Rock O’ the Range
Rock O’ the Range is the only covered bridge in eastern Oregon. It is a private bridge built by a local contractor in 1963.
My first effort to visit Rock O’ the Range resulted in a nice road trip following the sunrise. Here is my October 11, 2024 Facebook post on my effort:
Bertha [my car] and I hit the road at 4:30 a.m. this morning to photograph Rock O' the Range Covered Bridge in Redmond. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate the privately owned bridge. I found myself a cup of coffee in Sisters, hiked the Peterson Ridge trail where I met a Golden Retriever named Journey, and took photos at Suttle Lake Lodge. Travel is the constant teacher. Sometimes life is unexpected; not all destinations are meant for me but the journey is golden.
My second trip was a family affair which also included a pitstop at Sisters Coffee.
Rock O’ the Range built in 1963
Interior of Rock O’ the Range
Rock O’ the Range
The privately owned bridge spans Swalley Canal. It is located on the intersection of Highway 97 and Bowery Lane.
According to Oregon.com, developer William Bowen needed to build an access road across Swalley Canal to his property. Bowen was was inspired by calendar photo of Lane County’s Goodpasture Bridge. Maurice Olson, a local contractor, constructed the bridge based $4,500.
Covered Bridge Definition
According to the Covered Bridge Manual, covered bridges “are supported (or at least supported at one time) by longitudinal trusses built of relatively large (heavy) timber components” (2005, p. 3). The manual specializes in “covered bridges not those bridges that are covered” (2005, p. 3).
Rock O’ the Range is a bridge that is covered similar to Cedar Crossing. I have included both bridges in my quest as they are unique and inspired by historic covered bridges.
Covered Bridge Key
🚚Active Bridge - This is an active bridge with traffic (see photo gallery).
🛣️Road Side Parking - This is an active bridge without parking. One must pull off the road and engage hazard lights.
☕Coffee shop - My journey to Rock O’ the Range included a stop at Sisters Coffee.
🥾Hike -Peterson Ridge Trails
