Sandy Creek (Remote) Covered Bridge
Location:
From Roseburg travel west on Highway 42 approximately 31 miles to Remote. Sandy Creek Bridge is on the north side of Highway 42, 1/4 mile west of the Remote exit.
Background:
The Sandy Creek covered bridge carried traffic on Oregon Highway 42 until it was bypassed in 1949. The 60-foot span was considered short in comparison to other covered bridges built on Oregon highways.
The bridge is strengthened by two crossed Howe truss members on each chord, a rarity in short covered bridges.
An additional aspect of the bridge is the use of large-framed windows on both sides of the structure, maximizing the illumination of the bridge interior.
In late 1981, a plan was developed to make a park at the bridge and use the old wooden structure as a covered picnic site. The Myrtle Point Lions Club adopted the bridge as a major project.
Work at the site began in 1982 and included a new roof, replacing boards and structural pieces, clearing brush and applying a coat of white paint. The park was dedicated in 1984 and now includes a tourist information center at the bridge site.
The nearby community of Remote received its name, it is believed, due to its geographic isolation.
I lived in the tiny community of Remote, Oregon during most of my childhood. It consisted of one store with a post office, the covered bridge and a scattering of houses. The store has been closed for years but I have fond memories of Esther Jennings-Lancaster, who owned the store. She always took time to visit with me even when I was a child. It seemed she knew everything! As an adult, I still stopped to say hi whenever I passed through the area. Her husband, Powell Lancaster, was my 5th grade school teacher.
Photographer Phil Douglis has another photo taken at Remote here
