A
T L L OW
S I N 20
The Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge is one of many walkable treasures of Cottage Grove. (photo: Joni Kabana/Eugene, Cascades & Coast)
Cottage Grove 25
N
SM
“Small town, big heart.” That is Cottage Grove’s motto. Known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon, you will find six covered bridges in this small neighborhood, covering approximately 3.89 square miles. The oldest of them, Chambers Railroad Covered Bridge, dates back to 1925, making it 100 years old. The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway is a 35.8-mile loop that takes you through part of the historic downtown, following the Row River, on a tour of covered bridges. The route is mostly flat and with minimal exposure to traffic.
Founded in 1888, the Historic District features buildings originally designed by notable architect John Hunzicker, who designed Eugene’s Armory. It is where you will find specialty shops, antiques and delightful restaurants, such as Urban Kitchen and The Axe and Fiddle. The town of less than 11,000 residents hosts many fun events year-round, including the annual Half Marathon and 10K, the Antique Aircraft Fly-In and the Rock, Roll n’ Rumble.
Though its population is only 11,000, Cottage Grove aims high with its annual Antique Aircraft Fly-In. (photo: Joni Kabana/Eugene, Cascades & Coast)
58 1859 OREGON’S MAGAZINE JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Main Street Joseph in the shadow of the Wallowas. Zumwalt Prairie, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is a National Natural Landmark. Take out a rental kayak on Wallowa Lake and enjoy your pristine surroundings. (photos: Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce)
