Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain Added to National Register of Historic Places
The Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1925, the bridge is recognized for its engineering significance and is among fewer than 50 historic covered bridges remaining in Oregon.
DRAIN, Ore. - A piece of Douglas County history has received national recognition. The Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain has officially been added to the National Register of Historic Places, joining a list of properties recognized for their historical significance.
The National Park Service approved the bridge's nomination in October 2026, recognizing its statewide importance in engineering, according to an announcement from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Originally built in 1925, the bridge served vehicle traffic for nearly 60 years before being replaced by a concrete crossing. In 1987, the wooden structure was dismantled and reassembled farther downstream, where it continued to serve pedestrians and bicyclists.
Today, the bridge stands in Drain's Civic Center Park, although it has been closed to the public since 2014 due to concerns about its condition.
A Reminder of Oregon's Covered Bridge History
Covered bridges were once a common sight across Oregon, particularly in areas where timber was readily available.
At one time, the state had an estimated 450 timber-truss covered bridges. As of 2026, no more than 50 remain.
The covered design served a practical purpose. By enclosing the wooden support structures, builders could help protect the timber from the Pacific Northwest's frequent rain and moisture, extending the life of the bridges.
The Pass Creek Covered Bridge is one of the remaining examples of that construction method.
Although the bridge no longer carries traffic, it has remained a recognizable landmark in the Drain community.
What the Historic Designation Means
The bridge's nomination was recommended by Oregon's State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation during its June 2026 meeting before receiving final approval from the National Park Service in October.
The National Register of Historic Places recognizes buildings, structures, sites and other properties considered historically significant at the local, state or national level.
Being listed on the register can make properties eligible for certain preservation grants and tax benefits. It also means their historical significance must be considered when planning federal projects that could affect them.
Under Oregon law, local governments must provide a minimum level of protection for properties listed on the National Register, although individual communities determine how those protections are implemented.
The designation recognizes the Pass Creek Covered Bridge's historical and engineering importance, but the state's announcement did not include plans or funding to repair or reopen the structure.
For now, the century-old bridge remains a part of Drain's history and one of the relatively few covered bridges still standing in Oregon.
More information about the National Register of Historic Places, including listed properties and the nomination process, is available through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
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