The focus of this trip was bridges rather than birds. Sister-in-law Mary Claire Sites has recently moved from Pleasanton; California to the Dallas Retirement Village and was interested in showing her guest and friend Jaylene Wilson some interesting sites in the area. We settled on a tour of historic covered bridges in nearby Linn County. I selected a loop tour of five bridges centered around the town of Scio. We were unable to visit the Shimanek Bridge because the road was closed, but we did get to the other four, with a stop in the middle for lunch at the Covered Bridge Coffee House.
Hoffman Bridge
Our first stop was the Hoffman Bridge just north of the small town of Crabtree. Built in 1936 over Crabtree Creek, it was one of the two oldest bridges we visited.
Gilkey Bridge
Our second stop was Gilkey Bridge, built in 1939 over Thomas Creek.
Covered Bridge Coffee House - Scio
Our lunch stop was at the Covered Bridge Coffee House on Main Street. It was a favorite, and a must stop for anyone that tours the bridges. Open for breakfast and lunch as well a Friday night dinner.
Hannah Bridge
Our third bridge to visit was Hannah Bridge built in 1936 over Thomas Creek. The surprise feature here was on the far side of the bridge, a brand-new park, Bilyeu Den County Park with creek access via stairs from a parking lot with restrooms. This is a day-use only park.
Bilyeu Den County Park
Larwood Bridge
Our fourth bridge was Larwood Bridge, built in 1939 over Crabtree Creek.
Larwood Wayside Park
Larwood Wayside Park provides parking, and a foot bridge over Roaring River to give you access to picnic tables and restrooms. From the park you can walk up to Larwood Bridge.
No comments:
Post a Comment