Here Are 11 Of The Most Beautiful Oregon Covered Bridges To Explore This Fall

There are so many ways to enjoy Oregon's fall foliage. You can take a hike to surround yourself with the beautiful colors of autumn, or walk across a bridge to get a glimpse at some stunning scenery. You can even dine in a historic lodge with a famous waterfall, and see autumn leaves from the floor-to-ceiling windows inside. There's another often-overlooked fall foliage activity that we highly recommend: seeking out Oregon's beautiful covered bridges. Here are 11 of our favorite covered bridges in Oregon:

1. Grave Creek Bridge, Josephine County

Grave Creek Bridge is likely Oregon's most often viewed. It spans 105 feet across the creek, and was constructed in 1920.

2. Rochester Bridge, near Sutherlin

The Rochester Bridge is one of Oregon's more unusual bridges, with four windows on each side. The bridge was in danger of being removed by the county in the 1950s, and concerned residents kept guard to save it. The bridge was later remodeled.

3. Shimanek Bridge, near Scio

Unlike most of Oregon's covered bridges, which are white, Shimanek is a bold, bright red. It spans Thompson creek 130 feet, and is actually the fifth bridge at this location; others fell victim to storms, floods, and other catastrophes.

4. Gilkey Bridge, near Scio

Gilkey Bridge also crosses Thomas Creek, and at 120 feet long, it's almost as large as the Shimanek Bridge. It was built in 1939, and was recently restored at a cost of $1.6 million.

5. Larwood Bridge, near Scio

The Larwood Bridge is light and airy. You'll find it right by Larwood Wayside Park, crossing Crabtree Creek.

6. Hannah Bridge, Scio

The Hannah Bridge is another beauty near the town of Scio. Built in 1936, it was named for John Joseph Hannah, a settler in Scio.

7. Goodpasture Bridge, near Vida

The Goodpasture Bridge is an often-photographed gem that's the second-longest covered bridge in the state. It spans 237 feet, and crosses the McKenzie River.

8. Dorena Bridge, Dorena

Crossing the Row River, the Dorena Bridge was built in 1949. The fall foliage around it is particularly beautiful!

9. Harris Bridge, near Wren

This pretty, Howe Truss-style bridge was built in 1929 and named for a local settler in the area. Harris Bridge is an absolute vision in the autumn!

10. Short Bridge, near Sweet Home

Short Bridge (aka South Fork Santiam River Bridge) was built in 1945. It's tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, surrounded by autumnal beauty.

11. Gallon House Bridge, Silverton

Oregon's oldest covered bridge still in use, Gallon House was built in 1916. It spans Abiqua Creek and was named for the gallons of liquor sold nearby during Prohibition.

Have you visited any of these covered bridges in Oregon before? Are there any new ones you can't wait to check out? We'd love to see your covered bridge photos in the comments below!

For another fun way to explore some of the most beautiful covered bridges in Oregon, check out this covered bridge trail in Cottage Grove.