Nutty Narrows Bridge

The Nutty Narrows Bridge is a crossing made of aluminum and fire hose that spans across Olympia Way between a park and a library. The structure provides a dedicated passage for squirrels and other small animals to cross safely.

A local contractor built this animal crossing in 1963 after witnessing squirrel deaths on the road below. The project marked the beginning of a broader effort to create animal-friendly infrastructure throughout the town.

The crossing inspired residents to establish an annual Squirrel Fest, a community event celebrating local wildlife and togetherness. The festival shows how this small structure became woven into the town's identity.

The crossing sits above a busy street and is easily visible from outside, making it simple to find from the park or library. The structure has weathered various repairs and relocations, but remains a stable spot to visit and photograph.

The structure received recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, making it one of the oldest and most unusual landmarks of its kind in America. This honor inspired the construction of at least ten additional crossings elsewhere in the city.

Location: Washington

Inception: 1963

Official opening: 1963

Longest Span: 18 m

GPS coordinates: 46.14139,-122.94056

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03