While the country’s Eastern states are well-known for their historic covered bridges (Pennsylvania has 219!), they’re not quite as common in the “newer” states on the West coast. But Washington does have a covered bridge that is over a century old, and it also happens to be the only one still in use as a public highway. When life gets you down and you feel like taking solace in a bridge, just head to Grays River, where you’ll get to see the oldest covered bridge in Washington.
You’ll find the Grays River Covered Bridge in Grays River in western Wahkiakum County.
NTSU1975 / TripAdvisor Wahkiakum County is our second least populated county, so don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it. Grays River is in the southwest corner of the state.
The bridge is easy to find – simply take WA-4 to Covered Bridge Road and follow the signs.
Travisl / Wikipedia For most Washingtonians, this will be quite a drive. But if you’re already heading to the Long Beach Peninsula or anywhere near it, it will be a breeze.
The bridge was originally constructed in 1905 from local timber so that local horses and wagons would have a place to cross the river.
NTSU1975 / TripAdvisor Needless to say, that is no longer an issue. But the structure has some serious staying power. Most covered bridges in the area are no longer standing, but this one remains sturdy.
The bridge started out uncovered. But by 1908, it was clear that its expensive wooden trusses would need to be protected.
cmh2315fl / Flickr They didn’t stand a chance against the area’s frequent rain.
The Grays River Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1971.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr But it was also in need of some major repairs by then. It received a major restoration in 1988, largely funded by the local Finnish farming and logging families. It’s now managed by the Grays River Grange.
This iconic landmark is open to the public, and it’s still fully functional.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr The bridge is the highlight of Ahlberg Park, which hosts a Covered Bridge Festival every year.
The Grays River Covered Bridge is one of Washington’s most little-known spots, and it’s a historic treasure. Have you visited the oldest covered bridge in Washington before? If so, we’d love to hear what you thought — share your experience (and photos!) of the Grays River Covered Bridge in the comments below!
NTSU1975 / TripAdvisor
Wahkiakum County is our second least populated county, so don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it. Grays River is in the southwest corner of the state.
Travisl / Wikipedia
For most Washingtonians, this will be quite a drive. But if you’re already heading to the Long Beach Peninsula or anywhere near it, it will be a breeze.
Needless to say, that is no longer an issue. But the structure has some serious staying power. Most covered bridges in the area are no longer standing, but this one remains sturdy.
cmh2315fl / Flickr
They didn’t stand a chance against the area’s frequent rain.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
But it was also in need of some major repairs by then. It received a major restoration in 1988, largely funded by the local Finnish farming and logging families. It’s now managed by the Grays River Grange.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
The bridge is the highlight of Ahlberg Park, which hosts a Covered Bridge Festival every year.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Grays River, WA 98621, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
oldest covered bridge in Washington October 12, 2021 Sarah What are some other historic places in Washington? For those who enjoy getting a dose of history with their day trip adventures, there’s a little town that’s a total historic hidden gem. Did you know Washington is home to one of only three Victorian Seaports listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Port Townsend is undeniably charming, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll love it — the entire downtown core is a designated National Historic District! In fact, there are more than 50 historic buildings and sites in Port Townsend, making this Washington town a veritable treasure trove of historic gems! How many covered bridges are there in Washington? Covered bridges are such a beautiful sight. On bridges built long ago, gorgeous wooden covers protected the structures from harsh weather that could destroy or damage them. Looking at them now takes us back to a simpler time, inviting a warm feeling of nostalgia. While the East Coast is known for its abundance of covered bridges, the Pacific Northwest isn’t exactly flush with these fascinating structures. Luckily, the Evergreen State has some truly charming covered bridges – and this fun road trip explores six of the Evergreen State’s finest! Because it’s all about quality over quantity, are we right? What are the best day trips to take in Washington? If you enjoyed the above day trip to the oldest covered bridge in Washington, you’ll be delighted by some of the glorious adventures on this list. Some of our top picks for best day trips in Washington include: Lake Wenatchee, one of the most ruggedly beautiful parts of our state; Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle; and Mount Rainier National Park, which is wholly wondrous when the leaves begin to change each autumn.
The OIYS Visitor Center
oldest covered bridge in Washington
October 12, 2021
Sarah
What are some other historic places in Washington? For those who enjoy getting a dose of history with their day trip adventures, there’s a little town that’s a total historic hidden gem. Did you know Washington is home to one of only three Victorian Seaports listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Port Townsend is undeniably charming, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll love it — the entire downtown core is a designated National Historic District! In fact, there are more than 50 historic buildings and sites in Port Townsend, making this Washington town a veritable treasure trove of historic gems! How many covered bridges are there in Washington? Covered bridges are such a beautiful sight. On bridges built long ago, gorgeous wooden covers protected the structures from harsh weather that could destroy or damage them. Looking at them now takes us back to a simpler time, inviting a warm feeling of nostalgia. While the East Coast is known for its abundance of covered bridges, the Pacific Northwest isn’t exactly flush with these fascinating structures. Luckily, the Evergreen State has some truly charming covered bridges – and this fun road trip explores six of the Evergreen State’s finest! Because it’s all about quality over quantity, are we right? What are the best day trips to take in Washington? If you enjoyed the above day trip to the oldest covered bridge in Washington, you’ll be delighted by some of the glorious adventures on this list. Some of our top picks for best day trips in Washington include: Lake Wenatchee, one of the most ruggedly beautiful parts of our state; Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle; and Mount Rainier National Park, which is wholly wondrous when the leaves begin to change each autumn.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For those who enjoy getting a dose of history with their day trip adventures, there’s a little town that’s a total historic hidden gem. Did you know Washington is home to one of only three Victorian Seaports listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Port Townsend is undeniably charming, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll love it — the entire downtown core is a designated National Historic District! In fact, there are more than 50 historic buildings and sites in Port Townsend, making this Washington town a veritable treasure trove of historic gems!
How many covered bridges are there in Washington?
Covered bridges are such a beautiful sight. On bridges built long ago, gorgeous wooden covers protected the structures from harsh weather that could destroy or damage them. Looking at them now takes us back to a simpler time, inviting a warm feeling of nostalgia. While the East Coast is known for its abundance of covered bridges, the Pacific Northwest isn’t exactly flush with these fascinating structures. Luckily, the Evergreen State has some truly charming covered bridges – and this fun road trip explores six of the Evergreen State’s finest! Because it’s all about quality over quantity, are we right?
What are the best day trips to take in Washington?
If you enjoyed the above day trip to the oldest covered bridge in Washington, you’ll be delighted by some of the glorious adventures on this list. Some of our top picks for best day trips in Washington include: Lake Wenatchee, one of the most ruggedly beautiful parts of our state; Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle; and Mount Rainier National Park, which is wholly wondrous when the leaves begin to change each autumn.
