge
- Head southeast on Highway US‑20 for about 27 miles through Lebanon to Sweet Home
- Turn right onto 12th Avenue, then left onto Kalmia Street, and finally right onto 14th Avenue to reach the bridge