Gallon House Bridge

Gallon House Bridge is a wooden covered structure spanning Abiqua Creek with a Howe truss design and narrow ventilation openings along its roof line. The construction allows both foot and vehicle traffic to cross safely over the creek.

Marion County completed this bridge in 1916 as part of local infrastructure development. It became and remains the oldest covered bridge still in use for traffic in Oregon.

During Prohibition, the bridge served as a gathering spot where local residents discreetly obtained whiskey from sellers on the Mt Angel side. This role made it a notable landmark in the community's daily life during that era.

The bridge sits about 2 miles northwest of Silverton and is reachable via Gallon House Road. You can access this route by taking Hobart Road from Oregon Route 214.

The Christmas flood of 1964 tore the bridge from its foundations, forcing immediate restoration work to save it. This disaster could have ended its story, but swift repairs ensured it continued to serve the community.

Location: Oregon

GPS coordinates: 45.03220,-122.79800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02