Cape Creek Bridge, Florence, Oregon

Just off the Oregon Coast Highway as you follow the signs to the Heceta Head Lighthouse there is something else to be seen other than the Pacific Ocean and the lighthouse trail, the Cape Creek Bridge. This stoic bridge stands tall piecing through the green of the forest around it. Built in 1932 by Conde B McCullough the bridge and the area around it are known as the “million-dollar mile” due to the additional cost to build the 700-foot tunnel that would help complete the highway along the Pacific Coast. When you get out of your car the shear complexity of the bridge takes your breath away. 

“The Cape Creek Bridge is an example of an ancient bridge design combined with early twentieth-century use of reinforced concrete construction techniques. While reminiscent of Roman stone aqueducts because of its two tiers of numerous arches and columns, the 619-foot bridge incorporates in its design a 220-foot open-spandrel rib-type reinforced-concrete deck arch.”

https://www.loc.gov/item/or0308/

The beach here is very flat once you get onto the sand. Just like with any Oregon beach you will need to traverse the washed up driftwood before getting on the beach. Usually you can find a well worn path it the sand. Looking toward the beach you’ll see Cape Creek running in to the ocean and natural caves waiting to be explored on the other side.

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There is plenty of parking before and after the bridge. Public bathrooms are available. There is a fee for parking at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. According to oregonstateparks.org the day-use parking permit fee is $5*. Also accepted in place of the fee are the Oregon Coast Passport or valid state park camping receipt. 

The Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is an amazing view and I highly recommend it to any one but take a moment to enjoy this stunning bridge. Check back this summer for a post about Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Quick Notes 

• Distance from Eugene: About an hour and 40 minutes
• Parking: Yes, $5*
• Bathrooms: Yes

Resources:

https://www.loc.gov/item/or0308/

https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/cape-creek-bridge/8787/

*all prices are based on the time the article was written