Hit by a truck, re-built, given a roof and then raised up to avoid a flood, the Lowell Covered Bridge in Oregon has stood the test of time and is a great spot to visit today.
Tucked away in the scenic Cascade Mountains 18 minutes southeast of Eugene, the Lowell Covered Bridge stands as a testament to Oregon’s history and charm. The widest covered bridge in the state, it’s a perfect stop along Highway 58 for a leisurely break with picturesque views of Dexter Reservoir.
A Bridge With A Story To Tell
The story of the Lowell Covered Bridge begins in 1874 when Amos Hyland settled in Lane County along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. Hyland founded the town of Lowell and ran a ferry service until 1907, when a wooden covered bridge crafted by Nels Roney and a team of eight men replaced the ferry.
The original bridge served the community well until a truck accident in the 1940s left it too damaged to repair. By 1945, a new structure was completed for just under $26,000. Built in the covered Howe truss style, it measured an impressive 24 feet in width. A roof was added in 1947, solidifying its status as Oregon’s widest covered bridge.
What kind of bridge is the Lowell Covered Bridge? It's a covered Howe Truss.
How long is the Lowell Covered Bridge in Oregon? The Lowell Covered Bridge in Oregon is 165 feet long.
Rising To The Challenge Of Flooding
The 1950s brought big changes to the area with the construction of Dexter Dam. To prepare for rising water levels, the Lowell Covered Bridge was raised six feet in 1953. When the dam was completed in 1955, the newly formed Dexter Reservoir stretched out beneath the bridge, creating the serene landscape visitors enjoy today.
Though the bridge was closed to vehicle traffic in 1981 after a modern concrete bridge was built right next to it, it found new life as a pedestrian destination. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, it was refurbished in 2006 and now operates as an interpretive center.
How high above the water does the Lowell Covered Bridge sit? It sits just two feet above Dexter Reservoir.
The Lowell Covered Bridge Makes For A Perfect Rest Stop
Today, the Lowell Covered Bridge is more than just a historic structure, it’s a destination in its own right. With parking, bathrooms, and a picnic area, it’s an ideal spot for road trippers headed up and down highway 58 that are looking to recharge.
The interpretive center provides fascinating insights into the history of Oregon’s covered bridges, and the views across Dexter Reservoir are pretty.
What else should I visit when I go to see the Lowell Covered Bridge? If you’re exploring the area around the Lowell Covered Bridge, don’t miss the nearby Dexter State Recreation Site for more picnic-perfect scenery, and for adventure seekers, a trio of beautiful waterfalls near Lowell and Westfir are waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a scenic stop, the Lowell Covered Bridge is a must-see slice of Oregon’s past and present. Check out the map below to see where you can visit this gorgeous historic Oregon covered bridge:
