Lowell Bridge

Lowell Bridge is a covered wooden bridge that spans across Dexter Lake with a protective gabled roof structure running along its entire length. The construction features classic timber framing with wooden beams and supports holding up the enclosed passage overhead.

The bridge was built in 1907 and then reconstructed in 1945 following a truck accident that damaged its structure. Official recognition came in 1979 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its significance to the region.

The bridge marks where Amos Hyland ran a ferry operation in 1874 before founding the nearby town, which he named after his hometown in Maine. The location preserves this historical connection to the East Coast roots of its settler.

Access to the bridge is best from the nearby town of Lowell where parking and local roads lead to the site. A visitor center located in the area offers background information about the structure and the history of covered bridges in the region, adding context to your visit.

The entire bridge structure was lifted by about 20 feet in 1953 to accommodate the rising water level expected from Dexter Dam construction. This engineering accomplishment demonstrates how builders moved the complete structure to ensure its survival without taking it apart.

Location: Lane County

Official opening: 1945

GPS coordinates: 43.90960,-122.78000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08