Bidwell Bar Bridge

Bidwell Bar Bridge is a steel cable suspension bridge that spans across Lake Oroville and connects two sections of State Route 162. The structure uses cable towers to maintain its span across the water, creating a distinctive curved profile when viewed from different angles.

The original bridge was built in 1855 and had to be relocated when the Oroville Dam construction began in the 1960s. The new structure was completed to maintain road access across the newly formed Lake Oroville.

The bridge represents a key point in the landscape for people traveling through the area, marking a transition between different parts of the region. It stands as a reminder of how engineering shaped local communities during the mid-20th century.

The bridge remains open as an active road crossing, and visitors can drive across to experience the views of the lake and surrounding terrain. For the best perspective, stop at nearby pullouts or viewpoints along the approach roads rather than trying to view it while driving.

The name Bidwell Bar comes from John Bidwell, an early settler and gold prospector whose name marks several locations in the area. This connection to the Gold Rush era adds a layer of pioneer history to what might otherwise seem like just a modern road crossing.

Location: Oroville

Official opening: 1967

Length: 338 m

GPS coordinates: 39.55021,-121.43002

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:29