Oregon Trunk Rail Bridge

The Oregon Trunk Rail Bridge is a railroad bridge spanning the Columbia River with eight steel truss sections and a vertical-lift span for river traffic. It connects Oregon Trunk Junction to Wishram and carries freight trains across the water.

The bridge was built in 1912 as a truss structure by a prominent engineer and became important for railroad development in the Pacific Northwest region. Major modifications to the structure followed after the construction of The Dalles Dam.

The bridge construction occurred near the original Celilo Falls, a location that held importance for indigenous communities before The Dalles Dam submerged the area.

The bridge is operated by a railway company and serves as a key route for freight transport across the river. Visitors can view the structure from nearby riverside areas, though access may vary depending on local conditions.

In the 1950s the entire structure was raised by about 5 feet to adjust to new water levels after dam construction. At the same time the original swing mechanism was replaced with a modern lift system.

Location: Oregon

Official opening: January 1912

GPS coordinates: 45.64890,-120.98200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02