Drift Creek Bridge

A Lincoln County Covered Bridge

This bridge was originally constructed in 1914, however, it is possible that it was destroyed by a flood and rebuilt in 1933. Over the years, coastal weather had caused decay and rot to many of the timbers used in construction of the bridge.

The Drift Creek Bridge was condemned for safety reasons in the Fall of 1997.

Drift Creek Bridge Today
[click image for larger view]

Saved from Demolition

This bridge has undergone many changes in the past few years. Residents of Lincoln County have volunteered and spent many hours meeting with various organizations to save the bridge from being demolished. Laura and Kerry Sweitz began a non-profit "Save the Covered Bridge" group. Their main objective was to move the Drift Creek Bridge 66'10" in length, to a permanent concrete bridge on their private property also 66'10" in length. This strange coincidence and the help from many believers, made the move possible.

Today the covered bridge's main frame stands on the concrete decking of the Sweitz's bridge. The bridge belongs to Lincoln County, but is being maintained privately and may be accessed on the Bear Creek property in Otis, OR.

DIRECTIONS: From Lincoln City, turn east onto Hwy 18 (Salmon River Hwy). At milepost 4.9, turn south onto Bear Creek Road. Drive for approximately one mile, you will see the bridge on your left hand side. It is asked that you park here and walk the rest of the way to the bridge.

[click image for larger view]

Rebuilding Drift Creek Bridge	Drift Creek Bridge at new Sweitz location
Side rot of Drift Creek Bridge (c. 1997)	Closed bridge (c. 1997)

All information on these pages are from the Oregon Coast History Center, and documented information from the Lincoln County Road Department. Please ask permission from the Historical Society, and the Road Department before using any of the pictures from this site.

Historical photos of other Lincoln County bridges
Location map for Covered Bridges (*pdf file)

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