• Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge is open for vehicle traffic
• Lane County minted coins commemorating the bridge
The Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge, also known as Wildcat Bridge or Austa Bridge, is a notable landmark in Oregon's Lane County. It carries Austa Road over Wildcat Creek near its confluence with the Siuslaw River.
The Wildcat Bridge sits just off Highway 126, so it's a great place to explore when heading to or from the Oregon Coast. The nearby Austa boat ramp provides access for fishing and boating on the Siuslaw River.
This bridge is a classic example of Howe Truss design, a common architectural style for covered bridges in Oregon, for its ability to distribute loads evenly.
It spans 75 feet (23 meters) and remains open to vehicles, with a weight limit of up to 30 tons. The bridge features a distinctive long, narrow opening on its east side, which helps with visibility along the curved road and offers picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge Coin
History
Constructed in 1925, the bridge was originally part of the Stagecoach Road and served as a vital link to the Oregon Coast. In the 1930s, however, the road and bridge were bypassed by the construction of the Mapleton Bridge and Linslaw Tunnel.
Despite being bypassed, Wildcat Bridge is still open to traffic and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge | Facts
Architectural Bridge Design: Howe truss
Bridge access: Vehicle
Stream: Wildcat Creek
Bridge Length: 75 ft (23 m)
Built: 1925
Repaired: 1980s and 2000
Open: Year-round
Elevation: 300 ft (92 m)
Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge is located:
- 12 miles east of Mapleton
- 35 miles west of Eugene
- 101 miles southwest of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge
From OR-126,
- Head toward Siuslaw Road
- Take Austa Road/Siuslaw Road Exit.
Address: Siuslaw Rd, Walton, OR 97490