In 2020 late summer fires devastated a string of communities along Highways 20 and 22 in the West Cascades. Beloved towns, cabins and campgrounds are gone. Forests and trails will tell the tale of sudden destruction and gradual renewal for decades to come.
We count our blessings for all that survived the fires. While smoke filled the Willamette Valley, the fires stayed in the mountains, so the rural areas flanking the West Cascades remain intact-including the covered bridges that punctuate the orchards and fields in the foothills of Linn and Marion counties. These historic relics, mostly dating to the 1930s, represent just a sample of the 51 covered bridges around Oregon-the most of any state west of the Mississippi. A scenic drive or bike ride to these areas and a tour of the bridges is the perfect autumn outing.
Far from the beaten path, these bridges invite you to pull over and step out. Inhale a deep breath of calm and quiet. Feel the cool fall air rise from the creek, and listen to the burble of the water and the cry of birds and frogs. Run your fingers along timbers locally harvested nearly a century ago. Bring your camera or sketch pad to capture a scene unchanged from decades past.
While you are out, stretch your legs in the small towns of the eastern Willamette Valley, where a meal, a bakery treat, or an ice cream cone will fuel your stroll as you window shop or admire classic old homes.
In Stayton, an old-school town center offers plenty of historic charm. The Covered Bridge Cafe specializes in classic diner fare; Snow Peak Brewing serves craft beer; and the Lovin Oven sells cake by the slice or whole. Antique and thrift shops abound.
Check out the Point Restaurant in Sweet Home—a few miles from the Weddle Bridge. Other options include Casa de Reyes for Mexican.
While you're on the road, enjoy a visit to other regional attractions such as the wonderful waterfall hiking trails at Silver Falls State Park; Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site; the Oregon Garden; farm stores like Bauman's & E. Z. Orchards; and wineries such as Pudding River Wine Cellars, Piluso Vineyard & Winery, and Silver Falls Vineyards.
Expert advice: Admire the workmanship as you walk the length of the bridge. The massive beams supporting the Hoffman Bridge even show the marks of the adz, illustrating the incredible hand labor required to shape it. Notice their similarities, and how they vary. Some have open sides, some closed, some have arched gothic windows, some louvered.
