All About the Short Bridge Covered Bridge in Oregon
Oregon is chock-full of covered bridges, including 17 Howe truss-style covered bridge. The Short Bridge is one these historic bridges and is conveniently located off Highway 20 as you travel through the National Forest. Personally, I love visiting covered bridges and seeing as many as I can, so during this trip to Oregon, I had to check off a few more on my list. Let’s dive in and get a closer look on how to visit and see the Short Bridge covered bridge near Cascadia, Oregon.
Short Bridge – Quick Facts
Originally named Whiskey Butte Bridge, it was re-named the Short Bridge after Gordon Short, a local resident. This covered bridge was built in 1945 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
The bridge spans the South Santiam River and is free to visit. You can drive over the 105-foot bridge.
Short Bridge Covered Bridge – Location
The Short Bridge Covered Bridge is located in Linn County, right off of US Highway 20 – a twisty, winding road through the Willamette National Forest, between Bend, Oregon and Eugene, Oregon. This covered bridge is located at about the halfway point between these two cities. You will see a sign for the Cascadia Day Use Area – this is the turn-off and parking area to see the bridge.
There are restrooms here – make sure you use them if you’re headed east towards Bend, as there isn’t much around!
Nearby the Short Covered Bridge
The Cascadia Day Use area offers swimming, fishing and lots of picnic tables. Cascadia State Park is located about 2 miles east of the Short Bridge.
Also nearby is the “fake” ghost town of Short, Oregon. It’s right across the street from the Short Bridge and there’s a bunch of wild west-style building facades. Here is a link to their Facebook page if you want more information (info online is sparse; the FB page seems to be the best source about this fake town!)
Unfortunately, I must be blind because not only did I not know about this ghost town when we visited — I didn’t even see it! So I don’t have any insight to add, but it might be interesting to check out if in this area, even if it is a fake ghost town!
Short Bridge – Oregon Covered Bridge Final Thoughts
This is a quick stop along the route from Eugene and Bend – if you enjoy visiting covered bridges like I do, you’ll definitely want to pull over for a quick photo. While I like covered bridges, after seeing a bunch of them, they all start to look the same – so I wouldn’t make a special trip out here if you’ve seen a bunch of other covered bridges in Oregon, However, even if you’re not into covered bridges, stop here to use the restroom!
Have you ever visited the Short Bridge in Oregon? Or any covered bridges in Oregon? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
