Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Often found in rural areas, a covered bridge is a bridge with sides and a roof, usually made with wood beams and iron fittings. They often only accommodate one lane of traffic. They were mostly built in the 19th century and serve as prominent landmarks. There are four covered bridges in Northern California. A trip to see the covered bridges might be fun for anyone interested in history.
Knights Ferry Covered Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road in Knights Ferry. It's California's longest covered bridge at 355 feet long, spanning across the Stanislass River. The original, uncovered bridge was built in 1857, replacing a ferry system that would take passengers over the river. In 1862 the bridge held fast during a major flood, but the bridge upstream at Two Mile Bar was torn from its foundation, floated down the river and crashed into the Knights Ferry bridge. The new bridge was built as a covered bridge with fir, pine, and oak woods and linseed oil was added for preservation. Currently closed to vehicle traffic, it is open to foot traffic. There are hikes along the river and rafting is available.
Built by the mill owner David Isaac John Wood in 1862, the Bridgeport Covered Bridge is 251 feet long. It is located on Pleasant Valley Road in Bridgeport. Made with Douglas fir, it was built on tremendous granite blocks. The unique construction is made of a Howe truss with a Burr arch. When it was new, it could hold 13 tons, but due to the age of the timber, the bridge can currently only hold three tons. It is used only for foot traffic now. Bridgeport Covered Bridge is a state and national historic landmark.
Crossing Butte Creek, Honey Run Covered Bridge is 240 feet long and is located on Honey Run Road in the town of Chico. It was finish in 1887 in three spans of 30 feet, 130 feet and 80 feet. It is the only three-level covered bridge in the nation. In 1965 a car hit the side of the bridge and it was closed to the public. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is located in the Honey Run park.
Considered the tallest covered bridge in the country, the Felton Covered Bridge is located on Graham Hill Road in Felton. It is part of the Felton Covered Bridge park with a playground, grassy areas for picnics or barbecue and fishing. It was bult in 1892, and it is 80 feet long. It was damaged in storms in 1982 and underwent a major restoration in 1987, funded by the Felton Fire Department. It is only accessible to foot traffic.