Dorena Bridge

Dorena Bridge is a covered wooden bridge built in 1949 that spans the Row River and measures around 105 feet (32 meters) in length. The roof structure protects the timber from weather and reflects the practical construction methods common in rural Oregon during the mid-20th century.

The bridge was built in 1949 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 for its historical significance. A concrete bypass bridge was constructed nearby in 1974, shifting it from an active route to a preserved historic landmark.

The name Dorena comes from two women, Dora Burnette and Rena Martin, whose names were combined for the town. The original settlement now rests beneath the reservoir waters, giving the area a quiet and historic character that visitors can feel today.

You can walk across the bridge or view it from outside to see its construction details; basic parking and viewing areas are available nearby. The site is accessible year-round and offers the best experience during clear weather.

The original town of Dorena lies submerged beneath the reservoir; locals sometimes call the bridge the Star Bridge after the nearby Star Ranch historic estate. These names connect visitors to the people and places that shaped this landscape.

Location: Oregon

GPS coordinates: 43.73760,-122.88500

Latest update: December 11, 2025 08:53