The Alsea Bay Bridge is a lovely and graceful structure, but can’t compare to the majesty of the Yaquina Bay Bridge (right) that’s 15 miles up the road in Newport. Driving over the bridge is a treat in itself, but you haven’t experienced all the central Oregon coast has to offer until you’ve walked or biked across this work of art. It’s about a half-mile from pier to pier, and from the sidewalk that’s a couple hundred feet above the water, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of sea, sky and coastal mountains.
Matt Love captures the extraordinary nature of the bridge in his essay that appeared in The Oregonian this month. It is the ever-changing light atop the bridge, Love writes, that captures the imagination. A brisk summer wind, I might add, must also be experienced to be appreciated. On a bike tour with friends in 2003, we rode four abreast in the southbound lane across the bridge, allowing us to feel both safe from traffic and almost regal in passing over this architectural gem.
Matt Love captures the extraordinary nature of the bridge in his essay that appeared in The Oregonian this month. It is the ever-changing light atop the bridge, Love writes, that captures the imagination. A brisk summer wind, I might add, must also be experienced to be appreciated. On a bike tour with friends in 2003, we rode four abreast in the southbound lane across the bridge, allowing us to feel both safe from traffic and almost regal in passing over this architectural gem.
You can learn about the history of all the coastal bridges in Oregon designed by Conde McCullough in the interpretive center at the south terminus of the Alsea Bay Bridge. A walk across this bridge is also well worth the time, especially if you’re on your way to the downtown bakery for a maple bar.
