Lost Creek Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lost Creek Bridge
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Lost Creek Bridge over Lost Creek
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 Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Medford, Oregon |
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| Built | 1919 |
| Built by | Johnny Miller |
| Architectural style | Queenpost truss |
| MPS | Oregon Covered Bridges TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002070 |
| Added to NRHP | 1979 |
The Lost Creek Bridge is a special covered bridge located near Lake Creek. This area is in Jackson County, which is part of the U.S. state of Oregon. The bridge is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Medford.
This bridge is quite unique because it's the shortest covered bridge in Oregon. It is only 39 feet (about 12 meters) long! The bridge carries Lost Creek Road over Lost Creek. This creek flows into a larger one called Little Butte Creek.
In 1979, the Lost Creek Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site. In the same year, cars were no longer allowed to drive on it. A new concrete bridge was built right next to it. This new bridge helps cars get around the old wooden one.
A Bridge from the Past
Some stories and clues suggest the Lost Creek Bridge might be much older than we think. It could have been built as early as 1878. If this is true, it would be the oldest standing covered bridge in Oregon!
The Oregon Department of Transportation says that the official building date of 1919 might actually be when the bridge was repaired or updated. So, it's a bit of a mystery how old it truly is.
How the Bridge Was Built
The main support structure of the bridge is called a truss. This bridge uses a "queen post" style truss. Think of it like a strong framework that holds the bridge up. This design was changed a bit with extra cross pieces.
Unlike many covered bridges, this one has open ends instead of arched entrances. It also has small openings near the roof, called ribbon openings. The bridge has a roof made of shingles and a floor of diagonal wooden planks. In 1985, people living nearby helped put a new roof on the bridge.
A Park Next to the Bridge
Right next to the Lost Creek Bridge, you'll find the Walch Family Wayside Park. This park was built and is taken care of by the family members of John and Marie Newsome Walch. They were early settlers in the area.
The park is a nice place to visit. It has picnic tables where you can eat lunch. There's also a bandstand for music and beautiful flower gardens. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the history of the bridge.
