Bridge Over Troubled Waters Tuesday – Week Nineteen! Wild Cat Bridge happened to be located on a route I was driving west of Eugene – Nelson Mountain Road to Sweethome to Old Stagecoach Road back along highway one twenty-six to. I’m attaching a map of the loop – it’s a beautiful route that I wholeheartedly recommend anyone who has an interest to drive.
Finding Wild Cat Bridge
Wild Cat Bridge was the second bridge I found accidentally while driving along a loop I created along Nelson Mountain Road and Old Stagecoach Road. It’s located just off Highway one twenty-six near Walton, Oregon.
Arriving at Wild Cat Bridge
The bridge has several features I found just fascinating and want to mention them while we’re taking a closer look at Wild Cat Bridge. When I arrived the weather was pretty icky, not much to advocate about the Oregon fall weather. However once we did arrive I did have a great time at the bridge. The first thing I noticed outside the bridge was the curved sides on the upper part. Many of the bridges we’ve seen have angles where the walls meet the upper portion, but these were delicately curved. I believe it gives the bridge a certain grace. The bridge itself was built in nineteen twenty-five originally and seems remarkably well preserved. A quick bit of history here –
Inside Wild Cat Bridge
As I walked inside the Wild Cat Bridge, I couldn’t help by notice that the interior smelled new and many of the timbers seemed like they were in remarkably good shape. Many of the tin rafters looked new and I even saw the very bolts used to hold the bridge together seemed to be made of galvanized metal (not necessarily something commonly available when the bridge was constructed).
Only One Window, What??
Inside – unlike any other bridge I’ve seen during this tour is a window – but only on the one side. According to one site I visited while researching Wild Cat Bridge it was to help drivers see oncoming traffic – and while I agree with that particular assessment it can’t help but be noticed while walking through (do this at your own risk, by the way) that the window looked out onto a beautiful view of the river.
Extra Feature That was Pointed Out to Me
One feature that was pointed out to me that I didn’t notice before was the ornamental designs on the sides of all of the entrances, on the outside. I’m sure there is a technical term for the part that I’m describing, but I really like the way they make the bridge seem even more vintage, despite many of the observations I’ve made regarding the new bolts and clean new wood smell.
Summary and Rating
All of these bridges are fantastic and I can only imagine what some of the other ones will be about. Wild Cat Bridge was found rather accidentally and while there revealed many different unique features I’d not seem before. There is a distinct odor of fresh wood inside and I suspect there were repairs or renovations performed recently. In addition, the interior roof and some of the bolts appear to be almost new, and no age marks or wear can be detected. The best feature of Wild Cat Bridge has to be it’s single large window looking out to the river. Wild Cat Bridge, for being an unplanned visit was thrilling and wonderful and it deserves the five Heywillamettes it gets. I’m grateful I was able to visit it while in Eugene, and I definitely recommend anyone who has a chance take the loop I mentioned earlier and enjoy the drive.
Hey Willamette Valley 