Depoe Bay Bridge

Depoe Bay Bridge is a reinforced concrete arch structure that stretches 312 feet (95 meters) over the Pacific and links both sides of Highway 101. The structure uses arches to span the entrance of the harbor between the two sides of the bay.

Construction began in 1927 with the roadway initially only 18 feet wide, then expanded to 48 feet in 1940. The widening was needed to handle the growing amount of traffic crossing the bridge.

The bridge was designed by Conde B. McCullough, an engineer who created structures meant to be both useful and pleasant to look at. His work still shapes how people see the Oregon coastline today.

The bridge has sidewalks on both sides and a lower pedestrian walkway, giving walkers a clear view of the harbor entrance below. From these vantage points you can observe the small working harbor and watch the ocean and its marine life.

This bridge marks the entrance to what is the smallest navigable harbor in the United States, making it a crossing at a truly distinct location. The town's name itself comes from John Depoe, a Native American chief, whose connection to this place remains part of local memory.

Location: Depoe Bay

Inception: 1927

GPS coordinates: 44.81000,-124.06083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23