Holcomb Creek Trestle

Holcomb Creek Trestle is a wooden railroad bridge located near Helvetia, Oregon. The structure spans across the creek valley using a series of tall timber supports reinforced with concrete sections between the wood.

The bridge was built in 1905 for the Oregon Electric Railway and demonstrates early 20th-century railroad engineering in the region. Its construction reflected the growing importance of rail transport to the area's economic development.

The trestle reflects Oregon's railroad and logging industries, which shaped the development and economic growth of Washington County throughout the 1900s.

Access to the bridge is limited since it remains in active use by the Portland and Western Railroad with running tracks. Visitors should view and photograph from a safe distance while respecting railroad safety guidelines.

The bridge features concrete sections inserted between timber portions that serve as fire prevention measures protecting the wooden structure. This engineering solution was an innovative approach to increase safety in what would otherwise be a fully wooden construction.

GPS coordinates: 45.59690,-122.89830

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02