Thomas Creek Bridge, Deck truss bridge in Curry County, Oregon
Thomas Creek Bridge is a steel structure that spans a deep valley along Oregon's coastal Highway 101. The bridge connects both sides of the valley using a steel truss framework made up of several large spans.
The bridge was designed and built by engineer Ivan D. Merchant in 1961 using a Warren deck truss system. It was a major project to carry the coastal highway across this deep valley.
The bridge is named after a creek that flows through the valley below, and its steel framework is visible from the highway as you drive along the coast.
You can view the bridge from Highway 101 and stop to photograph it from different angles. There are viewing points nearby where you can see the full structure and the canyon below from various perspectives.
The bridge rises approximately 345 feet (105 meters) above the creek and is one of the highest in Oregon. Its bold design made it possible to connect this previously inaccessible location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
