This Old Fashioned Store Is a Treasure Trove of History in Oregon

by | Nov 19, 2024 | Adventures, Featured, Interesting, Southern Oregon, Travel

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This cozy little store is filled to the brim with charm, and sits just a minute down the road from the historic Grave Creek covered bridge.

Tucked away in the charming community of Sunny Valley, Oregon, the Covered Bridge Country Store is a delightful stop that feels like a trip back to simpler times. This quaint mom-and-pop shop is the only store in Sunny Valley and offers a little bit of everything, from snacks and gas to unexpected treasures like antiques. It's the kind of place that surprises you with its character and friendly atmosphere, making it much more than just a roadside convenience.

The Covered Bridge Country Store In Sunny Valley

The outside of the Covered Bridge Country store.
Photo by Ross Steensland via Google Local.

The store sits just off of Interstate 5 at the Sunny Valley exit, perfectly placed for a quick stop or a leisurely browse. Its old-fashioned gas pumps might seem out of place in today’s fast-paced world, but they only add to the charm.

Inside the Covered Bridge Country store.
Photo by Robin Ruggeri via Google Local.

Gas is available for part of the day, but the store’s longer hours ensure you can stock up on goodies, grab basic necessities, or simply enjoy the nostalgia. Shoppers often mention the friendly and helpful staff, who make every visit a pleasure.

Grave Creek Covered Bridge.
Photo by Paul M. via Google Local.

Just one minute down the road from the country store is the historic Grave Creek Covered Bridge, a site that beautifully captures the essence of the area.

A view from inside the Grave Creek Covered Bridge.
Photo by Lina via Google Local.

Built in 1920, this 105-foot Howe truss bridge is not only a piece of Oregon history but also a striking piece of architecture with its Gothic windows, rounded portals, and shake roof.

Grave Creek Covered Bridge.
Photo by Douglas Douglas via Google Local.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's the only covered bridge left in Josephine County and is famously visible from I-5.

Grave Creek Covered Bridge.
Photo by Douglas Douglas via Google Local

Take a moment to stroll across the bridge and soak in the serene beauty of Grave Creek flowing below.

Sunny Valley itself is a picturesque little slice of Oregon. Just 14 miles north of Grants Pass, this unincorporated community is surrounded by lush meadows, rolling mountains, and sparkling creeks, making it feel like it’s a town straight out of a storybook. The area's rich history is deeply tied to the Grave Creek watershed, where gold miners once flocked, and pioneers passed through on their way to new beginnings. The name "Grave Creek" dates back to 1846, when the ill-fated Martha Leland Crowley was laid to rest there.

Inside the Covered Bridge Country store.
Photo by Karen Heeringa via Google Local.

For history buffs, Sunny Valley holds even more treasures. The area was once home to Fort Leland, a key site during the tumultuous Rogue River Wars in the mid-1800s. The nearby grounds saw everything from stagecoaches rolling through to battles fought on the rugged terrain. Though little remains of the original structures, the stories linger, enriching every visit to this now serene valley.

Tip: Just a few minutes away is the historic one hundred and forty year old Wolf Creek Inn, which is said to be haunted and is well worth the visit! Read more about the Wolf Creek Inn here. If you're into hiking and good views, you can also check out the London Peak Trail.

Covered Bridge Country Store Information

Inside the Covered Bridge Country store.
Photo by Rosanna Mendoza via Google Local.
  • Location: 235 Sunny Valley Loop, in Wolf Creek, Oregon.
    • Note: The mailing address is Wolf Creek, but the unincorporated town the country store sits in is called Sunny Valley, and is about 5 miles south of Wolf Creek.
  • Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM, seven days a week.
    • Please note that some reviewers report the store being closed earlier than 7 PM some days per week.

Whether you're filling up on gas, picking up a snack, or diving into the area's fascinating past, the Covered Bridge Country Store is a stop worth making. It's a place where the past and present blend seamlessly, offering a glimpse into both the history and the simple pleasures of Southern Oregon.


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Written By Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. She has been blogging since 2006. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds.

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