Weddle Covered Bridge – Sweet Home, Oregon

Did you know that Oregon is home to the most covered bridges in the United States, west of the Mississippi? The Weddle Bridge is one of Oregon’s 54 covered bridges. This cute covered bridge has a Howe truss covered bridge design and is located in Linn County in the small town of Sweet Home, Oregon, which is west of Eugene, Oregon. Let’s take a closer look at visiting the Weddle Covered Bridge.

Weddle Covered Bridge Oregon
The Weddle Bridge, a white covered bridge near Sweet Home, Oregon, spans Ames Creek

Weddle Covered Bridge – Location

The Weddle Covered Bridge is located inside of Sankey Park, which is a small city park, a little bit off of US Highway 20.

Weddle Covered Bridge Oregon
Weddle Bridge, a covered bridge in Sweet Home, Oregon

Quick history on the weddle covered bridge

The Weddle Covered Bridge was built in 1937 and once spanned the Thomas River in Scio, Oregon. By 1980, it had been replaced by a concrete bridge and was slated for demolition in 1987. However, local residents rallied to save this historical structure. One protester, as local lore has it, even chained themselves to a bulldozer in a display of preservation advocacy. Now that’s dedication!

Thanks to these efforts, the Weddle Covered Bridge became the first project funded by the newly created Oregon Covered Bridge Program. The bridge was relocated to Sankey Park in Sweet Home, Oregon, restored in 1989, where it still stands today.

Weddle Covered Bridge Oregon
The Weddle Bridge, a covered bridge spanning Ames Creek in Sweet Home, Oregon. Plaque and sign
Weddle Covered Bridge Oregon
Inside the Weddle Bridge, a covered bridge in Sankey Park – Sweet Home, Oregon

The Weddle Covered Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge, no vehicle traffic allowed. There are iron gates at the bridge, so it appears that this is shut down to pedestrians too, for special events.

So Why Are Covered Bridges Special?

Covered bridges like the Weddle are relics of 19th and early 20th-century engineering. Their roofs protect wooden trusses from weathering, significantly extending their lifespan. Oregon’s commitment to preserving these structures offers visitors a way to connect with the state’s history and craftsmanship. Not to mention, they’re just so pastoral and photogenic!

Weddle Covered Bridge Oregon
Posing at the Weddle Bridge

Tips for Visiting the Weddle Covered Bridge

  • Photography: The bridge’s white covering and picturesque surroundings make it a popular spot for photos, especially during golden hour. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots of Ames Creek beneath the bridge.
  • Local Attractions: Explore nearby Foster Lake for water activities or visit Lewis Creek Park for a picnic.
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall offer the most pleasant weather and vibrant scenery, but the bridge is accessible year-round.

RELATED: See a shipwreck in Oregon! How to see the Wreck of the Peter Iredale

Weddle Covered Bridge in Sweet Home, Oregon – Final thoughts

The Weddle Covered Bridge is a charming and easy-to-visit piece of Oregon’s history, perfect for a quick stop on an Oregon road trip. While it’s not as grand as some of the United States’ other covered bridges, its historical significance and picturesque setting make it well worth a visit.

Have you visited the Weddle Covered Bridge or other covered bridges in Oregon? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Weddle Covered Bridge Oregon

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