Oregon holds more covered bridges than any other state west of the Mississippi, and most of them sit along quiet back roads that beg you to slow down. These wooden crossings are more than pretty photo stops.
Some date back nearly a century, and each one has its own shape, story, and setting. If you enjoy easy drives with lots of places to pull over, stretch your legs, and take a picture, this list is a good place to start.
Grab a map, fill the tank, and plan a loop through some of the prettiest countryside in the state.
1. Goodpasture Covered Bridge, Vida
Widely photographed and easy to reach, the Goodpasture Covered Bridge crosses the McKenzie River off Highway 126 east of Eugene.
Built in 1938, it stretches about 165 feet, making it one of the longest covered bridges still standing in Oregon. The row of louvered Gothic-style windows along each side gives it a look you will not find on the other bridges here.
Because it sits right along a popular fishing river, there is often a spot to pull over and watch the water. The setting is especially pretty in fall when the surrounding trees change color.
It works well as a first stop if you are driving out from Eugene toward the mountains.
2. Office Covered Bridge, Westfir
Painted a bold shade of red, the Office Covered Bridge in Westfir stands out from the more common white bridges scattered around the state.
At around 180 feet, it holds the title of the longest covered bridge in Oregon. It also has a rare feature: a separate covered walkway running alongside the main span, so people on foot stay out of the way of traffic.
The bridge got its name because it once connected the town to a lumber company office. Today it sits near the start of the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, a winding route that follows rivers through the Willamette National Forest.
Plan a little extra time here if you want to walk the span and take pictures from both angles.
3. Chitwood Covered Bridge, Chitwood
Out in the Coast Range along Highway 20, the Chitwood Covered Bridge crosses the Yaquina River in a tiny community that once buzzed with rail traffic.
The original bridge here dates back to the early 1900s, and the current structure keeps that classic simple design without a lot of fancy trim. Its quiet, small-town backdrop makes it feel like a step into an earlier era.
This one fits naturally into a drive between the Willamette Valley and the central coast. If you are heading toward Newport, it makes an easy reason to break up the trip.
Parking is limited, so pull over carefully and be mindful of the road.
4. Dorena Covered Bridge, Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove calls itself the Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon, and the Dorena Covered Bridge is one of the highlights near town.
Built in 1949, it crosses the Row River close to Dorena Lake, giving you water views along with the bridge itself. It has become a favorite backdrop for weddings and portraits thanks to that scenic setting.
The nearby Row River Trail is a paved path that follows an old rail line, so you can pair a bridge visit with an easy walk or bike ride. The area is calm and open, with plenty of room to look around.
Cottage Grove has several bridges within a short drive, which makes it an ideal home base for a covered bridge loop.
5. Currin Covered Bridge, Cottage Grove
Color sets the Currin Covered Bridge apart from its neighbors near Cottage Grove.
While many Oregon bridges are all white, this one pairs white sides with red portals, giving it a two-tone look that photographers seek out. It crosses the Row River and dates to 1925, replacing an earlier bridge on the same site.
Because it sits close to other bridges in the Cottage Grove area, you can visit several in a single afternoon without much driving between them. That clustering is what makes this corner of Oregon so friendly for a slow scenic loop.
Bring a camera, since the red-and-white contrast really shows up well in photos.
6. Larwood Covered Bridge, Scio
Near Scio, the Larwood Covered Bridge comes with a bonus that most of these crossings do not have: a little park and a working water wheel right beside it.
Built in 1939, it spans Crabtree Creek and sits at a spot where two waterways meet. The adjacent Larwood Wayside offers picnic tables and creek access, so it is an easy place to stop and relax.
Families often stop here to wade in the shallow water on warm days. The mix of a swimming area, picnic spots, and the historic bridge makes it more of a destination than a quick pull-off.
Scio anchors a well-known cluster of bridges, so plan to see a few in one trip.
7. Shimanek Covered Bridge, Scio
Bright red and hard to miss, the Shimanek Covered Bridge is one of the boldest looking crossings in the Scio area.
The current bridge was built in 1966, and it stands out for its striking red paint and the louvered windows along its sides. Several earlier bridges once stood at this location before this version replaced them.
It spans Thomas Creek in a rural stretch of farmland, so the drive out is as pleasant as the destination. The red color makes it a standout stop during the annual covered bridge tours that pass through the region.
Combine it with Larwood and other nearby bridges for a full Scio loop.
8. Lowell Covered Bridge, Lowell
Sitting above the waters of Dexter Reservoir near Lowell, this bridge does double duty as a covered bridge and a small interpretive center.
Built in 1945 and later widened, the Lowell Covered Bridge is unusually broad compared to most. Inside, displays explain the history of covered bridges and how they were constructed, which makes it a good stop if you want to learn as well as look.
There is a parking area and space to walk through the span at your own pace. The reservoir views on either side add to the appeal.
Since it is right off Highway 58, it fits easily into a drive toward the Cascades.
9. Wildcat Covered Bridge, Walton
Deep in the woods along Highway 126 west of Eugene, the Wildcat Covered Bridge crosses the North Fork of the Siuslaw River in a peaceful forest setting.
Built in 1925, it carries an old-fashioned charm and sits in one of the greener, more secluded spots on this list. The surrounding trees keep it shaded and quiet, which is part of its appeal.
It makes a natural stop if you are driving between Eugene and the coast near Florence. The setting rewards travelers who like their scenic drives on the calmer, less crowded side.
Pull over, take a few photos, and enjoy the stillness before you continue toward the ocean.
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