Drift Creek Covered Bridge, Lincoln City

This is a must see on a coastal trip. The property owners are gracious enough to allow the public to see this wonderful piece of American history. It reminds me of the book and movie " Bridges of Madison County" This is a very peaceful place with a little creek running under. Definitely a stop to make.

The Drift Creek (aka Bear Creek) Covered Bridge was originally located near Lincoln City, just 1.5 miles from the coast. It was considered the oldest remaining covered bridge in Oregon. The bridge had served as part of a main north-south route along the Oregon coast. New roads and highways were eventually built, thus making the route and bridge obsolete. Built in 1914, surrounding the community of Lutgens. By 1917 the town was now named Nice and had changed names at least eight times, prior to the post office closing in 1919. When the bridge was bypassed with a concrete span in the 1960's, the county passed an ordinance preserving the wooden structure as an historical memorial to the early pioneers. In 1988, the bridge had to be closed to pedestrian traffic due to neglect and it's deteriorating condition from rot and insect damage. Steel beams were installed inside the bridge to keep it from collapsing. Dismantled in 1997 after attempts to limit access to the bridge failed. The structure was given to the Sweitz family who own land 8 miles north of the original site. They envisioned the structure being rebuilt over a concrete bridge that serves as a driveway to their property and home across Bear Creek, in a small, beautiful park-like setting with public access.